These Easy Crockpot Cowboy Beans are packed with flavor and protein! Made with beans, ground beef, and a tasty BBQ sauce, it’s a hearty meal perfect for any gathering or family dinner.
We love how easy it is to throw everything in the crockpot and let it do the work. Just a few hours later, you have a warm, delicious dish that everyone will enjoy. You might even want to serve it with cornbread—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I love the hearty flavor of ground beef in this recipe, but you can easily swap it for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. For a vegetarian twist, try using lentils or plant-based meat alternatives.
Mixed Beans: The combination of beans adds texture and flavor. If you’re out of certain types, feel free to use just one or two kinds of canned beans. Canned chickpeas or white beans work well too!
Baked Beans: These bring sweetness and depth to the dish. If you want to make it from scratch, just mix in some cooked beans with brown sugar and a touch of molasses.
Barbecue Sauce: Your favorite brand works best here! For a healthier alternative, you can look for a low-sugar version or make your own with tomato sauce, vinegar, and spices.
How Do I Achieve the Best Flavor in My Cowboy Beans?
Getting the flavor right is key, and there are a few steps to consider. First, don’t rush the browning of the beef and onions; it enhances the taste.
- Brown the beef in a medium skillet until it’s fully cooked, letting the onions soften.
- Make sure to drain any excess fat to avoid greasy beans.
- Combine all the sauce ingredients in a bowl before adding them to the slow cooker. Mixing them ensures even flavor distribution.
- Cook on low for a longer period to let the beans soak in all the flavors. Trust me; it’s worth the wait!
By following these tips, you’ll end up with a delicious, warming dish perfect for gatherings or busy weeknights! Enjoy!
Easy Crockpot Cowboy Beans Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cans (15 ounces each) mixed beans (such as pinto, kidney, and black beans), drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) baked beans
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper for a spicy kick
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and then just let it cook in the crockpot for 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. Perfect for a day when you want to set it and forget it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef and Onion:
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef together with the finely chopped onion. Cook until the beef is no longer pink and the onion is softened, usually about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat to keep it from being greasy.
2. Gather Your Ingredients in the Crockpot:
Transfer the cooked beef and onion mixture into your slow cooker. Add the drained mixed beans and one can of baked beans. This will give your dish that classic, comforting flavor!
3. Mix the Sauce:
In a separate bowl, mix together the barbecue sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. If you like a bit of heat, add the cayenne pepper too. Stir until well combined.
4. Combine Everything:
Pour the sauce mixture over the beans and beef in the slow cooker. Stir everything together gently to ensure that the beans are evenly coated with the sauce.
5. Cook It Up:
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This long cooking time allows all the flavors to meld beautifully!
6. Final Touches:
Once cooked, give the cowboy beans a good stir before serving. Taste them and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add a little more salt or spice according to your preference.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve these hearty cowboy beans hot, alongside some cornbread or over rice for a complete and satisfying meal. Enjoy the cozy flavors!
Enjoy your hearty, flavorful Easy Crockpot Cowboy Beans!
FAQ for Easy Crockpot Cowboy Beans
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitution that will still keep the dish hearty while making it a bit leaner. Just follow the same cooking instructions for browning the turkey before adding it to the slow cooker.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes! You can omit the ground beef and replace it with an equivalent amount of cooked lentils or a plant-based meat substitute. Additionally, ensure that the barbecue sauce is vegetarian-friendly.
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have All the Beans Listed?
No problem! You can mix and match different types of canned beans based on what you have on hand. The recipe is flexible, so feel free to use kidney beans, black beans, or even chickpeas. Just make sure they’re drained and rinsed!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage—just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating on the stove or microwave!
These tips should help you enjoy your Easy Crockpot Cowboy Beans even more! Happy cooking!
