If there’s one recipe that feels like a warm hug after a long day, it’s Crockpot Cowboy Soup. This is the kind of meal you throw together in the morning, forget about completely, and then magically come home to a house that smells like comfort, dinner, and you’ve totally got your life together.
As someone who truly believes dinner shouldn’t add stress to an already busy day, this soup has saved me more times than I can count. Between work, family, and the never-ending to-do list, Crockpot Cowboy Soup is one of those reliable recipes that always delivers—filling, flavorful, and downright cozy. Best of all? The slow cooker does most of the work while you go live your life.
Let’s dig into why this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Cowboy Soup
There are soups, and then there are stick-to-your-ribs soups. Crockpot Cowboy Soup falls firmly into the second category.
Here’s why readers keep coming back to this one:
- Hearty and filling thanks to ground beef, beans, potatoes, and veggies
- Budget-friendly using pantry staples and freezer basics
- Set-it-and-forget-it easy, perfect for busy weekdays
- Family-approved, even by picky eaters who “don’t like soup”
- Great for leftovers, and somehow tastes even better the next day
It’s bold without being spicy, comforting without being boring, and flexible enough to adapt to what you already have on hand. Basically, it’s the soup equivalent of your favorite cozy sweater.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of my favorite things about Crockpot Cowboy Soup is how unfussy the ingredient list is. Nothing fancy. Nothing hard to find. Just good, honest ingredients that work beautifully together.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 russet potato, diced (skin on or peeled—your call)
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 2 cups mixed frozen vegetables (peas, carrots, green beans, corn)
- 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 5–6 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional, but pretty)
If your freezer is stocked and your pantry is even halfway organized, you’re probably already halfway there.
How to Make Crockpot Cowboy Soup (Step-by-Step)
This recipe is beautifully simple, which is exactly what most of us need at dinnertime.
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by cooking the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Break it up as it cooks and let it brown fully. Once done, drain off any excess grease. This quick step adds big flavor and keeps the soup from being greasy later.
Step 2: Prep the Slow Cooker
Lightly coat the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray or a little oil. This makes cleanup so much easier—future you will be grateful.
Step 3: Add the Aromatics
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic directly into the slow cooker. They’ll soften and mellow as the soup cooks, adding that cozy base flavor every good soup needs.
Step 4: Add the Rest of the Ingredients
Now comes the fun part. Add the browned beef, diced potato, corn, mixed vegetables, pinto beans, black beans, diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato sauce, chili powder, paprika, cumin, salt, pepper, and beef broth.
Pour in enough broth to just cover the ingredients—about 6 cups usually does the trick.
Step 5: Stir It All Together
Give everything a good stir so the seasonings are evenly distributed. Don’t worry if it looks really full—this soup settles as it cooks.
Step 6: Let the Crockpot Work Its Magic
Cover and cook:
- Low for 6–8 hours
- High for 3–4 hours
You’ll know it’s ready when the potatoes are fork-tender and everything smells amazing.
Step 7: Taste, Garnish, and Serve
Before serving, give the soup a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Sprinkle with fresh parsley if you’re feeling fancy, then ladle into bowls and enjoy.
Helpful Tips for the Best Crockpot Cowboy Soup
A few little tricks can take your Crockpot Cowboy Soup from great to wow:
- Want it thicker? Mash a few potatoes right in the slow cooker near the end. Instant thickness without extra effort.
- Too thick? Add a splash of beef broth. Soup is forgiving like that.
- Make it spicier: Add a pinch of cayenne or a dash of hot sauce if your crew likes heat.
- Short on time? Dice the potatoes small so they cook faster, especially on high.
- Extra flavor boost: A bay leaf tossed in at the beginning adds depth—just remember to remove it before serving.
If your soup looks a little thicker than expected, don’t panic. That’s not a problem—it’s comfort food doing its thing.

A Little Story From My Kitchen
I first made this Crockpot Cowboy Soup during one of those weeks where everything felt like too much. You know the kind—long days, zero energy, and the temptation to order takeout again.
I threw everything into the slow cooker before heading out the door, hoping for the best. That night, when I walked in and smelled this soup simmering away, it honestly felt like someone else had cooked dinner for me. The whole family went back for seconds, and suddenly the day didn’t feel quite so heavy.
That’s the magic of slow cooker meals. They show up for you when you’re tired.
FAQs About Crockpot Cowboy Soup
Can I make Crockpot Cowboy Soup ahead of time?
Absolutely. This soup stores beautifully and actually tastes even better the next day. Make it ahead and reheat for easy lunches or dinners.
How do I store leftovers?
Let the soup cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Can I freeze Crockpot Cowboy Soup?
Yes! This soup freezes very well. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Can I substitute ground turkey for beef?
You can. Ground turkey works fine, though the soup will be a bit lighter in flavor. Just be sure to season well.
What can I serve with this soup?
Cornbread, crusty bread, crackers, or even a simple side salad all pair perfectly with Crockpot Cowboy Soup.
Cozy Bowls, Easy Nights, and Crockpot Cowboy Soup
There’s something deeply comforting about a recipe that asks so little of you and gives so much in return. Crockpot Cowboy Soup is hearty, practical, and full of the kind of flavor that makes everyone at the table feel taken care of.
Whether you’re feeding a busy family, prepping meals for the week, or just craving a bowl of something warm and satisfying, this soup delivers every single time. Set it, forget it, and let your slow cooker bring a little calm (and a lot of comfort) to your day.
And if your house ends up smelling like a cozy hug all afternoon? That’s just a bonus.
More Cozy Favorites You’ll Love
If Crockpot Cowboy Soup hit the spot and you’re in that cozy, comfort-food mood (honestly, same), here are a few more reader-favorite recipes that feel just as warm, hearty, and stress-free. These are perfect for busy nights when you want dinner to basically cook itself—because easy food is happy food.
- 👉 Creamy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Rich, creamy, and loaded with tender chicken and pillowy gnocchi—this one is pure comfort in a bowl and a go-to when you want something extra cozy. - 👉 Crock Pot Hamburger Soup
If you loved the beefy, veggie-packed goodness of this soup, this classic is right up your alley. Simple ingredients, big flavor, and total weeknight ease. - 👉 Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole
Think of this as the heartier, spoon-standing cousin to cowboy soup—cheesy, filling, and perfect when everyone at the table is really hungry. - 👉 Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup
A timeless classic that tastes like it’s been simmering all day (because it has). Cozy, nourishing, and always a crowd-pleaser.
If you give Crockpot Cowboy Soup a try, I’d love to hear what you think! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Scroll down and leave a star rating and quick review—it helps other readers and makes my day more than you know. Happy slow cooking!

Crockpot Cowboy Soup
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Crockpot Cowboy Soup is a hearty, comforting slow cooker meal made with ground beef, beans, potatoes, and vegetables. It’s cozy, filling, and perfect for busy weeknights when you want big flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 small yellow onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 russet potato, diced (peeled or unpeeled)
1 cup frozen corn
2 cups mixed frozen vegetables (peas, carrots, green beans, corn)
1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
5–6 cups beef broth
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon cumin
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess grease.
Lightly grease the inside of the slow cooker.
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the slow cooker.
Add the browned beef, diced potato, corn, mixed vegetables, pinto beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, seasonings, and beef broth.
Stir until everything is well combined.
Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the potatoes are tender.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot.
Notes
For a thicker soup, mash a few potato pieces directly in the slow cooker before serving.
This soup tastes even better the next day and freezes well for up to 3 months.
Add a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce if you like a little heat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Serving
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 980 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 9 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
