This Easy Crockpot Cowboy Beans dish is a hearty mix of beans, ground beef, and sweet BBQ sauce. It cooks slowly, letting all the flavors blend beautifully!
It’s perfect for gatherings, and I love how it fills the house with a yummy smell. Plus, who doesn’t love a one-pot meal that offers leftovers? Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This gives the dish its protein. If you want a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken works well. For a vegetarian twist, try using lentils or a mix of mushrooms instead.
Pinto, Black, and Kidney Beans: These beans add heartiness. If you can’t find one type, feel free to use other beans like navy or cannellini beans. Canned beans make it easy, but dried beans can be cooked ahead of time if you prefer.
Barbecue Sauce: This is what adds sweetness and flavor to the dish. If you’re out, try using extra ketchup with a bit of vinegar or smoky seasoning to replicate that BBQ taste.
Onion and Garlic: Essential for flavor. If you’re not a fan of onion, shallots or leeks can be milder alternatives. For garlic, garlic powder can work in a pinch.
How Do You Ensure the Beans Are Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking beans in a crockpot is easier than you think! The key is to layer your ingredients properly and stir occasionally. Here’s how to do it:
- Start with browning the ground beef, onion, and garlic. This enhances their flavors.
- Layer your beans first to help them soak in the sauce’s flavors throughout cooking.
- Combine your sauce ingredients and pour evenly over the beans. Avoid too much stirring at the beginning to keep the beans intact.
- Cooking on low for 6-8 hours achieves a delicious thick consistency. If you cook on high, keep an eye on it to avoid burning.
Don’t forget to taste and adjust your seasoning before serving, as flavors can mellow over time!
How to Make Easy Crockpot Cowboy Beans
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans (15 oz each) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) baked beans
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley or green onions for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes for prep time, plus you’ll need to cook it for 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high in the crockpot. It’s a perfect set-it-and-forget-it meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Beef Mixture:
Begin by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook them together until the beef is browned and the onion softens, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Once done, drain any excess fat from the skillet.
2. Transfer to the Crockpot:
Once the beef mixture is cooked, carefully transfer it to your crockpot. This will be the hearty base for your cowboy beans!
3. Add the Beans:
Now, add the pinto beans, black beans, kidney beans, and baked beans directly into the crockpot with the beef. It’s a delicious mix of flavors and textures!
4. Mix the Sauce:
In a separate bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well until all ingredients are nicely blended.
5. Combine Everything:
Pour the sauce mixture over the beans and beef in the crockpot. Gently stir everything together to ensure the sauce covers all the beans and beef.
6. Cook:
Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. If you can, stir occasionally to mix everything well. The longer it cooks, the more the flavors develop!
7. Adjust Seasoning:
Before serving, be sure to taste the beans and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You can add a little more salt, pepper, or any spices according to your preference.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
When it’s ready, serve the cowboy beans warm. If you’d like, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or green onions on top for a lovely garnish. Enjoy your comforting and flavorful cowboy beans!
FAQ for Easy Crockpot Cowboy Beans
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative to beef. It will still provide excellent flavor in the dish—just follow the same cooking instructions!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes! To make it vegetarian, simply omit the ground beef and replace it with extra beans, lentils, or even diced vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms for added texture and flavor.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover cowboy beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They reheat beautifully in the microwave or on the stovetop. Just add a splash of water or broth if they thicken up too much!
Can I Freeze Cowboy Beans?
Yes, this dish freezes well! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating!
