Slow Cooker Cowboy Soup

Slow Cooker Cowboy Soup is the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug after a long day. I still remember the first time I threw everything into my slow cooker on a chilly autumn morning, and by dinner time, my whole house smelled like a cozy restaurant. My kids came running to the kitchen asking what smelled so good.

There’s something wonderful about coming home to a pot of soup that’s been simmering all day, waiting to feed your hungry family. This cowboy soup delivers big, bold flavors with ground beef, beans, corn, and tender potatoes swimming in a savory broth seasoned with chili powder and cumin. It’s rustic, satisfying, and incredibly easy since your slow cooker does all the heavy lifting. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this slow cooker soup recipe proves that simple ingredients can create something truly special.

What Goes Into This Hearty Cowboy Soup

I always start with quality ground beef because it’s the foundation of this soup’s rich flavor. Pro tip: I prefer 85/15 lean ground beef for the best balance of flavor without excess grease.

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 4 cups beef broth (I recommend low-sodium so you can control the salt)
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Personal note: Feel free to swap in black beans or great Northern beans if that’s what you have on hand. I’ve also used fire-roasted tomatoes for an extra smoky depth.

How to Make This Simple Slow Cooker Soup

I recommend browning the beef first for deeper flavor, though you can skip this if you’re really pressed for time.

Step 1: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the beef is no longer pink and reaches an internal temperature of 160°F. The onions will turn translucent. Drain off any excess fat.

Step 2: Add the minced garlic, sliced carrots, and chopped celery to the skillet. Saute for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and the vegetables start to soften slightly. This step builds aromatics that make your Slow Cooker Cowboy Soup incredibly flavorful.

Step 3: Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture to your 6-quart slow cooker. Use a spatula to get all those tasty browned bits.

Step 4: Add the diced potatoes, drained pinto beans, kidney beans, corn, undrained diced tomatoes (that liquid adds flavor!), beef broth, chili powder, cumin, and dried oregano to the slow cooker.

Step 5: Stir everything together until well combined. Make sure the potatoes are submerged in the liquid so they cook evenly.

Step 6: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The soup is ready when the potatoes are fork-tender and pierce easily. The flavors will meld beautifully during the long simmer time.

Step 7: Once cooked, taste the soup and season with salt and black pepper as needed. I usually add about 1/2 teaspoon of each, but adjust to your preference.

Step 8: Ladle into bowls and serve hot with your favorite toppings.

Perfect Pairings for Your Cowboy Soup

This hearty soup pairs wonderfully with crusty breads and simple sides that complement its bold flavors.

Homemade Cornbread: The sweet, crumbly texture of cornbread is a classic match for this savory cowboy soup, perfect for soaking up every last drop of broth.

Crusty Sourdough Bread: A thick slice of tangy sourdough adds a chewy contrast to the tender vegetables and provides the perfect vehicle for dipping.

Simple Green Salad: A crisp salad with a light vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the Slow Cooker Cowboy Soup and adds fresh vegetables to your meal.

Tortilla Chips: Crushed tortilla chips sprinkled on top add a satisfying crunch and bring a Southwestern flair that complements the chili and cumin seasonings.

Garlic Bread: Buttery garlic bread is always a crowd-pleaser and pairs beautifully with the hearty, protein-rich soup for a complete comfort food dinner.

More Hearty Soup Recipes to Try

If you love this Slow Cooker Cowboy Soup, you’ll want to explore other comforting soup recipes that deliver big flavor with minimal effort. The Creamy Cowboy Soup Recipe takes this classic to the next level with a rich, creamy base that’s perfect for cold evenings. For another hearty slow cooker option, the Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup brings bold Mexican flavors to your dinner table with tender chicken, beans, and a zesty broth topped with crunchy tortilla strips.

When you’re craving something warming and substantial, try the Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup, which combines the flavors of a classic burger with comforting pasta in a creamy broth. The Potato and Sausage Chowder Recipe offers similar heartiness with smoky sausage and tender potatoes in a thick, satisfying chowder. Each of these recipes shares the same set-it-and-forget-it convenience that makes this cowboy soup such a winner for busy families.

Storing Your Leftover Soup

Store leftover Slow Cooker Cowboy Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers even more delicious.

To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, or reheat the entire batch on the stovetop over medium heat until steaming hot. Add a splash of beef broth if the soup has thickened too much during storage.

Pro tip: This cowboy soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers, leaving about an inch of headspace for expansion. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Common Questions About Cowboy Soup

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