slow cooker cowboy beans recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best slow cooker cowboy beans recipe

I’m so excited to share my favorite slow cooker cowboy beans recipe with you! This hearty, comforting dish has been a staple in our household for years, and I just know your family will love it too. The origins of cowboy beans are a bit unclear, but I like to think they’re a nod to the rugged, hardworking cowboys of the Wild West.

Whatever its roots, this recipe is a true American classic that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. When I first started making it, I was blown away by how tender and delicious the beans turned out – it’s all about using the right combination of ingredients and letting the slow cooker do its magic. My kids just devour this dish, and it’s perfect for a weeknight supper or a casual get-together with friends.

One of the best things about cowboy beans is that they’re incredibly versatile – you can serve them on their own, or add some crusty bread or cornbread for a satisfying meal. And let’s not forget about the health benefits – this recipe is chock-full of fiber, protein, and complex carbohydrates that will keep you full and energized all day long. As an added bonus, you can easily customize this recipe to suit your family’s tastes – add some diced jalapenos for an extra kick of heat or swap out the beef for ground turkey for a leaner option.

Trust me when I say that these slow cooker cowboy beans are a game-changer – they’re one of those rare recipes that will become a regular fixture in your kitchen rotation. So go ahead and give them a try – your taste buds (and your family) will thank you! My kids just love helping me prep this recipe – they’re fascinated by the way the beans absorb all those rich flavors as they cook low and slow in the slow cooker.

It really is a fun process to watch unfold – and don’t even get me started on how much everyone enjoys digging in afterwards! It’s one of those recipes where everyone comes together around the table, sharing stories and laughter over a warm, satisfying meal.

Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans

4.7 from 1802 votes

A hearty and flavorful dish made with beans, bacon, ground beef, and a blend of spices. This slow cooker recipe is perfect for a comforting meal, and it is easy to prepare.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Beans

1 lb dried pinto beans
6 cups water

For the Meat

1 lb ground beef
6 slices bacon

For the Spices

1 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp smoked paprika

For the Sauce

1 cup ketchup
1/2 cup barbecue sauce
1/2 cup brown sugar

👨‍🍳Directions

1Rinse the pinto beans and pick out any debris.
2Place them in a large pot with water and bring to a boil.
3Boil for 2 minutes, then remove from heat and let sit for 1 hour.
4Drain and set aside.
5This process helps to soften the beans and reduce cooking time.
6In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
7Drain off any excess fat.
8Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
9In the same skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
10Remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside, leaving the grease in the skillet.
11Add the chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika to the skillet with the bacon grease.
12Cook over medium heat for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
13Add the ketchup, barbecue sauce, and brown sugar to the skillet.
14Stir to combine and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
15Return the ground beef and bacon to the skillet and stir to combine.
16Transfer the bean mixture to the slow cooker.
17Pour the sauce mixture over the beans and stir to combine.
18Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the beans are tender and the flavors have melded.
19The beans should be soft and easily mashed with a fork.
20Stir occasionally to prevent the beans from sticking to the bottom of the slow cooker.
21If the beans become too thick, add a little water to thin them out.

🔧Equipment

Slow cooker
Large pot
Spatula

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: You can substitute kidney beans for pinto beans if desired. For a spicier dish, add diced jalapeño peppers to the sauce mixture.

One of my favorite things about this slow cooker cowboy beans recipe is that it’s so versatile – perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions alike!

To store leftovers safely, be sure to refrigerate within two hours of serving and consume within three days; freeze cooked leftovers for up to three months for added convenience.

When reheating leftover cowboy beans, simply add them back into their juices (liquid from cooking) or water as needed until heated through; serve hot over rice or enjoy as-is.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans

Q: What type of beans should I use for this recipe?

A: For this slow cooker cowboy beans recipe, I like to use pinto beans – they have a naturally sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with the bold flavors of the chili and spices. You can also use kidney beans if you prefer; just be sure to adjust cooking time accordingly.

Q: Can I make these cowboy beans in advance?

A: Yes! One of my favorite things about this recipe is that it makes ahead beautifully – simply cook the beans until tender, then refrigerate or freeze until serving time. You can also prep all your ingredients before adding them to the slow cooker if you prefer.

Q: How do I adjust cooking time for different types of beans?

A: Generally speaking, pinto beans take about 8-10 hours on low in a slow cooker to become tender; kidney beans may take 10-12 hours due to their slightly firmer texture.

Q: Can I make these cowboy beans vegetarian?

A: Absolutely! Simply omit the ground beef or ground turkey (if using) and increase the amount of vegetables in the recipe to suit your taste preferences.

Q: Do these cowboy beans freeze well?

A: Yes! These slow cooker cowboy beans freeze beautifully – simply thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating as desired.

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