Crockpot cowboy soup is the ultimate one-pot dinner with hearty, ground beef and loaded with beans, corn, and veggies in a flavorful broth. This dump-and-go recipe is perfect for busy nights, game day, or when you need a cozy, filling meal that feeds the whole family.
Ingredient:
My family loves this cowboy soup because it is pantry-friendly, budget-friendly, and big on flavor. Ground beef gives it heartiness, while beans, corn, and veggies add texture and color.
Recipe Card?
To find the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions CLICK HERE to go to the recipe card.
Substitutions
- Ground Beef: Ground turkey, chicken, or sausage work too.
- Beans: Pinto or navy beans can replace kidney or black beans.
- Corn: Frozen corn or canned Mexi-corn add variety.
- Broth: Swap beef broth with chicken or vegetable broth.
- Spices: Smoked paprika or chipotle powder adds extra depth if you skip liquid smoke.
Instructions
This is a true dump-and-go recipe with a but of beef browning to get you started:
Brown the Beef
In a skillet, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease.
Load the Crockpot
Add the browned beef, broth, onion, bell pepper, beans, tomatoes, corn, tomato paste, and seasonings into the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
Cook
Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 6 hours.
Serve
Stir, taste, adjust seasonings if needed, and serve hot with cornbread, rolls, or tortilla chips.
Make Ahead Tip!
Brown the beef and chop veggies the night before. Store everything in the fridge, then dump into the crockpot in the morning.
Did you make this recipe?
Do you have feedback that would be helpful to others? If so can help this small business owner by leaving a rating and a review in the comments section? Thank you for being part of the Savoring The Good Community. ~ Sarah
Sarah's recommendation
7 qt. Crock-Pot
Perfect for Chicken, Roasts and Meals for 8+ people.
Football Favorite
Rotel Dip
Made in a crockpot this is the ultimate appetizer for game day.
Variations:
This cowboy soup recipe is delicious as written, but here are some fun twists to make it your own:
- Tex-Mex Cowboy Soup - Add a packet of taco seasoning, a can of Rotel, and top with tortilla strips and avocado.
- Chicken Cowboy Soup - Swap the ground beef for shredded rotisserie chicken and use chicken broth instead of beef broth.
- Spicy Cowboy Soup - Add diced jalapeños, chipotle peppers in adobo, or extra chili powder for more heat.
- Vegetarian Cowboy Soup - Skip the beef and add extra beans, lentils, or a plant-based protein.
- Loaded Cowboy Soup - Stir in diced potatoes or pasta during the last hour of cooking for an extra-filling twist.
Tips for Success
- Brown the beef well: Browning adds depth of flavor and prevents the soup from being greasy.
- Drain canned beans & corn: Excess liquid can water down the soup-always drain before adding.
- Adjust thickness: If the soup is too thin, let it simmer uncovered for the last 20-30 minutes or stir in a slurry of cornstarch and water.
- Taste before serving: The seasoning can mellow as it cooks. Add a pinch more salt, pepper, or chili powder at the end if needed.
- Batch cook & freeze: This soup freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers for easy weeknight dinners.
- Customize toppings: Offer bowls of cheese, sour cream, and tortilla chips so everyone can build their perfect bowl.
Storage Tips & Reheating Instructions
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if it thickens.
Serving Suggestions:
This soup is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but adding the right sides and toppings can turn it into a true feast.
- Bread & Biscuits: Serve with warm cornbread, buttermilk biscuits, or crusty dinner rolls for dunking.
- Toppings: Set out bowls of shredded cheddar, sour cream, diced green onions, jalapeños, or crushed tortilla chips so everyone can personalize their bowl.
- Salads: A fresh green salad, coleslaw, or even a Southwest salad adds a nice crunchy contrast to the rich soup.
- Drinks: Pair with sweet tea, iced lemonade, or a cold beer for casual comfort; or go with a bold red wine for a cozier dinner.
- Desserts: End on a sweet note with peach cobbler, chocolate sheet cake, or simple brownies.
Frequently asked questions, answers and tips:
While I try to share all the information you need to make this recipe in your home with restaurant-quality results, there still may be a question or two. Or these are questions I have received from the community about this recipe. I do my best to answer them as clearly as I can. I hope this helps.
Absolutely! I recommend to skip the beef and use extra beans, lentils, or even plant-based ground beef. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
Crock Pot Cowboy Soup
Ingredients
Method
- In a skillet, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease.1 pound Ground Beef
- Add beef, broth, onion, bell pepper, beans, tomatoes, corn, tomato paste, and seasonings into the slow cooker. Stir to combine.2 Cups beef broth, 1 large Onion, 1 Green Bell Pepper, 1 15 ounce can kidney beans, 1 15 oz can black beans, 1 14.5 ounce can Diced Tomatoes, 1 15 ounce can corn, 6 oz Tomato Paste, 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 tablespoon liquid smoke, 1 teaspoon Paprika, 1 teaspoon Garlic, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon Salt, 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
- Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 6 hours.
- Stir, taste, adjust seasonings if needed, and serve hot with cornbread, rolls, or tortilla chips.
Nutrition
Nutrition Discolure
Nutritional facts are estimates and are provided as a courtesy to the reader. Please utilize your own brand nutritional values to double check against our estimates. Nutritional values are calculated via a third party. Changing ingredients, amounts or cooking technique will alter the estimated nutritional calculations.
Notes
Beans: Pinto or navy beans can replace kidney or black beans.
Corn: Frozen corn or canned Mexi-corn add variety.
Broth: Swap beef broth with chicken or vegetable broth.
Spices: Smoked paprika or chipotle powder adds extra depth if you skip liquid smoke.
I am Sarah Mock. Welcome!
Sarah Mock is a classically trained Chef and graduate of Johnson & Wales University. A culinary blogger for 16 years Sarah helps the home cook prepare her recipes with professional results.
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