If you’re craving a soulful, hearty dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, then this Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans Recipe is exactly what your kitchen needs. Packed with smoky bacon, savory ground beef, and the rich sweetness of baked beans mingled with a tangy sauce, this dish is a perfect combination of textures and flavors that come together with minimal effort. Whether it’s for a cozy family dinner or a crowd-pleasing potluck, these cowboy beans deliver comfort and satisfaction in every bite, making it an instant favorite you’ll turn to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the first step to creating the perfect Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans Recipe. The components are simple yet essential and work harmoniously to build layers of flavor, texture, and color that keep you coming back for more.
- 1½ lb ground beef: Provides hearty protein and a savory base for the beans.
- 1 lb bacon: Adds that unmistakable smoky crunch and depth of flavor.
- 2 Tbsp dried minced onion flakes: Infuses gentle onion sweetness without the fuss of chopping fresh.
- 2 (55-oz) cans baked beans (Bush’s recommended): The creamy, flavorful star ingredient giving the dish its comforting body.
- 1¼ cups ketchup: Offers tangy sweetness and helps create a rich sauce consistency.
- 3 Tbsp mustard: Lends a slight sharpness that balances the sweetness perfectly.
- 2 garlic cloves (minced): Adds aromatic depth and a subtle bite.
- ⅓ cup brown sugar: Brings caramel notes to sweeten and enhance the flavors.
- ½ cup beef broth: Keeps everything moist while enriching the overall flavor profile.
How to Make Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
Start by browning the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until it’s fully cooked and no longer pink. This step builds a meaty foundation for your cowboy beans, so don’t rush it. Once it’s cooked through, drain excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
Step 2: Prepare the Bacon
Next, cook the bacon until it’s crispy and golden. The crispiness adds wonderful texture contrast to the beans. After cooking, drain the grease and chop the bacon into smaller pieces that will mix seamlessly into the beans later.
Step 3: Combine Everything in the Slow Cooker
Transfer the cooked ground beef and chopped bacon into your 6-quart slow cooker. Add the dried minced onion flakes, baked beans, ketchup, mustard, minced garlic, brown sugar, and beef broth. Give everything a good stir to meld the ingredients evenly.
Step 4: Slow Cook for Maximum Flavor
Cover the slow cooker and set it on LOW. Let the cowboy beans cook gently for 6 to 8 hours. This slow cooking process encourages the flavors to meld deeply and allows the beans to soak up all the tasty goodness, resulting in a richly savory dish that’s pure comfort in a bowl.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans Recipe
Garnishes
For added freshness and a pop of color, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or green onions over your cowboy beans just before serving. A dollop of sour cream can also add a creamy tang that complements the hearty flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans Recipe pairs wonderfully with classic sides like cornbread, coleslaw, or a simple green salad. These options provide a nice balance, adding crunch or sweetness to enhance the overall meal experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Make your meal extra special by serving the cowboy beans in hollowed-out bread bowls or alongside baked potatoes for a fun, rustic presentation. You can also spoon them over rice or toasted baguette slices to switch things up and impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover cowboy beans to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 4 days, making them perfect for quick meals throughout the week.
Freezing
This Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans Recipe freezes beautifully. Portion the beans into freezer-safe containers or bags and label them with the date. They can be stored for up to 3 months, so you’ll always have a hearty meal ready ahead of time.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw the frozen beans overnight in the fridge, then warm them gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. If reheating from refrigerated leftovers, microwave or heat on the stovetop until warmed through, adding a splash of beef broth if needed to maintain moisture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of beans in this recipe?
Absolutely! While baked beans are traditional and bring that sweet, smoky vibe, you can experiment with pinto or kidney beans if you prefer. Just keep in mind the texture and flavor will vary slightly.
Is it possible to make this recipe without bacon?
Yes, if you want to avoid pork, simply omit the bacon or substitute it with smoked turkey bacon or a vegetarian bacon alternative to keep some of that smoky essence.
Can this recipe be made in a regular pot instead of a slow cooker?
Definitely. You can combine all ingredients in a large pot and simmer gently over low heat for about 1 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally until the flavors meld and the sauce thickens.
What can I add to make this dish spicier?
If you like a bit of heat, try adding chopped jalapeños, a dash of cayenne pepper, or a few dashes of hot sauce during the mixing step to give those cowboy beans a nice kick.
How thick should the final consistency be?
The Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans Recipe should be thick and hearty but still saucy enough to be spoonable. If it looks too runny after cooking, simply remove the lid and cook on HIGH for 15-20 more minutes to reduce the liquid.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans Recipe is all about comfort, ease, and irresistible flavor coming together in one pot. It’s an excellent go-to for casual dinners or feeding a hungry crowd without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a staple in your recipe box, bringing warmth and satisfaction to your table time and again.
Print
Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Beans and Legumes
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans is a hearty and flavorful dish featuring a savory mix of ground beef, crispy bacon, and baked beans combined with a tangy, sweet sauce. Perfect for a crowd or meal prep, this recipe makes use of a slow cooker to blend the bold western flavors over several hours, delivering a comforting, rich, and satisfying side or main dish.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1½ lb ground beef
- 1 lb bacon
Beans & Sauces
- 2 (55-oz) cans baked beans (Bush’s)
- 1¼ cups ketchup
- 3 Tbsp mustard
Flavorings & Liquids
- 2 Tbsp dried minced onion flakes
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup beef broth
Instructions
- Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it is no longer pink. Drain excess fat and set aside.
- Prepare the bacon: In the same or a separate skillet, cook the bacon until crispy. Drain off the grease, then chop the bacon into bite-sized pieces.
- Combine ingredients in slow cooker: Transfer the cooked ground beef and chopped bacon to a 6-quart slow cooker. Add the baked beans, ketchup, mustard, dried minced onion flakes, minced garlic, brown sugar, and beef broth. Stir all ingredients thoroughly to combine evenly.
- Cook low and slow: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on the LOW setting for 6 to 8 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the beans to become tender.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add a teaspoon of chili powder or smoked paprika.
- Use turkey bacon or lean ground turkey for a lighter version of this dish.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Ensure to drain excess fat from cooked meats to reduce greasiness.
- This recipe works well for potlucks and can easily be doubled to feed larger groups.
