Sizzling Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans Recipe for Cozy Gatherings

Cowboy beans spark memories of hearty ranch-style meals that comfort and delight.

Rugged chuck wagon cooks perfected this classic dish across windswept western landscapes.

Tender beans slow-simmered with smoky bacon create an irresistible aroma that fills kitchens.

Wild ingredients merge into a robust blend promising maximum satisfaction for hungry souls.

Chunky meat and rich seasonings transform simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Wilderness-inspired cooking brings bold flavors directly to your dinner table.

Savor every spoonful of this legendary southwestern comfort food that connects you to generations of culinary tradition.

Why Tremendous Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans Feast Is So Satisfying

• Savor Hearty Comfort: A robust bean dish packed with rich, smoky flavors that warm your soul and satisfy serious hunger cravings.
• Master Hands-Off Cooking: Slow cooker magic transforms simple ingredients into a delectable meal with minimal active preparation and maximum taste.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Perfect for feeding large groups, potlucks, and casual gatherings where everyone craves a filling, protein-packed meal.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows simple ingredient swaps or additions to match personal preferences or dietary needs without compromising deliciousness.

Ingredients Needed for Tremendous Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans Feast

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that adds rich flavor and substance to the cowboy beans.
• Bacon: Provides a smoky, crispy element that enhances the overall taste of the dish.

• Pork and Beans: Creates the classic base for the cowboy bean recipe.
• Kidney Beans, Pinto Beans: Add texture and additional protein to the slow cooker feast.

• Onion, Green Bell Pepper: Provide a savory and slightly sweet aromatic foundation for the dish.

• Barbecue Sauce, Ketchup: Contribute a tangy and sweet flavor profile to the beans.
• Brown Sugar: Adds a caramel-like sweetness that balances the savory ingredients.
• Mustard, Apple Cider Vinegar: Bring a sharp and acidic note to cut through the richness.

• Chili Powder, Garlic Powder, Smoked Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Create a complex and robust seasoning blend that gives depth to the cowboy beans.

Instructions to Make Tremendous Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans Feast

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Cook ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until fully browned. Drain excess fat and set beef aside.

Step 2: Crisp the Bacon

Cook chopped bacon in the same skillet until crispy. Remove bacon and drain on paper towels, keeping a small amount of bacon grease in the skillet.

Step 3: Soften the Vegetables

• Chopped onion
• Diced green bell pepper

Cook until vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker

• Cooked ground beef
• Crispy bacon
• Sauteed onions
• Sauteed green bell pepper
• Pork and beans
• Kidney beans
• Pinto beans

Step 5: Season the Mixture

• Barbecue sauce
• Ketchup
• Brown sugar
• Mustard
• Apple cider vinegar
• Chili powder
• Garlic powder
• Smoked paprika
• Salt
• Pepper

Step 6: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Stir occasionally during cooking.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the cowboy beans hot. Optionally garnish with fresh herbs. Pair with cornbread or serve over rice for a hearty meal.

Pro Tips for Tremendous Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans Feast

• Drain excess fat thoroughly to prevent greasy beans and ensure a cleaner taste. Keep bacon crispy by cooking it separately and adding back just before serving for maximum crunch. Select high-quality barbecue sauce to enhance overall flavor profile and elevate the dish's richness. Use low-sodium beans and control salt content for a healthier version that still delivers robust taste. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container, where they'll stay delicious for 3-4 days and potentially taste even better as flavors meld overnight.

Variations to Try With Tremendous Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans Feast

• Vegetarian Cowboy Beans: Replace ground beef and bacon with plant-based crumbles and smoked tempeh, maintaining rich flavor profiles while keeping protein levels high.
• Spicy Southwest Variation: Add diced jalapeños, chipotle peppers, and increase chili powder for a fiery kick that transforms the traditional recipe into a heat-lovers' dream.
• Mexican-Inspired Cowboy Beans: Incorporate chorizo sausage, replace barbecue sauce with salsa, and top with queso fresco and fresh cilantro for authentic regional flair.
• Smoky Mountain Style: Use smoked sausage instead of ground beef, add liquid smoke, and include bourbon for deeper, complex woodsy undertones that elevate the classic recipe.

Suggested Pairings for Tremendous Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans Feast

• Savor Smoky Bourbon Pairing: Rich, aged bourbon complements the deep, smoky flavors of the cowboy beans, cutting through the richness with its warm, caramel undertones.
• Craft Beer Companion: Choose a robust amber ale or stout with malty characteristics that match the hearty bean and meat combination, enhancing the dish's bold southwestern profile.
• Fresh Citrus Salad Side: Prepare a bright, zesty citrus salad with orange and lime segments to provide a refreshing contrast against the heavy, savory bean feast, balancing the meal's intensity.
• Jalapeño Cornbread Match: Bake a spicy jalapeño cornbread that echoes the beans' robust flavors, offering a crispy texture and additional layer of southwestern-inspired comfort.

How to Keep Tremendous Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans Feast Fresh

• Transfer cooled beans to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Seal tightly to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Package beans in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date to track storage time.
• Place desired portion in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap with a small vent. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Pour beans into a saucepan. Add a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking.

FAQs About Tremendous Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans Feast

• Are cowboy beans a traditional American dish?

Cowboy beans originated in the American Southwest, popularized by cattle drive cooks who made hearty, filling meals for ranch workers using simple, available ingredients.

• Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?

Yes, you can prepare cowboy beans on the stovetop. Combine all ingredients in a large pot, simmer on low heat for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

• What type of beans work best for this recipe?

Pork and beans, kidney beans, and pinto beans are ideal. These beans provide different textures and flavors, creating a rich and satisfying dish.

• How can I make the cowboy beans less sweet?

Reduce the amount of brown sugar or use a sugar substitute. You can also add a splash of hot sauce or extra vinegar to balance the sweetness.

Tremendous Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans Feast Recipe

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4.6 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes (low) or 3 hours 15 minutes to 4 hours 15 minutes (high)
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Hearty slow cooker cowboy beans bring rustic Southwest charm straight to dinner tables with bold, smoky flavors. Each spoonful delivers rich protein-packed comfort that satisfies hungry souls and celebrates classic ranch-style cooking.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 0.5 pound bacon, chopped

Beans:

• 3 cans (15 ounces each) pork and beans
• 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 ounces) pinto beans, drained and rinsed

Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 0.5 cup barbecue sauce
• 0.25 cup ketchup
• 0.25 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Render the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until thoroughly cooked, eliminating any surplus fat. Transfer the meat to a separate plate.
2. In the identical skillet, crisp the bacon until golden brown. Extract the bacon pieces and allow them to drain on absorbent paper, preserving a hint of bacon drippings.
3. Incorporate chopped onions and green bell peppers into the residual bacon drippings. Sauté the vegetables until they become translucent and tender, approximately 4-5 minutes.
4. Transfer the prepared ground beef, crunchy bacon fragments, caramelized vegetables, pork and beans, kidney beans, and pinto beans into a spacious slow cooker.
5. Introduce barbecue sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, apple cider vinegar, chili powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Thoroughly blend all components.
6. Secure the slow cooker lid and allow the mixture to simmer on low temperature for 6-8 hours or on high temperature for 3-4 hours. Periodically mix the contents to ensure even cooking and flavor distribution.
7. Once completed, ladle the robust cowboy beans into serving dishes. Optional: Garnish with fresh chopped herbs and accompany with warm cornbread or fluffy rice for a hearty meal.

Notes

• Enhance meat flavor by using ground beef with higher fat content for more richness and depth.
• Swap bacon with turkey bacon or omit for vegetarian version, adding smoked salt for similar smoky profile.
• Control sodium levels by using low-sodium beans and reducing added salt, perfect for heart-conscious diners.
• Make ahead and freeze for up to 3 months, allowing flavors to develop and intensify during storage.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 337 kcal
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 636 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 52 mg