If you’re looking for a hearty, comforting one-pot meal that practically makes itself, you have to try Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans. This rustic classic is always a hit at potlucks or backyard BBQs — meaty, saucy, and absolutely packed with flavor, it’s everything you crave in old-school comfort food with almost zero fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Set It and Forget It: The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, simmering everything together while you get on with your day.
- Savory and Sweet: Each spoonful is perfectly balanced with smoky bacon, hearty beef, and a tangy-sweet sauce that’s seriously crave-worthy.
- Feeds a Crowd: This recipe generously serves eight, making it ideal for entertaining, potlucks, or family gatherings.
- Ultimate Comfort Food: Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans thicken with time and taste even better the next day — true stick-to-your-ribs satisfaction!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Nothing fancy here — just pantry staples and basic proteins join forces for incredible results. Each ingredient plays its own part, building layers of smoky, sweet, and savory flavor in every bite. This is a comfort food list, through and through!
- Ground beef (1 pound): Adds hearty, meaty richness and soaks up the sauce beautifully.
- Bacon (½ pound, chopped): Infuses the beans with irresistible smoky, salty undertones — don’t skip it!
- Baked beans with pork (one 28-ounce can): The base of the dish, bringing a slightly sweet, tomatoey flavor.
- Kidney beans (one 15-ounce can, rinsed and drained): Their firm texture holds up perfectly and adds extra color.
- Lima beans (one 15-ounce can, rinsed and drained): Creamy and mild, they balance out the sweetness and provide extra heartiness.
- Onions (2, chopped): Essential for building savory, aromatic depth throughout the beans.
- Ketchup (1 cup): Adds tangy tomato flavor and a hint of nostalgia to the sauce.
- Brown sugar (1 cup): Melts in for a rich sweetness that brings all the flavors together.
- Prepared mustard (1 teaspoon): That pop of sharpness keeps the rich sauce from becoming too heavy.
Variations
These Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans are easy to riff on — don’t let the ingredient list box you in! Here are some of my favorite ways to play with the recipe based on what’s in your pantry or dietary preferences.
- Make it Spicy: Stir in a diced jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce for a gentle kick.
- Swap the Beans: Try pinto or black beans in place of kidney or lima for a southwestern spin.
- Go Vegetarian: Omit the beef and bacon, and add extra beans or some sautéed mushrooms to keep all that heartiness.
- Cheesy Topping: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the hot beans just before serving for gooey perfection.
How to Make Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Bacon
Begin by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the chopped bacon and ground beef, cooking them together. Stir and break up the beef as it browns and the bacon turns crispy and fragrant — about 7 to 10 minutes. Don’t rush this part: a little caramelization adds so much flavor!
Step 2: Build the Bean Mixture in the Slow Cooker
Transfer the cooked meat (bacon and beef, drippings and all) straight into your slow cooker. Add the baked beans, kidney beans, lima beans, chopped onions, ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard. Stir everything thoroughly — you’ll see all those colors and textures coming together like magic.
Step 3: Slow Cook Until Thick and Bubbling
Pop the lid on your slow cooker and set it to LOW. Let the beans simmer away for at least 3 hours, or until everything is thick, saucy, and piping hot. The sauce will become glossy, the beans will meld, and your kitchen will smell like cowboy heaven!
Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans
- Don’t Skimp on Browning: Really let the beef and bacon brown in the pan for maximum savory flavor.
- Drain If You Wish: If you prefer less fat, drain the beef and bacon before adding to the slow cooker — or leave the drippings in for extra richness.
- Thicker Beans, Longer Cook: If you love super thick cowboy beans, take the lid off for the last 30 minutes to let the sauce reduce.
- Make-Ahead Magic: Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans taste even better the next day, so they’re perfect for prepping ahead for gatherings!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans
Garnishes
Sprinkle your cowboy beans with thinly sliced green onions or fresh chopped parsley for brightness, or add a generous handful of shredded cheddar cheese to melt over the top for extra indulgence. A dollop of sour cream is never out of place, especially if you spiced things up!
Side Dishes
Nothing beats pairing Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans with a slab of buttery cornbread or fluffy biscuits for dunking. They also shine as a side alongside grilled sausages, burgers, pulled pork, or even a classic green salad for balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Dish them up in a cast iron skillet for rustic flair at a party, serve in bread bowls for a fun twist, or try loading them onto baked potatoes and topping with cheese for a real Texan treat. A big scoop over rice is ultra-comforting, too!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer leftover Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans to an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 4 days — and honestly, the flavors just get deeper and better with time!
Freezing
These beans freeze like a dream. Let them cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months with zero loss of flavor or texture.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm on the stovetop over low heat or pop in the microwave, stirring occasionally until piping hot. Add a splash of water or broth if they’ve thickened up too much during storage.
FAQs
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Can I use dried beans instead of canned for Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans?
Yes, but you’ll want to soak and fully cook your dried beans before adding them to the slow cooker, since the recipe’s timing is based on using already-cooked canned beans.
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Can I make Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans vegetarian?
Absolutely! Omit the ground beef and bacon, and substitute your favorite plant-based ground or extra beans and mushrooms for all the satisfying texture.
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Is it possible to cook this recipe on high instead of low?
Yes, you can cook on HIGH for about 1.5 to 2 hours, but the flavors meld best on LOW. If you’re in a rush, high heat will still result in a delicious, bubbly pot of beans.
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What’s the best way to serve Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans at a party?
Keep the beans warm in the slow cooker on “keep warm” setting with a ladle for self-serve, or transfer to a rustic dutch oven or crock – they’ll stay cozy and delicious for hours.
Final Thoughts
If you haven’t made Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans yet, it’s the perfect time to dive in. This recipe is pure comfort in a bowl — easy, welcoming, and guaranteed to bring people together around the table. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes an old favorite in your home, too!
Print
Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 3 hrs 10 mins
- Total Time: 3 hrs 20 mins
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Slow Cooking
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans are a hearty and savory dish perfect for gatherings or a comforting family dinner. Loaded with ground beef, bacon, and three types of beans, these beans are cooked low and slow to develop rich flavors.
Ingredients
Ground Beef Mixture:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound bacon, chopped
Beans Mixture:
- 1 (28 ounce) can baked beans with pork
- 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can lima beans, rinsed and drained
- 2 onions, chopped
Sauce:
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon prepared mustard
Instructions
- Cook Ground Beef and Bacon: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook and stir ground beef and bacon until beef is browned and crumbly, about 7 to 10 minutes.
- Transfer to Slow Cooker: Transfer the cooked beef and bacon to a slow cooker. Add in baked beans, kidney beans, lima beans, onions, ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard. Stir well to combine.
- Cook in Slow Cooker: Cover and cook on Low for at least 3 hours or until the mixture thickens and starts bubbling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 471
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 1217mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 68g
- Fiber: 11g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 53mg
