This Crockpot Smoky Cowboy Soup is a cozy dish packed with ground beef and colorful veggies. Perfect for a chilly day, it’s full of hearty flavors that warm you right up!
The best part? You just toss everything in the crockpot and let it do its magic while you relax. It’s so easy, even a busy cowboy could whip it up! 🏕️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This gives the soup its heartiness. You can replace it with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. For a vegetarian twist, use lentils or plant-based meat alternatives.
Beans: Kidney and black beans create a great texture and add protein. If you’re short on one type, feel free to use any beans you have on hand like pinto or white beans. Canned beans are super handy, but dried beans can also work if you cook them first.
Bell Pepper: Green bell pepper adds nice crunch and flavor. You could use red, yellow, or orange peppers instead for a sweeter taste. If you’re avoiding nightshades, consider zucchini or celery for a different flavor.
Beef Broth: It deepens the flavor of the soup. If you’re looking for a lighter option, swap it for vegetable broth. Water can also work, but might dilute the flavor a bit.
Spices: The smoked paprika gives it a smoky kick. If you don’t have it, regular paprika can work, just maybe add a tiny bit of liquid smoke to achieve a similar flavor. Adjust the chili powder to control the heat level!
How Do I Ensure My Soup Has the Perfect Flavor?
Flavoring your soup well is key to making it delicious! Start with browning the beef, onion, and garlic together. This not only cooks the meat but also caramelizes the onions, enriching the overall flavor.
- Make sure to drain excess fat after cooking the beef to avoid a greasy soup.
- Mix all the ingredients thoroughly in the crockpot. This helps distribute the spices evenly.
- Taste it before serving! You can always adjust salt, pepper, or spices to match your taste buds.
- Adding fresh cilantro right before serving adds a lovely burst of freshness!
Crockpot Smoky Cowboy Soup With Ground Beef & Veggies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (fire-roasted if possible)
- 1 (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 small green bell pepper, diced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious soup takes about 15 minutes of prep time to get everything ready and then 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high in the crockpot. That means you can set it and forget it while you go about your day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Ground Beef:
In a skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic. Cook until the beef is browned and the onions are soft, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat to keep the soup from being too greasy.
2. Get the Crockpot Ready:
Transfer the cooked beef mixture into your crockpot. This is where all the magic happens!
3. Add the Vegetables and Beans:
To the crockpot, add the kidney beans, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, and diced green pepper. Everything goes in to create a colorful and nutritious soup!
4. Seasoning Party:
Now it’s time to spice things up! Stir in the smoked paprika, ground cumin, chili powder, dried oregano, along with salt and pepper. Mix everything well to ensure every scoop has flavor!
5. Cooking Time:
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. It will smell amazing while it cooks!
6. Taste Test:
Before serving, give your soup a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. You might want a bit more salt, pepper, or even an extra sprinkle of chili powder if you love it spicy!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Ladle the warm soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro if you like. Now you can dig in and enjoy your hearty, smoky cowboy soup!
This dish is not just delicious but also perfect for sharing with family and friends. Enjoy!
Can I Substitute the Ground Beef?
Absolutely! You can swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. For a meatless version, consider using lentils or plant-based meat alternatives like Beyond Meat or tempeh.
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer your soup to be spicier, add more chili powder or toss in some diced jalapeños. For a milder version, you can reduce the chili powder or omit it altogether.
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Yes! This soup holds up well, so you can make it a day in advance. Let it cool completely, then store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage; just make sure to leave some space in the container for expansion!
