Crockpot Cowboy Beans are the ultimate comfort food, combining smoky, savory, and slightly sweet flavors in one delicious dish. This slow-cooked recipe is perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or backyard BBQs. What is a crockpot meal?
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!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) of baked beans., undrained
- 1 can (15 oz/425g) of black beans., drained and rinsed.
- 12 cup (120ml) BBQ sauce. 12 cup (120m
- 12 cup (120ml) ketchup.
- 13 cup (80ml) molasses.
- What is Worcestershire sauce? 2 tbsp.
- 2 tbsp yellow mustard. 2 tbsp
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 12 tsp smoked paprika. 1
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
- Cook the Bacon and BeefIn 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.
- What are the ingredients in a 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 SauceIn a bowl, mix together the BBQ sauce, ketchup, molasses, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. In a crockpot, pour the sauce over the beans and meat mixture. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
- Cook the Cowboy Beans in a skillet until they are tender.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.
Notes
- Make AheadCan 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 jalapeos 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 microwave.
Crockpot Cowboy Beans are hearty, filling, and packed with bold flavors—perfect for feeding a hungry crowd!
What are the most frequently asked questions on Quora
How do I make crockpot cowboy beans ahead of time?
Can you make crockpot cowboy beans a day or two in advance? Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally or in the microwave until heated through. The flavors actually meld and deepen overnight, making them even more delicious!
What are some substitutions for beans in this recipe?
Can you easily substitute different types of beans based on your preference. Navy beans, cannellini beans, or even great northern beans work well as alternatives. What proportions can you use for pinto beans and navy beans? The flavor profile will slightly change depending on the bean variety, but the overall smoky and savory essence will remain.
How do I know if my crockpot cowboy beans are cooked?
The beans are perfectly cooked but still hold their shape, not mushy. The sauce should have thickened slightly, coating the beans and meat. You can taste a small spoonful; The flavors should have melded together, and the beans should be easily pierced with a fork. If the beans are still firm, continue cooking on low for another hour or two.
How do I scale this recipe up or double it?
If you double or triple this recipe, you’ll need a larger crockpot. Ensure your crockpot has sufficient capacity for the increased volume. When doubling, you may need to increase the cooking time, especially on the low setting, by an hour or two. Adjust seasonings to taste as you go, and stir more frequently to ensure even cooking.
What are the nutritional benefits of crockpot cowboy beans?
Crockpot cowboy beans are a good source of protein from ground beef and beans, as well as fiber from the beans. The beans also contribute essential vitamins and minerals like iron and folate. The inclusion of bacon provides some fat for satiety, and the variety of beans provides a diverse range of nutrients, making this a hearty and filling meal.
Crockpot Cowboy Beans
A hearty and delicious crockpot dish that's perfect for family gatherings or potlucks. Packed with beans, meat, and savory spices.
Prep
: 10
Total
: 25 minutes
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds ground beef lean
- 1 can kidney beans drained and rinsed
- 1 can pinto beans drained and rinsed
- 1 large onion chopped
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar packed
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a skillet, cook the beef over medium heat until no longer pink; drain.
- Transfer to a slow cooker. Stir in the beans, onion, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, and chili powder.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or until heated through.
Notes
This dish can be made a day in advance and reheated. Serve with cornbread for a complete meal.
