Hearty Crock Pot Cowboy Soup: A Rustic Classic
Introduction
Hearty Crock Pot Cowboy Soup, often called hamburger soup, is a robust, comforting one-pot meal that embodies rustic, no-fuss cooking. This substantial soup combines ground beef, vegetables, beans, and tomatoes in a rich broth, simmered slowly to meld flavors. It’s a versatile dish perfect for feeding a crowd, meal prepping, or enjoying on a chilly day. With minimal hands-on time thanks to the slow cooker, this soup practically cooks itself, filling your home with an inviting aroma.
History
The origins of Cowboy Soup are rooted in campfire and chuckwagon cooking of the American Old West. Cowboys needed hearty, filling meals that could be made with shelf-stable ingredients and cooked in a single pot over an open flame. Modern adaptations use ground beef (hamburger) and convenient canned goods, while the slow cooker method aligns with today’s desire for easy, set-it-and-forget-it meals. It’s a testament to how practical, resourceful cooking evolves while retaining its soul-warming essence.
Benefits
· Nutrient-Dense: Packed with protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals from lean beef, beans, and vegetables.
· Convenient: Slow cooker preparation saves time and effort.
· Versatile: Easily adaptable to dietary preferences or pantry contents.
· Economical: Uses affordable ingredients and stretches servings.
· Comforting: A wholesome, satisfying meal that appeals to all ages.
Ingredients
Serves 8-10
· 1 ½ lbs lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10)
· 1 medium yellow onion, diced
· 3 cloves garlic, minced
· 4 cups beef broth (low sodium preferred)
· 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
· 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
· 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
· 1 (15 oz) can green beans, drained
· 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
· 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
· 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds
· 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes
· 1 teaspoon chili powder
· 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
· 1 teaspoon dried oregano
· ½ teaspoon black pepper
· Salt to taste
· Optional: 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, dash of hot sauce
Methods & Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Beef
1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and the onion is softened (about 8-10 minutes). Break up the beef into crumbles as it cooks.
2. Add the minced garlic during the last minute of cooking. Drain any excess fat.
Step 2: Slow Cooker Assembly
1. Transfer the browned beef mixture to a 6-quart or larger slow cooker.
2. Add the carrots, potatoes, corn, green beans, kidney beans, pinto beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth.
3. Stir in the chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, black pepper, and optional Worcestershire sauce.
Step 3: Slow Cooking
1. Cover and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours or on HIGH for 4-5 hours. The soup is ready when the potatoes and carrots are tender.
2. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. For a thinner soup, add a bit more broth or water.
Step 4: Serving
1. Ladle the hot soup into bowls. It can be garnished with fresh parsley, shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or crushed crackers.
2. Serve with cornbread, crusty bread, or saltine crackers for dipping.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving, approximately 1 ½ cups)
· Calories: ~320 kcal
· Protein: 24g
· Carbohydrates: 35g
· Fiber: 8g
· Sugars: 7g
· Fat: 9g (Saturated Fat: 3.5g)
· Sodium: ~800mg (varies with broth and canned goods used)
Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
For Lovers of This Soup
Cowboy Soup is beloved by:
· Busy Families: It’s a complete meal that pleases both kids and adults.
· Meal Preppers: It stores and reheats beautifully for lunches or dinners throughout the week.
· Outdoor Enthusiasts: The spirit of campfire cooking lives on in this hearty recipe.
· Comfort Food Seekers: Its rich, savory flavor and chunky texture provide deep satisfaction.
To customize, try adding diced bell peppers, substituting ground turkey, using different bean varieties, or adding a cup of cooked pasta during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Conclusion
Hearty Crock Pot Cowboy Soup is more than just a hamburger soup—it’s a flavorful, nourishing tradition that brings the practicality of cowboy cooking into the modern kitchen. Its balanced nutrition, ease of preparation, and crowd-pleasing nature make it a reliable staple. Whether you’re serving it after a long day or as the centerpiece of a casual gathering, this soup delivers comfort and sustenance in every bowl. Embrace its rustic charm and make it your own; it’s a recipe that invites creativity while always feeling like home.
