Easy Crockpot Cowboy Beans Recipe

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This Easy Crockpot Cowboy Beans recipe is a hearty, flavorful dish packed with beans, ground beef, and a hint of barbecue sauce. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings!

I love tossing everything into the crockpot and letting it do the work. Plus, the aroma around the house is amazing—you might even lure the neighbors in for a taste! 😊

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Ground Beef: I love using ground beef for its rich flavor, but you can substitute with ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a leaner option. Plant-based crumbles work well for a vegetarian version too!

Canned Beans: Kidney, pinto, and northern beans make a great combo, but feel free to mix it up! Black beans or white beans can be great alternatives. Just remember to drain and rinse them to reduce sodium.

Barbecue Sauce: The barbecue sauce adds a smoky sweetness. If you’re out or prefer something different, try using a homemade sauce or even salsa for a zesty kick.

Spices: Chili powder and smoked paprika give depth. Adjust these to taste according to how spicy you like it! If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika works too, but you’ll miss that smoky flavor.

How Do I Ensure My Beans are Perfectly Tender?

Cooking beans in the crockpot is super easy, but getting them just right requires a little attention. Here’s how to make them tender and flavorful:

  • Start by browning the ground beef in a skillet. This step adds more flavor!
  • Don’t skip rinsing the beans. It helps remove excess sodium and makes them taste fresher.
  • Cover your crockpot while cooking. This keeps the heat inside and helps the beans soften.
  • Cooking on LOW for 6-8 hours is ideal. If you’re in a hurry, HIGH for 3-4 hours works, but check them to ensure they’re soft.

Remember, different crockpots may cook at various speeds, so it’s good to check on your beans as they cook!

Easy Crockpot Cowboy Beans Recipe

Easy Crockpot Cowboy Beans

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For The Bean Mixture:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) northern beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

For The Flavorful Sauce:

  • 1 cup barbecue sauce
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp yellow mustard
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
  • 1 cup beef broth or water

How Much Time Will You Need?

This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and then you’ll cook it in the crockpot. If you’re on low, set it for 6-8 hours; for high heat, 3-4 hours is perfect. It’s an easy, hands-off meal that’s great for any day!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Browning the Beef:

Start by placing a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until it’s browned all the way through. Make sure to break it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Once it’s no longer pink, drain any excess fat and transfer the beef to your crockpot.

2. Sautéing the Aromatics:

In the same skillet, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 2-3 minutes until they’re fragrant and soft, then add them to the crockpot with the beef. This step really boosts the flavor!

3. Adding the Beans:

Now it’s time to add all those lovely beans! Throw the kidney beans, pinto beans, and northern beans into the crockpot; make sure to drain and rinse them first to get rid of excess sodium.

4. Mixing the Sauce:

In a separate bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, yellow mustard, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper (if using), and the beef broth. Stir until everything is well mixed and then pour this delicious sauce over the beans and beef in your crockpot.

5. Cooking the Dish:

Give it a gentle stir to ensure everything is combined nicely. Cover your crockpot and set it to cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the beans are tender and everything is bubbling with flavor!

6. Final Touch and Serving:

Once it’s done, taste your Cowboy Beans and add more salt, pepper, or cayenne pepper if you desire. Serve your beans hot either as a hearty main course or a side dish. They’re especially good topped with shredded cheese, fresh chopped green onions, or alongside some delicious cornbread.

Enjoy your hearty, flavorful Easy Crockpot Cowboy Beans! They’re sure to be a hit! 😊

Easy Crockpot Cowboy Beans Recipe

FAQ for Easy Crockpot Cowboy Beans

Can I Use Different Types of Meat?

Absolutely! While this recipe uses ground beef, you can substitute it with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time if needed; ground turkey or chicken may cook faster.

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage. Just make sure to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?

Yes! To add more heat, increase the amount of cayenne pepper, or add chopped jalapeños or hot sauce to taste. Just start with a small amount, and you can always adjust to your preferred spice level!

What Should I Serve With Cowboy Beans?

Cowboy Beans are versatile! They’re fantastic served with cornbread, over rice, or even as a filling for burritos or tacos. For a lighter option, serve alongside a fresh salad or steamed veggies!

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