Imagine sinking your teeth into a rich and satisfying dish that’s packed with tender meat, savory flavors, and an irresistible aroma. Slow cooker cowboy beans deliver just that, thanks to the perfect combination of beef, bacon, sausage, and three types of beans. This hearty recipe is sure to become a staple in your household, whether you’re feeding a hungry family, hosting a crowd-pleasing party, or simply craving a comforting meal. The beauty of slow cooker cowboy beans lies in their ability to meld together the flavors of the meat and beans, resulting in a dish that’s both familiar and excitingly new. Whether you’re looking for a tailgate party favorite, a cozy family dinner option, or a convenient meal prep solution, this recipe is sure to hit the spot.
Why You’ll Love It
Indulge in the rich flavors of this mouthwatering cowboy beans dish, where tender meat meets a medley of three types of beans. This hearty, filling meal is sure to satisfy even the most discerning palates, making it perfect for any occasion or gathering. Its versatility also shines through, allowing you to serve it as a main course in generous portions or in smaller servings alongside other dishes.
How to Make Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans
To begin preparing this hearty cowboy beans recipe, start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Wrap the bacon in foil and place it in a baking dish before baking for 20 minutes. Once done, chop the crispy bacon into 1-inch pieces. Next, cook the ground beef and sausage in a pan over medium heat, browning them with the sautéed onion and garlic. Drain the excess grease from the pan. Then, transfer the meat mixture to your crockpot (I recommend this one!) and add all the remaining ingredients, including the cooked bacon. Cook on high for 2 hours or low for 4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together. This slow-cooked cowboy beans recipe is sure to become a favorite!
Substitutions and Variations
Beans and meats are highly customizable in this recipe. Feel free to substitute pinto beans, lima beans, great northern beans, or butter beans for others like kidney, black, or navy beans. Canned beans, with their numerous benefits, can also be used as a convenient alternative to cooking dried beans. As for the meat, the 3-pound requirement is simply a guideline – you’re encouraged to experiment with different types and quantities to find your perfect combination. Additionally, if you prefer to use an artificial sweetener like brown Swerve instead of traditional brown sugar, make sure to pair it with sugar-free barbecue sauce to maintain the recipe’s overall flavor profile.
How to Store Cowboy Beans
To maximize storage life, keep leftovers securely sealed in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to four days. When you’re ready to enjoy the dish again, consider freezing individual portions for up to three months. For best results when thawing, allow it to defrost overnight in the refrigerator. Once thawed, reheating is straightforward: simply microwave the dish until hot and bubbly or heat it up in a pan on the stovetop.
Top Tips
When it comes to cooking the bacon, you have a range of options to suit your taste preferences. You can chop the bacon and then sauté it, or broil it for a crispy texture. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, consider air frying the bacon for a lower-calorie option. Regardless of how you choose to cook the bacon, be sure to reserve those delicious drippings that result from cooking. These can be added to the beans to give them a rich, savory flavor. To balance out the sweetness of this dish, you may want to adjust the amount of sugar used or opt for a barbecue sauce with a smokier, more spicy profile.
Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans FAQs
While it’s possible to substitute dried beans for canned ones, keep in mind that they require a longer cooking time. To streamline the process, consider cooking the beans ahead of time and then proceeding with the recipe. With this dish, you have complete control over the level of heat – whether you prefer it mild or spicy, there are options to suit your taste. If serving a crowd, offering hot sauce on the side allows individuals to adjust the spice level to their liking. As for vegetarian variations, you can easily substitute meat with vegetables like portobello mushrooms or other plant-based protein sources, making this recipe accessible and enjoyable for all.
Crockpot Cowboy Beans Recipe
Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans
For a delicious and convenient meal option, consider whipping up a batch of slow cooker cowboy beans. This hearty dish is perfect for tailgating parties, cookouts with friends, or a cozy family dinner. The beauty of slow cooking lies in its ability to extract the rich flavors from the meat and tenderize the beans to perfection.
Instructions
Preheat your oven to a cozy 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Next, line a large pan with tinfoil to ensure effortless cleanup. Place the bacon slices in the prepared pan and let it bake for 20 minutes. Once done, chop the crispy bacon into manageable 1-inch pieces.In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the onion, garlic, beef, and sausage over medium-high heat until the meat is fully browned and no longer pink. Be sure to drain any excess grease from the pan. The result should be a rich, savory mixture with plenty of flavor.Now it’s time to bring all the flavors together! Add the canned beans, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, chili powder, and mustard to your slow cooker. Once everything is combined, add the cooked meat to the pot, stirring gently to distribute the flavors evenly. For a tender, fall-apart finish, cook on high for 2 hours or opt for low heat for a leisurely 4-hour cooking period.
Notes
When it comes to cooking the bacon, you have a variety of options. You can chop it up and sauté it in a pan, or opt for a crispy finish by broiling it. Alternatively, you could air fry it for a healthier take on this tasty treat. Regardless of your chosen method, be sure to reserve those precious bacon drippings – they’ll add a depth of flavor to the dish that’s hard to replicate with other ingredients. To further refine the taste experience, consider tempering the sweetness by reducing the sugar content or selecting a barbecue sauce with a smokier, spicier profile.