These Easy Crockpot Cowboy Beans are a hearty mix of beans, ground beef, and zesty flavors. Just toss everything into your slow cooker and let it work its magic!
It’s perfect for busy days when you want a tasty meal waiting for you. I love serving it with some cornbread—a match made in heaven! 🍞
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the main protein for your beans. If you’re looking for lighter options, try ground turkey or even plant-based meat alternatives like lentils or diced mushrooms for a vegetarian touch.
Beans: I love using a variety of beans for texture and flavor. If you’re missing one type, feel free to mix different beans you have on hand, like chickpeas or navy beans. Canned beans are super convenient, but dry beans can be used too—just soak and cook them first!
Barbecue Sauce: Choose a barbecue sauce that matches your taste! Homemade sauce is great too, but if you’re low on time, any store-bought sauce works. You can also make it spicier by selecting a chipotle-flavored sauce.
Onion and Garlic: Fresh ingredients add depth to the flavor. If you’re short on time, use onion powder and garlic powder instead—about 1 tsp each would work well! You can also skip these altogether if you prefer a simpler flavor.
What’s the Best Way to Cook Ground Beef?
Cooking ground beef properly is crucial for the flavor of your cowboy beans. Here are the easy steps:
- Start with a skillet on medium heat. This helps the beef brown well without steaming it.
- Add diced onion to the skillet with the beef. It will infuse the meat with flavor as it cooks. Don’t rush—let them cook until they’re soft.
- Add the minced garlic towards the end of the cooking time to prevent burning, which can turn it bitter.
Drain any excess fat afterwards; this keeps the dish from being greasy and lets the bean flavors shine through. You’ll have a tasty base for the rest of your recipe!
Easy Crockpot Cowboy Beans
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 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
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
- Optional: chopped jalapeño or hot sauce for heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This hearty dish takes about 15 minutes of prep time and then it cooks for 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. Perfect for tossing together in the morning and coming home to a warm, delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef:
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef along with the diced onion until the meat is nicely browned and the onions are translucent. Add the minced garlic in the last minute and stir to combine.
2. Drain the Mixture:
After cooking, drain any excess fat from the beef and onion mixture so your beans won’t be greasy.
3. Transfer to Crockpot:
Next, transfer the beef mixture into your crockpot. This is where all the magic will happen!
4. Add the Beans:
Now it’s time to add all the beans you’ve prepared — kidney, pinto, black, and baked beans. They’ll add great flavor and texture to your dish.
5. Mix in the Sauces:
Pour in the barbecue sauce, ketchup, and yellow mustard. These will give your cowboy beans that delicious tangy taste.
6. Spice It Up:
Add Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt to the crockpot. Stir everything well to combine all the flavors. It should smell so good already!
7. Let It Cook:
Cover the crockpot and let it cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Just let it do its thing while you relax or run your errands.
8. Adjust Seasonings:
Once done cooking, taste and adjust the seasonings if needed. If you like it spicy, sprinkle in some chopped jalapeño or a splash of hot sauce.
9. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your cowboy beans hot, and they’re perfect alongside cornbread or over a bed of fluffy rice. Enjoy your hearty meal with family or friends!
This recipe results in a thick, flavorful, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for casual gatherings or just a cozy family dinner. Enjoy the slow-cooked goodness!
FAQ for Easy Crockpot Cowboy Beans
Can I Use Different Types of Meat?
Absolutely! If you want a leaner option, try using ground turkey or chicken. For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the meat with additional beans or lentils for protein.
Can I Prepare This Dish the Night Before?
Yes, you can prep everything the night before! Brown the beef and onions, then combine all the ingredients in the crockpot. Cover and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, just set it to cook.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover cowboy beans in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can easily reheat them in the microwave or on the stove. If you want to freeze them, they’ll keep well for up to 3 months—just thaw them in the fridge before reheating!
Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
Of course! You can easily adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili powder, or by omitting the jalapeños and hot sauce. For a milder flavor, you could even add a teaspoon of sugar to balance it out. Tailor it to your taste!
