Crockpot Cowboy Soup

Crockpot Cowboy Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish that embodies the spirit of comfort food. This filling soup combines ground beef, an assortment of beans, and a blend of spices, making it perfect for a satisfying meal. Ideal for busy weeknights, it cooks slowly in the crockpot, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 ounces) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 ounces) corn kernels, drained
• 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 can (4 ounces) diced green chilies
• 1 packet taco seasoning mix
• 1 packet ranch dressing mix
• 4 cups beef broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions for garnish

Directions

1. Cook Beef: In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
2. Sauté Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
3. Transfer to Crockpot: Transfer the cooked beef, onion, and garlic to a crockpot.
4. Add Ingredients:

• Add the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, pinto beans, black beans, corn kernels, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and diced green chilies to the crockpot.
• Stir in the taco seasoning mix and ranch dressing mix.
• Pour in the beef broth and stir to combine all the ingredients.

1. Season & Cook:

• Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

1. Serve: Serve the hearty Crockpot Cowboy Soup hot, garnished with shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
• Total Time: 6-8 hours 15 minutes (including prep)
• Servings: 6-8

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with a meat alternative or simply increase the variety of beans and vegetables.
• Spicy Version: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat.
• Southwestern Twist: Incorporate corn tortillas cut into strips for a more traditional southwestern feel.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: This soup freezes well for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then warm on the stove or in the microwave.
• Reheating: Reheat in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You may need to add a little broth or water to adjust the consistency.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
   Yes, ground turkey is a great substitute for a leaner option.
2. Can I add more vegetables?
   Absolutely! Feel free to add bell peppers, zucchini, or any other vegetables you enjoy.
3. What can I use if I don’t have ranch dressing mix?
   You can substitute with a mix of dried herbs like dill, parsley, and garlic powder.
4. Is this soup gluten-free?
   Yes, as long as you use gluten-free broth and ensure your seasoning mixes are gluten-free.
5. Can I cook this soup on the stovetop?
   Yes, you can cook it in a large pot over medium heat, allowing it to simmer until all ingredients are tender.
6. How spicy is this soup?
   The soup is mild but can be made spicier by adding hot sauce or jalapeños.
7. How do I make this soup creamier?
   Stir in some cream cheese or sour cream just before serving for added creaminess.
8. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
   Yes, this soup can be made a day in advance. Just reheat before serving.
9. What’s the best way to serve this soup?
   Serve it hot, garnished with cheese, sour cream, and green onions, alongside crusty bread.
10. Can I use canned beans?
    Yes, canned beans are convenient and work perfectly in this recipe.

Conclusion

Crockpot Cowboy Soup is a deliciously satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Its blend of beans, tomatoes, and spices creates a comforting dish that is both nutritious and easy to prepare. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for leftovers, this soup will be a hit at your table!

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