Description
Discover The BEST Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans, a hearty and flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for gatherings or meal prep! With a delightful combination of beans, spices, and savory meats, this recipe delivers comfort in every bite, making it a staple for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Beans
- 1 cup kidney beans
- 1 cup pinto beans
- 1 cup black beans
Bacon
- 6 slices of bacon, chopped
Ground Beef
- 1 pound ground beef
Onions
- 1 large onion, chopped
Garlic
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Tomato Sauce
- 1 cup tomato sauce
BBQ Sauce
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
Spices
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon paprika
Brown Sugar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Start by rinsing and draining the beans. Chop the bacon, onions, and garlic, and set aside. Preparing everything in advance makes the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.
- Cook the Bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. This will add a delicious smoky flavor to the beans.
- Brown the Beef: In the same skillet, add the ground beef and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat, and then add the onions and garlic to sauté until translucent.
- Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Transfer the bacon, beef, onions, and garlic to the slow cooker. Add the beans, tomato sauce, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, and spices. Stir to combine everything thoroughly.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The longer it cooks, the better the flavors meld together.
Notes
- Soak Beans Overnight: If using dried beans, soaking them overnight helps with cooking time and digestion.
- Adjust Consistency: If the beans are too thick, add a splash of broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
- Mix and Match Meats: Feel free to use sausage or turkey in place of beef for a different flavor.
- Let It Rest: Allow the beans to sit for 15 minutes after cooking to enhance the flavors.
- Garnish Generously: Fresh cilantro, green onions, or cheese on top can elevate the presentation and taste.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg