Name: Crock Pot Cowgirl Soup recipe
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon Olive Oil: Olive oil is used for sautéing the onions and garlic at the beginning, building a foundational layer of flavor before the slow cooking process. It adds a subtle richness and helps to soften the onions and garlic, releasing their aromatic oils. While optional (you can skip sautéing for an even easier recipe), sautéing the aromatics in olive oil enhances the overall depth of flavor of the soup. Extra virgin olive oil is a great choice for its flavor and health benefits, but regular olive oil or any other neutral cooking oil will work as well.; 1 large Yellow Onion, chopped: Onion is a fundamental aromatic vegetable that forms the flavor base for countless soups and stews. Yellow onions are versatile, providing a balanced savory and slightly sweet flavor that mellows beautifully during slow cooking. Chopping the onion into small to medium pieces ensures it cooks evenly and incorporates well into the soup. Onion adds depth, sweetness, and a subtle pungency that is essential to the overall taste profile of Cowgirl Soup.; 2 cloves Garlic, minced: Garlic is another crucial aromatic ingredient, adding a pungent, savory, and slightly spicy note that complements the other flavors in the soup. Freshly minced garlic is always preferred for the most intense flavor. Two cloves provide a good garlic presence, but if you are a garlic enthusiast, feel free to add an extra clove or two for a bolder garlic kick. Garlic, like onion, softens and sweetens as it slow cooks, infusing the entire soup with its characteristic aroma and flavor.; 1 (15-ounce) can Black Beans, rinsed and drained: Black beans are a key component of Cowgirl Soup, providing a hearty, creamy texture and a boost of plant-based protein and fiber. Rinsing and draining the black beans removes excess sodium and any starchy liquid from the can, resulting in a cleaner flavor and better consistency in the soup. Black beans contribute a slightly earthy and subtly sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with the other Southwestern-inspired ingredients in the soup. They also add visual appeal with their dark color.; 1 (15-ounce) can Pinto Beans, rinsed and drained: Pinto beans, similar to black beans, add to the creamy texture and protein content of the soup. They offer a slightly different flavor profile – milder and nuttier than black beans – which adds complexity to the bean blend. Rinsing and draining pinto beans is also recommended to remove excess sodium and starchy liquid. The combination of black beans and pinto beans creates a well-rounded bean base for the soup, both in terms of flavor and texture.; 1 (15-ounce) can Kidney Beans, rinsed and drained: Kidney beans complete the trio of beans in Cowgirl Soup, bringing a slightly firmer texture and a more pronounced “beany” flavor. They add another layer of depth and heartiness to the soup. Red kidney beans are commonly used and contribute a vibrant color to the soup. Rinsing and draining kidney beans is also essential for controlling sodium and ensuring optimal soup consistency.; 1 (15-ounce) can Corn, drained (or 1 ½ cups frozen corn): Corn adds sweetness, a pop of color, and a pleasant chewy texture to the soup. Canned corn, drained, is a convenient option, but frozen corn kernels work equally well and may even offer a slightly fresher flavor. If using frozen corn, no need to thaw it before adding to the crock pot. Corn contributes a subtle sweetness that balances the savory and spicy elements of the soup and adds a classic Southwestern touch.; 1 (14.5-ounce) can Diced Tomatoes, undrained: Diced tomatoes form the liquid base of the soup and contribute acidity, sweetness, and a vibrant tomato flavor. Using diced tomatoes undrained is important as the juice adds to the overall liquid content and flavor of the soup. Canned diced tomatoes are a pantry staple and provide consistent flavor and texture year-round. You can use regular diced tomatoes or fire-roasted diced tomatoes for a slightly smoky depth of flavor.; 1 (10-ounce) can Diced Tomatoes and Green Chilies (like Rotel), undrained: Diced tomatoes and green chilies, such as Rotel, add a touch of mild heat and extra flavor dimension to the soup. These canned tomatoes typically contain green chilies like jalapeños or serranos, which provide a subtle warmth without being overly spicy. Using them undrained contributes to the liquid and flavor of the soup. If you are sensitive to spice, you can use mild Rotel or look for diced tomatoes with mild green chilies. For those who love heat, you can use hot Rotel or add extra chopped jalapeños to the soup.; 1 cup Vegetable Broth (or Chicken Broth for non-vegetarian): Vegetable broth (or chicken broth for non-vegetarian versions) adds extra liquid and depth of flavor to the soup. It helps to create the desired soup consistency and enhances the overall savory notes. Low-sodium vegetable broth is recommended to control the salt content. You can also use homemade broth or bouillon cubes dissolved in water.; 1 packet Taco Seasoning (about 2 tablespoons): Taco seasoning is the flavor powerhouse of Cowgirl Soup, providing a blend of Southwestern spices that create its signature taste. Pre-made taco seasoning is a convenient and readily available option. Most taco seasoning packets contain a mix of chili powder, cumin, oregano, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and sometimes cayenne pepper. Check the ingredient list if you are sensitive to certain spices or want to ensure it’s gluten-free. You can also make your own taco seasoning blend from scratch if you prefer to control the ingredients and spice level.; Optional Toppings (for serving): Shredded Cheddar Cheese or Monterey Jack Cheese: For creamy richness and cheesy goodness.; Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: For tanginess and coolness.; Avocado, diced: For creamy texture and healthy fats.; Cilantro, chopped: For freshness and herbaceousness.; Green Onions, sliced: For a mild oniony bite and freshness.; Tortilla Chips, crushed: For crunch and a fun textural element.; Lime Wedges: For a squeeze of acidity and brightness.

Ingredients

Scale

1 tablespoon Olive Oil: Olive oil is used for sautéing the onions and garlic at the beginning, building a foundational layer of flavor before the slow cooking process. It adds a subtle richness and helps to soften the onions and garlic, releasing their aromatic oils. While optional (you can skip sautéing for an even easier recipe), sautéing the aromatics in olive oil enhances the overall depth of flavor of the soup. Extra virgin olive oil is a great choice for its flavor and health benefits, but regular olive oil or any other neutral cooking oil will work as well.

1 large Yellow Onion, chopped: Onion is a fundamental aromatic vegetable that forms the flavor base for countless soups and stews. Yellow onions are versatile, providing a balanced savory and slightly sweet flavor that mellows beautifully during slow cooking. Chopping the onion into small to medium pieces ensures it cooks evenly and incorporates well into the soup. Onion adds depth, sweetness, and a subtle pungency that is essential to the overall taste profile of Cowgirl Soup.

2 cloves Garlic, minced: Garlic is another crucial aromatic ingredient, adding a pungent, savory, and slightly spicy note that complements the other flavors in the soup. Freshly minced garlic is always preferred for the most intense flavor. Two cloves provide a good garlic presence, but if you are a garlic enthusiast, feel free to add an extra clove or two for a bolder garlic kick. Garlic, like onion, softens and sweetens as it slow cooks, infusing the entire soup with its characteristic aroma and flavor.

1 (15-ounce) can Black Beans, rinsed and drained: Black beans are a key component of Cowgirl Soup, providing a hearty, creamy texture and a boost of plant-based protein and fiber. Rinsing and draining the black beans removes excess sodium and any starchy liquid from the can, resulting in a cleaner flavor and better consistency in the soup. Black beans contribute a slightly earthy and subtly sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with the other Southwestern-inspired ingredients in the soup. They also add visual appeal with their dark color.

1 (15-ounce) can Pinto Beans, rinsed and drained: Pinto beans, similar to black beans, add to the creamy texture and protein content of the soup. They offer a slightly different flavor profile – milder and nuttier than black beans – which adds complexity to the bean blend. Rinsing and draining pinto beans is also recommended to remove excess sodium and starchy liquid. The combination of black beans and pinto beans creates a well-rounded bean base for the soup, both in terms of flavor and texture.

1 (15-ounce) can Kidney Beans, rinsed and drained: Kidney beans complete the trio of beans in Cowgirl Soup, bringing a slightly firmer texture and a more pronounced “beany” flavor. They add another layer of depth and heartiness to the soup. Red kidney beans are commonly used and contribute a vibrant color to the soup. Rinsing and draining kidney beans is also essential for controlling sodium and ensuring optimal soup consistency.

1 (15-ounce) can Corn, drained (or 1 ½ cups frozen corn): Corn adds sweetness, a pop of color, and a pleasant chewy texture to the soup. Canned corn, drained, is a convenient option, but frozen corn kernels work equally well and may even offer a slightly fresher flavor. If using frozen corn, no need to thaw it before adding to the crock pot. Corn contributes a subtle sweetness that balances the savory and spicy elements of the soup and adds a classic Southwestern touch.

1 (14.5-ounce) can Diced Tomatoes, undrained: Diced tomatoes form the liquid base of the soup and contribute acidity, sweetness, and a vibrant tomato flavor. Using diced tomatoes undrained is important as the juice adds to the overall liquid content and flavor of the soup. Canned diced tomatoes are a pantry staple and provide consistent flavor and texture year-round. You can use regular diced tomatoes or fire-roasted diced tomatoes for a slightly smoky depth of flavor.

1 (10-ounce) can Diced Tomatoes and Green Chilies (like Rotel), undrained: Diced tomatoes and green chilies, such as Rotel, add a touch of mild heat and extra flavor dimension to the soup. These canned tomatoes typically contain green chilies like jalapeños or serranos, which provide a subtle warmth without being overly spicy. Using them undrained contributes to the liquid and flavor of the soup. If you are sensitive to spice, you can use mild Rotel or look for diced tomatoes with mild green chilies. For those who love heat, you can use hot Rotel or add extra chopped jalapeños to the soup.

1 cup Vegetable Broth (or Chicken Broth for non-vegetarian): Vegetable broth (or chicken broth for non-vegetarian versions) adds extra liquid and depth of flavor to the soup. It helps to create the desired soup consistency and enhances the overall savory notes. Low-sodium vegetable broth is recommended to control the salt content. You can also use homemade broth or bouillon cubes dissolved in water.

1 packet Taco Seasoning (about 2 tablespoons): Taco seasoning is the flavor powerhouse of Cowgirl Soup, providing a blend of Southwestern spices that create its signature taste. Pre-made taco seasoning is a convenient and readily available option. Most taco seasoning packets contain a mix of chili powder, cumin, oregano, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and sometimes cayenne pepper. Check the ingredient list if you are sensitive to certain spices or want to ensure it’s gluten-free. You can also make your own taco seasoning blend from scratch if you prefer to control the ingredients and spice level.

Optional Toppings (for serving):
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese or Monterey Jack Cheese: For creamy richness and cheesy goodness.
- Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: For tanginess and coolness.
- Avocado, diced: For creamy texture and healthy fats.
- Cilantro, chopped: For freshness and herbaceousness.
- Green Onions, sliced: For a mild oniony bite and freshness.
- Tortilla Chips, crushed: For crunch and a fun textural element.
- Lime Wedges: For a squeeze of acidity and brightness.

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Instructions

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics (Optional but Recommended)

Heat olive oil in a skillet (optional): If you want to sauté the onions and garlic (recommended for deeper flavor), heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

Add chopped onion and cook until softened: Add the chopped yellow onion to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent.

Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Transfer sautéed aromatics to crock pot (optional): If you sautéed the onions and garlic, transfer them to the bottom of your crock pot. If skipping sautéing, simply add the chopped onion and minced garlic directly to the crock pot.

Step 2: Add Remaining Soup Ingredients to Crock Pot

Add beans, corn, and tomatoes to crock pot: Add the rinsed and drained black beans, pinto beans, and kidney beans to the crock pot. Add the drained corn (or frozen corn). Add the undrained cans of diced tomatoes and diced tomatoes with green chilies.

Pour in vegetable broth: Pour the vegetable broth (or chicken broth) into the crock pot.

Sprinkle in taco seasoning: Sprinkle the packet of taco seasoning over the ingredients in the crock pot.

Step 3: Slow Cook the Soup

Stir to combine: Stir all the ingredients in the crock pot to ensure the taco seasoning is distributed throughout and everything is well combined.

Cover and cook on low or high: Cover the crock pot and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. Cooking on low for a longer time allows the flavors to meld and deepen even more, but cooking on high is a faster option if you’re short on time.

Check for doneness: The soup is ready when the vegetables are tender and the flavors have blended together beautifully. You can taste the soup and adjust seasoning if needed at this point.

Step 4: Shred Chicken (Optional, for non-vegetarian version)

Cook chicken separately (if adding): If you want to add shredded chicken to your Cowgirl Soup (for a non-vegetarian version), you will need to cook the chicken separately. You can poach chicken breasts or thighs, bake them, or use leftover cooked chicken. Shred the cooked chicken using two forks.

Stir in shredded chicken (optional): About 30 minutes before serving, stir the shredded cooked chicken into the crock pot and heat through. Alternatively, you can serve shredded chicken as a topping for individual bowls of soup.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Ladle soup into bowls: Ladle the Crock Pot Cowgirl Soup into bowls.

Add desired toppings: Let everyone customize their bowls with their favorite toppings! Popular toppings include shredded cheese, sour cream or Greek yogurt, diced avocado, chopped cilantro, green onions, crushed tortilla chips, and lime wedges.

Serve hot and enjoy! Serve immediately while hot and enjoy your delicious and effortless Crock Pot Cowgirl Soup!

Nutrition

Serving Size: one normal portion
Calories: 300-350 kcal
Sugar: 8-12g
Sodium: 600-800mg
Fat: 8-12g
Carbohydrates: 45-55g
Fiber: 15-20g
Protein: 15-20g