Slow Cooker Cowboy Soup

Why You’ll Love This Soup

• Effortless Cooking: Dump everything in the slow cooker and let it do its magic12.
• Hearty and Filling: Packed with beef, kielbasa, potatoes, beans, and corn, this soup is a complete meal in a bowl1.
• Customizable: Feel free to swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand or prefer3.
• Flavorful: The combination of spices and savory ingredients creates a rich, satisfying flavor1.
• Great for Meal Prep: It tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prepping5.

Quick Facts

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4-8 hours
• Serving Size: 6-8 servings

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef12
• 1 ring (13.9 ounces) kielbasa, sliced into ¼-inch rounds1
• 2 medium russet potatoes, rinsed, peeled, and diced into ½-inch cubes1
• 1 small yellow onion, diced (approximately 1 cup)12
• 1 large jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely diced (optional)1
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced12
• 2 cans (14.5 ounces each) diced tomatoes, undrained12
• 2 cans (15.25 ounces each) kidney beans, rinsed and drained1
• 1 can (15.25 ounces) sweet corn, undrained12
• 1 tablespoon chili powder12
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided1
• 1 teaspoon black pepper, divided1
• 4 cups (32 ounces) beef broth12

Beer Slurry (Optional, for thickening)

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch1
• ½ cup light lager beer (like Pabst Blue Ribbon)1

Garnish

• Fresh parsley, chopped1

Let’s Get Cooking!

1. Brown the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned (8-10 minutes), breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess grease. Season with 1 teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of pepper12.
2. Brown the Kielbasa: To the same skillet, add the kielbasa. Heat until browned, about 2-3 minutes per side1.
3. Combine Ingredients: Transfer the beef to the bowl of a slow cooker. Add the kielbasa, potatoes, onion, jalapeno (if using), garlic, tomatoes, beans, corn, chili powder, the remaining salt and pepper, and beef broth12.
4. Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the potatoes are fork-tender16.
5. Thicken (Optional): If you want a thicker soup, make the beer slurry about 10 minutes before serving. In a small bowl, add cornstarch and beer. Stir to combine, then add the slurry to the soup. Stir and let simmer on low for about 10 minutes, or until the soup thickens slightly1.
6. Serve: Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley1.

Tips for Customization

• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat24.
• Add More Veggies: Feel free to toss in other veggies like carrots, celery, or green beans4.
• Different Proteins: Try using ground turkey, Italian sausage, or even shredded chicken instead of ground beef1.
• Bean Variety: Swap kidney beans for pinto beans, black beans, or any other beans you love2.
• Make it Vegetarian: Omit the beef and kielbasa and add extra beans and vegetables for a vegetarian version.

Serving Suggestions

• Toppings: Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, a dollop of Greek yogurt, or chopped green onions2.
• Sides: Serve with a side of cornbread, crusty bread, or a grilled cheese sandwich2.
• Salad: Pair with a fresh garden salad for a complete meal.

Nutritional Information (approximate, per serving)

• Calories: 350-450
• Protein: 25-35g
• Carbohydrates: 40-50g
• Fat: 15-25g

Note: Nutritional information may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.

FAQs

Can I make this on the stovetop?

• Absolutely! Just brown the beef and kielbasa in a large pot, add the remaining ingredients, and simmer until the potatoes are tender (about 30-40 minutes)4.

Can I freeze this soup?

• Yes! Let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months5.

What if I don’t have beer for the slurry?

• No problem! You can use water or extra beef broth instead. The beer adds a unique flavor, but it’s not essential1.

Can I add other types of beans?

• Definitely! Pinto beans, black beans, or even great northern beans would work well in this soup2.

Enjoy this hearty and delicious Slow Cooker Cowboy Soup. I hope it becomes a family favorite!