1. Brown the Meat:
- Cook Ground Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or turkey until browned and cooked through. Break up the meat into crumbles as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add Aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the cooked meat. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Transfer to Crock Pot: Transfer the cooked meat, onion, and garlic mixture to the crock pot or slow cooker.
2. Combine Ingredients in Crock Pot:
- Add Vegetables and Beans: To the crock pot, add the diced bell pepper, diced tomatoes (with their juices), black beans, kidney beans, corn kernels, and diced green chilies.
- Seasonings: Sprinkle chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper over the ingredients in the crock pot.
- Pour in Broth: Pour the beef or chicken broth over everything in the crock pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
3. Slow Cook:
- Cook on Low: Cover the crock pot with the lid and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours, or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together.
4. Serve:
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or spices to taste.
- Serve: Ladle the hearty Cowboy Soup into bowls. Garnish with shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, diced avocado, chopped cilantro, and tortilla strips, if desired.
Tips for Serving:
- Storage: Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
- Freezing: Cowboy Soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Variations: Feel free to customize this soup by adding other ingredients like diced potatoes, jalapeños for extra heat, or swapping the ground meat for shredded chicken or turkey.
Conclusion:
Hearty Crock Pot Cowboy Soup is a wholesome and satisfying dish that brings together the flavors of Tex-Mex cuisine in a comforting bowl. Perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this soup is easy to prepare in the slow cooker and allows you to enjoy a warm and delicious meal with minimal effort. Serve it with your favorite toppings and enjoy the rich and robust flavors of this Cowboy Soup!