If you’re craving a hearty, filling, and deliciously satisfying soup, this Hearty Crockpot Cowboy Soup has your name all over it! Packed with beef, beans, veggies, and just the right amount of spice, this soup is the perfect one-pot meal for a busy weeknight or a weekend gathering. The best part? You toss everything into the crockpot, set it, and forget it—leaving you with a rich, flavorful soup that’s ready when you are. Trust me, this is comfort food at its finest!

Why You’ll Love Hearty Crockpot Cowboy Soup

Here’s why this soup is a total game-changer in the kitchen:

Easy & Convenient: Throw everything in the crockpot, set it, and get on with your day. This recipe couldn’t be easier!
Hearty & Filling: With ground beef, beans, and a medley of vegetables, this soup is a meal in itself. It’s the perfect dish to fill you up without leaving you hungry an hour later.
Full of Flavor: The smoky, savory seasonings combined with the natural sweetness of the vegetables and richness of the beef create a flavor profile that’s mouthwatering and comforting.
Perfect for a Crowd: Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner party or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is great for feeding a group.
Customizable: Add in your favorite vegetables or spice it up with jalapeños for extra heat—this soup is super easy to make your own!

Ingredients

The ingredients in this Cowboy Soup are simple and hearty—just the way good soup should be. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ground Beef

The main protein in this soup! It adds richness and flavor to the base. Ground beef is the perfect choice for this hearty dish, but you can also substitute it with turkey or chicken for a lighter option.

Onions

A great base flavor, onions provide a subtle sweetness when cooked and a bit of depth for the whole dish.

Garlic

A couple of cloves of garlic add that irresistible aroma and savory flavor that you just can’t get enough of.

Carrots

They bring a natural sweetness to balance the savory ingredients and give the soup a nice texture.

Corn

Corn adds a little pop of color and sweetness to the soup, rounding out the savory and spicy flavors.

Tomatoes

Canned diced tomatoes provide a juicy, tangy base that helps give the soup its body. They also bring in that rich, earthy flavor.

Kidney Beans & Pinto Beans

Beans are a hearty addition that make the soup filling and add a touch of earthiness. Feel free to swap them out for your favorite type of bean!

Beef Broth

A rich, savory base for the soup. Beef broth complements the ground beef and adds depth to the overall flavor.

Spices

Chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and a pinch of cayenne bring a warm, smoky, and slightly spicy kick to the soup. Adjust the seasonings to your taste!

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

This recipe couldn’t be easier. Let’s walk through it step by step:

Brown the Beef

In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat, then set the beef aside.

Chop the Veggies

Chop the onions, carrots, and garlic. You want the carrots to be in small, bite-sized pieces to make sure they cook through in the crockpot.

Toss Everything in the Crockpot

In your crockpot, combine the browned beef, onions, garlic, carrots, corn, tomatoes (with their juices), kidney beans, pinto beans, and beef broth. Stir everything together to mix.

Season It

Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat the ingredients evenly in the spices. Adjust the seasoning if you like more spice or flavor.

Let It Cook

Cover and cook the soup on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together, so if you can, let it cook on low.

Serve & Enjoy

Once the soup is done, give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Ladle the soup into bowls, and serve it hot! Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro if you like.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 400

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6-8 hours on low (or 3-4 hours on high)
Total Time: 6-8 hours 15 minutes (or 3-4 hours 15 minutes)

How to Serve Hearty Crockpot Cowboy Soup

This soup is already a complete meal, but here are some ideas to make it even more irresistible:

With a Side of Cornbread: Cornbread and soup go hand in hand. Serve it warm with a drizzle of honey butter for the perfect pairing.
Topped with Cheese: A sprinkle of shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a dollop of sour cream adds richness and extra flavor to the soup.
Serve with a Side Salad: Pair it with a light, crunchy salad to balance out the richness of the soup. A tangy vinaigrette is a great contrast to the hearty flavors.
Add Tortilla Chips: For a little crunch, serve the soup with some tortilla chips on the side. You can even crush them and sprinkle them on top for added texture.

Additional Tips

Freeze It: This soup freezes beautifully! Store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, simply thaw overnight and reheat.
Spicy Kick: If you love heat, feel free to add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the soup for an extra spicy kick.
Make It Veggie-Heavy: Feel free to add extra veggies, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach, to make the soup even heartier and more nutritious.
Make Ahead: This soup actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. It’s perfect for meal prep!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of meat?
A1: Yes! Ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of beef for a lighter option, or you could even use ground pork for a different flavor.

Q2: Can I make this soup vegetarian?
A2: Absolutely! Swap out the ground beef for a plant-based protein like lentils or extra beans, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

Q3: How can I make this soup spicier?
A3: Add jalapeños, extra cayenne pepper, or a dash of hot sauce for a bit more heat. You can also use a spicy chili powder.

Q4: Can I make this soup on the stovetop instead?
A4: Yes, you can! Just brown the meat, then add all the ingredients to a large pot. Simmer on low for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until the carrots are tender and the flavors have melded together.

Q5: Can I add more vegetables?
A5: Absolutely! Feel free to add in extra veggies like bell peppers, corn, or even leafy greens like spinach to make the soup even more nutritious.

Q6: How long will this soup last in the fridge?
A6: This soup will last in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just store it in an airtight container and reheat when ready to enjoy.

Q7: Can I freeze this soup?
A7: Yes! This soup freezes really well. Let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Q8: Can I add pasta to this soup?
A8: Yes, you can! You can add cooked pasta towards the end of cooking, but keep in mind that the pasta may absorb some of the liquid. Make sure to add extra broth if needed.

Q9: How do I thicken the soup?
A9: If you’d like a thicker soup, you can use a potato masher to mash some of the beans and vegetables, or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) towards the end of cooking.

Q10: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A10: Yes, it’s perfect for making ahead! Just store it in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze it for longer storage.

Conclusion

This Hearty Crockpot Cowboy Soup is everything you need for a cozy, flavorful meal that’s simple to make and packed with goodness. Whether you’re feeding the family, having friends over, or prepping for a busy week, this soup is sure to hit the spot every time. It’s comforting, customizable, and absolutely delicious—so go ahead and let your crockpot do all the work!