Hearty Crockpot Cowboy Soup: A Weeknight Wonder (Print Version)

Hearty Crockpot Cowboy Soup warms the soul! This easy, comforting recipe brings big flavors with minimal fuss, perfect for busy evenings or cozy family dinners.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 6 Hours minutes
Total Time: 26 minutes
Servings: 6-8 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Gluten-Free (check broth)

# Ingredients:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 1.5 lbs lean ground beef
02 - 1 large yellow onion, chopped
03 - 1 large red bell pepper, chopped
04 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 3 cups beef broth (low sodium)
06 - 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
07 - 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
08 - 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
09 - 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
10 - 2 cups frozen corn
11 - 2 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced (about 3 cups)

→ Flavor Boosters

12 - 2 tsp chili powder
13 - 1 tsp ground cumin
14 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
15 - 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
16 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

→ Garnish & Toppings

17 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
18 - 1/4 cup chopped green onions

→ Optional Extras

19 - Pinch of red pepper flakes (for heat)
20 - Crusty cornbread or bread for serving

# Instructions:

01 - First up, get your ground beef sizzling in a skillet. I usually break it up with a wooden spoon, making sure there are no big clumps. You want it nicely browned, no pink bits, hon. Drain off any extra grease; I usually just tilt the pan and use a spoon, trying not to spill it everywhere like I did last Tuesday. That smell of browning meat, oh, it’s the start of something good!
02 - Next, toss in your chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic with the beef. Let them soften up, about 5-7 minutes, until the onion looks translucent and you can really smell that garlic doing its thing. This is where the magic starts to build, creating the base flavors for our <strong>Hearty Crockpot Cowboy Soup</strong>. Don't rush this step, it’s worth the wait for that fragrant aroma to fill your kitchen!
03 - Now for the easy part! Transfer the browned beef and veggies to your trusty slow cooker. Add the beef broth, diced tomatoes (undrained, please!), tomato paste, kidney beans, black beans, corn, and chopped potatoes. Stir everything together gently. It's going to look like a lot, but trust me, it cooks down into pure deliciousness. This is the beauty of a slow cooker; just toss it all in!
04 - Time to add those wonderful spices: chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and that secret splash of Worcestershire sauce. Give it a good stir to make sure everything is well combined and those flavors start to mingle. Cover your crockpot and let it cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The anticipation is killer, I know, but the slow cook truly develops that deep, rich flavor for our <strong>Hearty Crockpot Cowboy Soup</strong>.
05 - After the cooking time, check those potatoes. They should be fork-tender, not mushy, but definitely soft. If they're still a bit firm, give it another 30 minutes or so. This is where I always taste for seasoning. Add salt and pepper to your liking. Sometimes I add a little more chili powder if I'm feeling spicy! Adjusting seasonings is key to making this <strong>Hearty Crockpot Cowboy Soup</strong> truly <em>yours</em>.
06 - Ladle that glorious, steaming <strong>Hearty Crockpot Cowboy Soup</strong> into bowls. Top with a generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese and some fresh green onions. The cheese will get all melty and wonderful, and the green onions add a nice fresh crunch. Serve it up with some crusty bread for dipping, and prepare for happy sighs. It’s a sight, smell, and taste that just can't be beat!

# Notes:

01 - Don't skip browning the beef and sautéing the aromatics; it builds so much flavor, I learned that the hard way with a bland batch once!
02 - Taste and adjust seasoning *before* serving; what tastes perfect to me might need a little extra something for you. My mom always said, 'Salt is your friend, but in moderation!'
03 - If you're short on time, you can prep all your veggies the night before. It makes morning assembly a breeze, trust me on this one!
04 - For an extra smoky kick, try using fire-roasted diced tomatoes instead of regular ones. It's a small change, but it makes a difference!

# Tools You'll Need:

01 - Large skillet
02 - 6-quart slow cooker

# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 450 kcal
Total Fat: 20g
Total Carbohydrate: 40g
Protein: 30g

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