Crock Pot Cowboy Beans 🤠🍲

These Crock Pot Cowboy Beans are a hearty, smoky, and flavorful dish packed with ground beef, bacon, and beans. Perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or a cozy family dinner, this recipe is super easy to make in your slow cooker.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 lb bacon, chopped
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (15 oz) can baked beans (do not drain)
  • 1 cup barbecue sauce
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

Step 1: Cook the Bacon and Beef

  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside.
  2. In the same skillet, cook the ground beef and onion until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain excess grease.
  3. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.

Step 2: Add Ingredients to Crock Pot

  1. In your Crock Pot, add the cooked ground beef, bacon, and onion mixture.
  2. Add the kidney beans, pinto beans, black beans, and baked beans.
  3. Stir in the barbecue sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Slow Cook

  1. Stir everything together until well combined.
  2. Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or on HIGH for 3–4 hours.

Step 4: Serve

  1. Once the beans are thick and bubbly, give them one final stir.
  2. Serve warm with cornbread, biscuits, or as a side to grilled meats.

Tips:

  • Make Ahead: You can cook the bacon and ground beef the night before to save time.
  • Spice It Up: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
  • Add Veggies: Throw in bell peppers or diced tomatoes for added texture and flavor.

Storage:

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Freeze in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months.

Serving Suggestions:

  • Perfect as a main dish with cornbread.
  • Great as a side dish for barbecue ribs, grilled chicken, or burgers.

Nutritional Info (per serving, approx.):

  • Calories: 350
  • Protein: 20g
  • Carbs: 40g
  • Fat: 12g

These Crock Pot Cowboy Beans are hearty, filling, and bursting with bold flavors. They’re sure to become a family favorite at your next gathering or weeknight dinner. 🤠🍲 Enjoy!