The BEST Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans 🤠
Savory, smoky, slightly sweet, and totally satisfying!
Ingredients:
16 oz lean ground beef
12 oz bacon, chopped
1 onion, diced
1 (16 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 (16 oz) can white beans (like cannellini or navy beans), drained and rinsed
2 (16 oz) cans pork and beans
1 cup ketchup
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 to 2 tablespoons liquid smoke (to taste)
Optional Add-Ins for Extra Kick:
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon chili powder or smoked paprika
A pinch of cayenne pepper (if you like it spicy!)
Shredded cheddar cheese and green onions for topping
Instructions:
Brown the meat:
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat and transfer to your slow cooker.
Crisp the bacon:
In the same skillet, cook chopped bacon until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels, then add to the slow cooker.
Sauté the onion:
Cook the diced onion in the remaining bacon grease until soft and translucent (about 4–5 minutes). Add to the slow cooker.
Add the beans:
Stir in the kidney beans, white beans, and pork ‘n beans.
Mix in sauce:
Add ketchup, brown sugar, and liquid smoke. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
Cook low and slow:
Cover and cook on Low for 6–8 hours or High for 3–4 hours, until flavors are well blended and beans are thickened.
Serve:
Stir before serving. Garnish with shredded cheddar or chopped green onions if desired. Serve warm with cornbread, chips, or as a hearty side dish.
💡 Pro Tip:
Let it cook longer for thicker, more caramelized beans. These are even better the next day!
Hashtags:
#CowboyBeans #SlowCookerRecipe #CrockpotMeals #HeartyBeans #BBQSide #ComfortFood #PotluckFavorites