Craving a warm, comforting, and incredibly flavorful meal that's also ridiculously easy to make? Look no further than this Cowboy Soup Crock Pot recipe! This hearty, delicious soup is perfect for chilly evenings, busy weeknights, or when you simply want a taste of the Wild West without saddling up your horse. It's packed with beef, beans, veggies, and a rich, savory broth that will leave you wanting more. This recipe is a perfect example of healthy meals and quick dinner ideas all rolled into one. Get ready to enjoy this homemade cooking masterpiece!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel), undrained
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions
Instructions:
Step 1: Sear the Beef (Optional but Recommended)
For a deeper, richer flavor, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the beef cubes in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. This step helps to seal in the juices and adds incredible depth of flavor to your cowboy soup. Set the browned beef aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, sauté the onion, carrots, and celery until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Combine Everything in the Crock Pot
Transfer the sautéed vegetables and browned beef to your slow cooker. Add the diced tomatoes (both canned varieties), kidney beans, pinto beans, Rotel, beef broth, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
Step 4: Cook on Low
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the beef is tender.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Ladle the cowboy soup into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or some fresh chopped green onions. This delicious and easy recipe makes for a perfect family meal.
Cooking Tips for the Best Cowboy Soup:
- For a thicker soup: Mash some of the beans against the side of the pot during the last hour of cooking.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a spicier kick.
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like corn, bell peppers, or potatoes.
- Use different beans: Experiment with different types of beans, such as black beans or great northern beans.
- Make it a slow cooker masterpiece: This recipe truly shines in a slow cooker; the long, slow cooking time allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Variations:
- Chicken Cowboy Soup: Substitute the beef with 1.5 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Reduce cooking time accordingly.
- Vegetarian Cowboy Soup: Omit the beef and add 1 cup of cooked lentils or chopped mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian option.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 350-400 Protein: 25-30g Fat: 10-15g Carbohydrates: 40-50g
This Cowboy Soup Crock Pot recipe is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of easy recipes, best recipes, and healthy meals. Its simple ingredients and straightforward instructions make it perfect for beginners, while its rich flavor profile will impress even the most seasoned cooks. Enjoy this delicious and satisfying dish!