Crockpot Cowboy Beans are the ultimate comfort food, combining smoky, savory, and slightly sweet flavors in one satisfying dish. Loaded with ground beef, bacon, and a mix of beans, this slow-cooked recipe is perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or backyard BBQs. The crockpot does all the work, making it a no-fuss, crowd-pleasing meal that’s as versatile as it is delicious.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz/425g) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz/425g) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz/425g) baked beans, undrained
- 1 can (15 oz/425g) black beans, drained and rinsed
- ½ cup (120ml) BBQ sauce
- ½ cup (120ml) ketchup
- ⅓ cup (80ml) molasses
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
- Cook the Bacon and Beef:
In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside. In the same skillet, brown the ground beef, breaking it into crumbles. Add the onion and garlic, cooking until the onion is softened. Drain any excess grease. - Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot:
Transfer the cooked beef mixture to a crockpot. Add the cooked bacon, kidney beans, pinto beans, baked beans, and black beans. Stir to combine. - Prepare the Sauce:
In a bowl, mix together the BBQ sauce, ketchup, molasses, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Pour the sauce over the beans and meat mixture in the crockpot. Stir until everything is evenly coated. - Cook the Cowboy Beans:
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally. - Serve:
Serve hot as a main dish or side, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Make Ahead: This dish can be made a day ahead and reheated, as the flavors develop even more over time.
- Bean Substitutions: Use any combination of beans you prefer, such as navy beans or cannellini beans.
- Spice It Up: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Freezing: Leftovers freeze well. Store in airtight containers for up to 3 months and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Crockpot Cowboy Beans are hearty, filling, and packed with bold flavors—perfect for feeding a hungry crowd!