Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make – Just brown the beef, toss everything in the crockpot, and let it cook.
- Packed with Flavor – A blend of taco seasoning and ranch dressing mix gives this soup a bold, savory taste.
- Hearty & Filling – With protein-rich beef and beans, this soup is satisfying enough for a full meal.
- Great for Meal Prep – Leftovers store well and taste even better the next day.
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
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Brown the Beef – In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Sauté Aromatics – Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
- Transfer to Crockpot – Move the cooked beef, onion, and garlic to the slow cooker.
- Add Ingredients – Stir in the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, pinto beans, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, diced green chilies, taco seasoning mix, and ranch dressing mix.
- Pour in the Broth – Add the beef broth and stir well to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Slow Cook – Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until flavors are well blended.
- Garnish & Serve – Serve hot, topped with shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
- Total Time: Up to 8 hours
Variations
- Make it Spicy – Add extra diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for more heat.
- Vegetarian Version – Skip the beef and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
- Thicker Soup – Stir in a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Different Protein – Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or sausage for a different twist.
- Add More Veggies – Bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini make great additions for extra nutrition.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Let the soup cool before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave in 1-minute intervals until hot.
FAQs
Can I make this soup on the stovetop instead?
Yes! After browning the beef and sautéing the onions, add all ingredients to a large pot. Simmer on low for about 45 minutes to an hour.
Can I use homemade taco seasoning instead of a packet?
Definitely! Use a mix of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and oregano.
What can I serve with cowboy soup?
This soup pairs well with crusty bread, cornbread, or tortilla chips for dipping.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use about 2 cups of fresh diced tomatoes in place of canned.
How do I make this soup less salty?
Use low-sodium beef broth and low-sodium canned beans to control the salt level.
Can I make this soup in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Brown the beef using the sauté function, then add the remaining ingredients. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, then do a quick release.
Can I add potatoes to this soup?
Absolutely! Diced potatoes will add extra heartiness. Add them at the beginning so they cook through.
Can I use chicken instead of beef?
Yes! Shredded rotisserie chicken or ground chicken works well in this recipe.
Is cowboy soup gluten-free?
As long as your taco seasoning and ranch mix are gluten-free, this soup is naturally gluten-free.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Just make sure your crockpot is large enough to hold everything.
Conclusion
Crockpot Cowboy Soup is the perfect mix of hearty, flavorful, and easy. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a potluck, or meal prep, this soup is sure to satisfy. With minimal prep and a slow cooker doing all the work, this recipe is as simple as it is delicious!
Print
Crockpot Cowboy Soup
- Total Time: Up to 8 hours
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Crockpot Cowboy Soup is a hearty and flavor-packed meal made with ground beef, beans, corn, and a savory blend of seasonings. Slow-cooked to perfection, this easy one-pot soup is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or feeding a crowd. Serve with cornbread or crusty bread for a comforting dish everyone will love!
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
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned. Drain excess fat.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes until onions are translucent.
- Transfer to Crockpot: Move the cooked beef, onion, and garlic to the slow cooker.
- Add Ingredients: Stir in diced tomatoes, kidney beans, pinto beans, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, diced green chilies, taco seasoning mix, and ranch dressing mix.
- Pour in the Broth: Add beef broth and stir well. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until flavors meld together.
- Garnish & Serve: Serve hot, topped with shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions.
Notes
- Make it Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
- Thicker Soup: Stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water) in the last 30 minutes.
- Vegetarian Option: Omit beef and use vegetable broth.
- Different Protein: Swap ground beef for turkey, chicken, or sausage.
- Add More Veggies: Bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini add extra nutrition.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
- Category: Soup
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
