Cowboy Hamburger Soup

This Gluten Free Dairy Free Cowboy Hamburger Soup is warming and simple, packed with tender Yukon Gold potatoes, mixed veggies, and a can of fire-roasted tomatoes for a little kick — made from common pantry and freezer ingredients with no added sugar.

It's a blend of our family's favorite versions of this soup, and it doubles or triples easily for leftovers or a freezer meal.

Why you'll love this recipe

• What is really unique about this recipe is its versatility.
• But not just in ingredients, but in ways that you can make this hearty Cowboy Soup. 
• Can be made on the stovetop or slow cooker.
• This soup can also be prepared ahead of time and placed in a cooler for road trips, then easily reheated in a hotel or airbnb.
• Pair this soup with a basket of toasted gluten free bread slices or Udi's French Baguettes served with dairy free butter.

Soup Recipe Ingredients + Notes

• ground beef-- ground turkey could be substituted
• onion -- we use yellow onion.
• fresh garlic-- using a garlic press really helps bring out a nice garlic flavoring
• fire roasted diced tomatoes-- we enjoy the Muir Glen brand here. Traditional diced tomatoes work well too. The fire roasted flavor provides another level of flavor to this soup.
• tomato juice-- some readers have said that you can substitute this with V8 and it is pretty tasty.
• beef broth-- we recommend the Pacific Foods beef broth, you can purchase it here
• potatoes-- our favorite is Yukon Gold potatoes
• salt - we prefer to use kosher salt
• oregano leaves-- make sure to double check that your spices are gluten and dairy free. We recommend using this here.
• worcestershire sauce in the US, Lea & Perrins is gluten free and safe to use; in Canada check out the French brand. Always check your favorite brands to make sure they're allergen safe for your needs.
• corn frozen or canned work just fine.
• green beans frozen or canned work well.
• pepper- have you tried fresh crushed black pepper from a grinder?

Helpful Recipe Tools

• measuring cups- you'll find these in our kitchen
  nice set of knives for dicing ingredients- We use Zelite knives for easily cutting through those golden potatoes
• large size crockpot- we like using a crockpot like this one here.
• nice skillet for your beef- we love using cast iron skillets like this one here, especially for this delicious soup recipe.

How to Make Slow Cooker Hamburger Soup:

1. Brown and drain the ground beef. 
2. Then place all the rest of the prepped and ready-to-go ingredients in the slow cooker with the beef, on high for 2-3 hours or low for 5-6 hours. Check potatoes for doneness.
3. Enjoy a hearty bowl of gluten free hamburger soup.

Recipe Tips

• Use a garlic press for fresh garlic — it brings out a deeper, more robust garlic flavor.
• Double check that your spices (like oregano) and Worcestershire sauce are labeled gluten and dairy free — Lea & Perrins is a safe US option.
• No tomato juice on hand? Some readers substitute V8 with good results.
• Label and date any portions you freeze, and thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Variations 

• add more veggies- feel free to substitute your favorite veggies such as mushrooms, peas, or carrots.
• trade out protein- Swap your ground beef for ground turkey or venison, etc. 
• swap broth- Trade your beef broth out for chicken broth or stock, beef stock, vegetable beef or stock, etc. 
• thicken it up even more- make this soup almost like a chili by including some beans. Kidney beans would be a great addition. 
• spice it up- for a real kick in the taste buds, add a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce or chipotle sauce. Always make sure your sauces are gluten and dairy-free.  

Storage & Reheat

Following this recipe makes a hearty batch. For our family of five, this size of recipe prepares enough for two meals. Enjoy leftovers the following day or freeze leftovers.

This is also a reminder that Cowboy Soup is a great recipe for meal prepping and a great prep ahead freezer meal. 

To store your leftover soup, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Why This Should Be a Prep Ahead Freezer Meal Recipe in Your Freezer

• easily stores in an iced cooler to take on road trips
• great for meal prep, prepping ahead, freezer meals so dinner later is ready, just needs to thaw. Make sure you're stocked on freezer safe storage bags and other freezer safe airtight containers.
• perfect to share with friends and family who need quick and easy meals (new mom and dads, grieving family and friends, those recovering from surgery, welcome to the neighborhood meals for new neighbors, etc.)
• easy to have leftovers for lunch later
• for college students needing a prepared dinner

Love a good meal plan?
I created a Busy Week Gluten & Dairy Free Dinner Plan with easy family dinners and a done-for-you grocery list.

More Comfort Food Recipes

• potato corn chowder-- tender potato chunks with sweet corn, topped with bacon in a thick chowder
• taco tater tot skillet-- this flavorful, kid-friendly meal can be prepared in a skillet for easy clean up or in a baking dish.
• lasagna soup-- enjoy this easy one-pot soup with the perfect lasagna noodles, topped with a dollop of dairy free ricotta

More Hearty Gluten and Dairy Free Dinner Recipes

• lasagna skillet-- a one-pot meal that takes one of your favorite Italian dishes and really brings it to life. 
• shepherds pie -- a viral recipe all across Pinterest with delicious beef and veggie filling and homemade creamy mashed potato topping
• italian meatballs-- homemade Italian Meatballs that perfectly complete your favorite pasta dish or make an amazing Meatball sub. 
• everyones favorite lasagna-- a classic Italian dish that you can’t go wrong with. It's a constant crowd pleaser, great for meal prepping, and another fantastic freezer meal. 

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