These Easy Crock Pot BBQ Cowboy Beans are hearty and flavorful! With a mix of beans, ground beef, and tangy BBQ sauce, they’re a great side or main dish for any meal.
They’re so simple to make—just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work. I love serving them at BBQs, and they always get gobbled up. Who can resist a warm, bean-filled hug in a bowl?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the protein base of your beans. If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground turkey or even plant-based ground meat work well. You could also skip the meat entirely for a vegetarian version!
Bacon: The bacon adds a nice smoky flavor and crunch. If you want to make it healthier, use turkey bacon or a smoked sausage instead. You could also skip it and add extra spices for flavor.
Beans: A mix of kidney, pinto, and black beans gives great texture and flavor. If you’re short on one type, don’t worry—feel free to use what you have. Canned or dried beans both work; just adjust the cooking time if you’re using dried beans.
Barbecue Sauce: The BBQ sauce is key for rich flavor. You can use homemade sauce for a personal touch or opt for a lower-sugar version if you’re health-conscious. Flavor it with your favorite sauces too!
How Do I Get My Beans to Be Flavorful?
A big part of making flavorful cowboy beans lies in the preparation of your ingredients. Start by cooking the bacon and using the fat to brown the ground beef. This not only adds flavor but also creates a nice base for the dish.
- Don’t rush the browning of the ground beef—let it get nice and brown for deeper flavor.
- Stir the onion and garlic with the beef until the onions are soft; this creates a savory base.
- Mix everything in the crock pot well to ensure all flavors meld together as it cooks.
And remember, tasting before serving is crucial! Adjust the spices to your liking and enjoy those cozy flavors!
Easy Crock Pot BBQ Cowboy Beans
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Meat:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound bacon, chopped
Vegetables:
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Beans:
- 2 (15 oz) cans (or 3 cups cooked) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can (or 1 1/2 cups cooked) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can (or 1 1/2 cups cooked) black beans, drained and rinsed
Sauces & Spices:
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp yellow mustard
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Optional: 1/2 tsp smoked paprika for smoky flavor
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy recipe will take about 15-20 minutes of prep time. Then, you’ll let the crock pot do its magic by cooking for 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. Perfect for a day when you want to enjoy a hearty meal without spending too much time in the kitchen!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Bacon:
Start off by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook it until it’s nice and crispy. Once done, remove it from the skillet and place it on paper towels to get rid of any extra grease.
2. Browning the Ground Beef:
In the same skillet, using a bit of the leftover bacon fat, add the ground beef. Cook until it’s browned and break it up into small crumbles. Drain any excess grease and set the beef aside.
3. Sautéing the Vegetables:
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef still in it. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onions turn soft and translucent. This will create a delicious base for your beans.
4. Combining the Ingredients in the Crock Pot:
Now, transfer the cooked bacon, beef, onion, and garlic mixture to the crock pot. Add in the drained beans, barbecue sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, black pepper, salt, and smoked paprika (if you’re using it). Stir everything together really well until it’s all coated in that tasty sauce!
5. Cooking Time:
Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This will allow all those flavors to meld beautifully and create a comforting dish.
6. Final Touches:
When the cooking time is up, give the cowboy beans a good stir. Taste them and adjust any seasonings to your liking—maybe a bit more salt or a hint of sweetness?
7. Serve & Enjoy:
These cowboy beans are great served hot on their own or as a hearty side for your BBQ! Enjoy the wonderful blend of flavors and the satisfaction of a delicious meal!
Enjoy your comforting, flavorful crock pot BBQ cowboy beans!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Types of Beans?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for kidney, pinto, and black beans, you can mix and match based on what you have. Great Northern beans or navy beans would also work well, just ensure to drain and rinse them before adding.
How Do I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
To make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the ground beef and bacon. You can replace the ground beef with plant-based meat substitutes or add more beans for extra protein. Don’t forget to adjust the seasonings to enhance the flavor!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the beans a day in advance. After cooking, let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently over low heat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little water to loosen the beans if necessary.
