Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s a true dump-and-go crockpot meal—easy prep with big flavor.
Packed with protein, vegetables, and hearty ingredients that make it a complete meal in one bowl.
Customizable: use what you have on hand, swap veggies, or adjust seasonings to taste.
Budget-friendly and ideal for feeding a crowd or stocking up on leftovers.
Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ground beef (or ground turkey)
Onion, chopped
Garlic, minced
Russet or red potatoes, diced
Frozen mixed vegetables (corn, peas, carrots, green beans)
Canned diced tomatoes
Canned pinto beans or kidney beans, drained and rinsed
Canned corn (if not using frozen)
Beef broth
Tomato sauce
Green chiles (optional)
Chili powder
Paprika
Cumin
Salt and black pepper

Directions

In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until no longer pink. Drain excess grease if needed.
Add chopped onion and garlic to the skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
Transfer the beef mixture to the slow cooker.
Add potatoes, mixed vegetables, diced tomatoes, beans, corn, tomato sauce, beef broth, green chiles (if using), and all seasonings.
Stir everything together until well combined.
Cover and cook on Low for 6–8 hours or High for 3–4 hours, until potatoes are tender.
Taste and adjust seasonings before serving.
Serve hot with cornbread, biscuits, or warm tortillas.

Servings and timing

Yield: Serves 6–8 people.
Prep time: 10–15 minutes.
Cook time: 6–8 hours on Low or 3–4 hours on High.
Total time: About 6½–8½ hours.

Variations

Use smoked sausage or kielbasa instead of ground beef for a smoky twist.
Add canned black beans for extra protein and texture.
Stir in a small can of Rotel tomatoes for added heat and flavor.
Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a teaspoon of smoked paprika for depth.
Make it creamy by adding a splash of heavy cream or a handful of shredded cheese at the end.
Turn it into Cowboy Stew by adding more potatoes and reducing the broth slightly.

Storage/Reheating

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze cooled soup for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much.

FAQs

What kind of potatoes work best?

Russet or red potatoes hold up well during slow cooking and become tender without falling apart.

Can I skip browning the beef?

You can, but browning enhances flavor and improves texture, so it’s highly recommended.

Can I make this soup spicy?

Yes—add jalapeños, extra green chiles, cayenne pepper, or a spicy Rotel blend.

Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?

Absolutely. Just cut them into small, uniform pieces so they cook evenly.

What’s the best broth for cowboy soup?

Beef broth adds the richest flavor, but chicken or vegetable broth works in a pinch.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes—omit the beef and add extra beans, lentils, or a plant-based ground meat alternative.

Can I thicken the soup?

Simmer uncovered for 20 minutes after cooking or mash some of the potatoes to create a thicker consistency.

Can I add pasta?

Yes—add small pasta shapes during the last 20–30 minutes of cooking. Add extra broth to compensate.

What should I serve with cowboy soup?

Cornbread, biscuits, tortilla chips, or a simple green salad all pair wonderfully.

Can I prep this recipe ahead of time?

Yes—brown the beef and assemble everything in the slow cooker insert the night before. Refrigerate, then cook the next day.

Conclusion

Crockpot Cowboy Soup is a hearty, flavorful, and deeply satisfying dish that’s perfect for busy evenings or cozy weekends. With its blend of beef, vegetables, beans, and seasonings, it offers a comforting one-pot meal that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy. It’s sure to earn a permanent place in your crockpot rotation.

Crockpot Cowboy Soup

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Crockpot Cowboy Soup is a hearty, protein-packed soup filled with ground beef, vegetables, beans, potatoes, and rich seasonings, creating a warm and comforting one-pot meal.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 10–15 minutes
Cook Time: 6–8 hours (Low) or 3–4 hours (High)
Total Time: 6.5–8.5 hours
Yield: 6–8 servings
Category: Soup
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American
Diet: Halal

Instructions

Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat until no longer pink, then drain excess grease.
Add chopped onion and garlic to the skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
Transfer the beef mixture to the slow cooker.
Add potatoes, mixed vegetables, diced tomatoes, beans, corn, tomato sauce, beef broth, green chiles if using, and seasonings.
Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
Cover and cook on Low for 6–8 hours or High for 3–4 hours, until potatoes are tender.
Taste and adjust seasonings before serving.
Serve hot with cornbread, biscuits, or warm tortillas.

Notes

Use smoked sausage or kielbasa for a smoky variation.
Rotel tomatoes add heat and extra flavor.
Add black beans for more protein.
Stir in cheese or cream at the end for a creamy version.
Reduce broth slightly to turn it into Cowboy Stew.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 320
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 780mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 6g
Protein: 22g
Cholesterol: 55mg