This hearty Crockpot Smoky Cowboy Soup is packed with ground beef, fresh veggies, and a delightful smoky flavor. It’s like a big hug in a bowl, perfect for chilly days!
Making this soup is a breeze! Just dump everything into the crockpot, let it simmer, and enjoy the amazing smell. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you later!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using lean ground beef for less grease in your soup. If you’re avoiding beef, ground turkey or chicken also works well. For a vegetarian version, try using lentils or plant-based crumbles!
Potatoes: Diced potatoes add heartiness. You can swap them for sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter flavor. If you’re watching carbs, cauliflower can be a great low-carb substitute.
Beans: Both pinto and black beans are excellent for protein and fiber. You can use red beans, chickpeas, or even cannellini beans if that’s what you have. They all add a different but delicious taste!
Spices: I love smoked paprika and chili powder for the kick. If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika with a dash of liquid smoke can mimic that flavor. Adjust the spices to your taste – more chili powder if you like it spicier!
How Do I Get the Best Flavor from My Vegetables?
Cooking the vegetables properly enhances their natural flavors. Start by sautéing onions and garlic with the ground beef like the recipe suggests. This step builds a flavorful base for your soup.
- Make sure to soften the onions before adding other ingredients. This takes about 3-4 minutes.
- Adding fresh veggies like carrots and bell peppers helps balance the flavors. Cut them into similar sizes for even cooking.
- If you’re using frozen corn, stir it in during the last hour of cooking to keep it sweet and tender.
Let your soup simmer long enough to let the flavors meld together for a truly delightful dish!
Crockpot Smoky Cowboy Soup With Ground Beef & Veggies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups diced potatoes
- 2 cups diced carrots
- 1 cup diced green bell pepper
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 can (15 oz) pinto or kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Optional: hot sauce or smoked chipotle peppers for extra smoky heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful soup requires about 15-20 minutes of prep time. After you set it all up, you’ll let it cook for 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high in your crockpot. Perfect for a busy day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef:
Start by heating the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s nicely browned, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks. Once done, drain any excess fat to keep the soup nice and hearty without being greasy.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
Next, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic with the browned beef. Cook everything together for about 3-4 minutes until the onion turns soft and fragrant. This adds a lovely depth of flavor to your soup!
3. Transfer to the Crockpot:
Now it’s time to move your beef mixture into the crockpot! Pour everything in, making sure to scrape the skillet to get all those tasty bits into the pot.
4. Add the Veggies and Beans:
In the crockpot, add in the diced potatoes, carrots, green bell pepper, corn, pinto or kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes with all their juice, and the beef broth. It’s a colorful mix of goodies!
5. Season It Up:
Stir in the smoked paprika, chili powder, ground cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Give it a good mix so all those flavors combine beautifully.
6. Cook and Let the Flavors Meld:
Cover the crockpot and let it cook! Choose either “low” for 6-8 hours or “high” for 3-4 hours. This slow cooking really brings out the best in your ingredients.
7. Final Touches:
Before serving, give your soup a taste! If you feel like it needs more spice or smokiness, add a splash of hot sauce or some chopped smoked chipotle peppers—totally up to you!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your delicious soup hot, enjoying it with some crusty bread or cornbread on the side. Perfect for warming your soul and satisfying those hunger pangs!
Enjoy the warm, smoky flavors and hearty texture of this delicious cowboy soup!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner alternative that works great in this soup. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly if needed, as turkey may cook faster than beef.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Yes, you can create a delicious vegetarian version by omitting the ground beef and using lentils or plant-based meat substitutes. Just ensure the broth is vegetable broth instead of beef broth for flavor!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze the soup for up to 2-3 months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
Can I Add Extra Veggies?
Definitely! Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, celery, or spinach. Just keep in mind that cooking times for different vegetables may vary, so add them accordingly for the best texture!
