This Easy Three Meat Crock Pot Cowboy Beans recipe is a hearty and tasty meal! Packed with flavors from ground beef, sausage, and bacon, it’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers.
Imagine cozying up to a warm bowl of this bean goodness. You can even whip it up in the morning and let it cook all day—talk about a simple dinner solution! It’s like a hug in a bowl! 🤗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This adds richness to the dish. You can swap it with ground turkey for a lighter option. Just know that it may slightly change the flavors!
Bacon: Bacon gives a nice smoky flavor. If you’re looking for a healthier choice, turkey bacon works well too, but it can be less flavorful. Alternatively, leave it out if you need a vegetarian version—just increase the smoked sausage!
Smoked Sausage: Kielbasa or Andouille is perfect here! If you want a milder taste, go with a regular sausage. Vegetarian sausage can also be used to keep it plant-based.
Beans: Baked, pinto, and kidney beans create a nice texture mix. Feel free to use black beans or chickpeas if you like those better. Just remember to adjust the seasonings accordingly!
Barbecue Sauce: Sweet and tangy sauce brings everything together. Homemade sauce is great, but any store-bought version works. Look for low-sugar options if you want to cut calories.
How Do I Cook Bacon and Ground Beef for the Best Flavor?
Cooking bacon and ground beef properly enhances the overall flavor of your cowboy beans. Here’s how:
- Use a large skillet over medium heat to cook your bacon until it’s crispy. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
- Once crisp, move the bacon to paper towels to drain, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet for added flavor.
- Next, add the ground beef to this fat and cook until it’s browned, crumbling it as you go. This should take about 5-6 minutes.
- Don’t forget to properly season the beef with a pinch of salt to help enhance the flavor!
This method ensures you get that smoky taste from the bacon and juicy texture from the beef for the perfect base to your dish!
Easy Three Meat Crock Pot Cowboy Beans
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meat:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 ounces bacon, chopped
- 1 pound smoked sausage (such as kielbasa or andouille), sliced
For the Beans:
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cans (15 oz each) baked beans
- 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
For the Seasoning and Sauce:
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15-20 minutes for prep and cooking the bacon and beef. After that, you’ll let it cook in the crock pot for either 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. Perfect for busy days!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Bacon:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until it’s crispy, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove it and let it drain on paper towels. Keep the delicious bacon fat in the skillet!
2. Brown the Ground Beef:
Add the ground beef to the skillet with the bacon fat. Cook until it’s browned, which should take about 5-6 minutes. Remember to break it up with a spoon as it cooks. If there’s too much grease, feel free to drain some off.
3. Cook the Onion:
Add the finely chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until it’s softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. This adds a nice flavor to your dish!
4. Mix It All in the Crock Pot:
Transfer the cooked bacon, ground beef, and onions into a large crock pot. You’re doing great so far!
5. Add the Beans and Sauces:
Now, it’s time to add in the sliced smoked sausage, baked beans, pinto beans, kidney beans, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder. Stir everything together nicely so that all the flavors mix well.
6. Cook to Perfection:
Cover the crock pot and let it do its magic! Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This slow cooking will let all the flavors meld beautifully.
7. Final Touch:
Before serving, season with salt and pepper to taste. Give it a good stir—now it’s ready to be enjoyed!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the cowboy beans hot, and if you like, pair them with cornbread or serve over rice to complete the meal. Enjoy this savory comfort food with family and friends!
This smoky, savory, and sweet bean dish is perfect for gatherings, tailgating, or a cozy family dinner!
FAQ for Easy Three Meat Crock Pot Cowboy Beans
Can I Use Different Types of Meat?
Absolutely! You can swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. If you’re not a fan of bacon, you can omit it or replace it with turkey bacon for a healthier alternative. Just make sure to adjust cooking times as necessary!
What Can I Use Instead of Barbecue Sauce?
If you don’t have barbecue sauce on hand, you can make a quick substitute by mixing ketchup with a splash of vinegar, honey, and a pinch of smoked paprika. Alternatively, a sweet and tangy pesto can also work in a pinch!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes, you can! Simply eliminate the meat and replace it with more beans or add in some grilled vegetables for texture. You can use vegetarian sausage for added protein if you wish! Make sure to check the barbecue sauce for any hidden meat products.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. You can also freeze the cowboy beans for up to 3 months—just thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating!
