Crockpot Cowboy Soup

### How to Make Crockpot Cowboy Soup

Making **Crockpot Cowboy Soup** is as simple as it gets. Just follow these easy steps:

#### 1. **Brown the Ground Beef**:
In a large skillet, cook the **ground beef** over medium heat until it’s browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess fat and transfer the cooked beef to the crockpot.

#### 2. **Add the Vegetables and Beans**:
To the crockpot, add the **chopped onion**, **minced garlic**, **diced potatoes**, **corn**, **diced tomatoes**, and **tomato paste**. The mixture of fresh vegetables and beans adds bulk and flavor, making the soup both hearty and nutritious.

#### 3. **Season the Soup**:
Sprinkle in the **ground cumin**, **chili powder**, **paprika**, **black pepper**, and **salt**. Stir everything together until well combined.

#### 4. **Pour in the Broth**:
Add the **beef broth** (or chicken broth) to the crockpot, then give everything a good stir. The broth will help bring the flavors together and create a savory base for the soup.

#### 5. **Slow Cook**:
Cover the crockpot and cook the soup on **low for 6-8 hours** or **high for 3-4 hours**. The long cooking time allows all the ingredients to meld together, creating a deep, rich flavor that is comforting and satisfying.

#### 6. **Serve and Garnish**:
Once the soup is finished cooking, taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve the soup hot with optional toppings like **shredded cheddar cheese**, **sour cream**, and **chopped green onions**.

### Tips for Making the Best Crockpot Cowboy Soup

– **Use Lean Ground Meat**: If you want a leaner version of this soup, you can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. Both options will still provide plenty of flavor without the extra fat.
– **Vegetarian Version**: For a vegetarian version, you can skip the meat altogether and use more beans (such as pinto beans or chickpeas) and vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini.
– **Add Spice**: If you like your soup with a little heat, add some **jalapeños** or a dash of **hot sauce** to bring a spicy kick to the dish.
– **Extra Flavor**: For extra depth of flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of **Worcestershire sauce** or **hot sauce** to the broth before cooking.
– **Leftovers**: This soup tastes even better the next day, making it great for meal prep or as leftovers. It also freezes well, so you can make a big batch and save some for later.