Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans

Dig into the best-ever Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans that will surely be the star of any potluck or party spread. This hearty and filling side dish combines the richness of ground beef and bacon with the comfort of old-fashioned beans, making it the perfect Crockpot delight that guarantees pure satisfaction.

Lean ground beef, and hearty beans, all cooked in a sweet sauce – this is an easy recipe that works as both the main course and a side dish. It’s a completely homemade recipe that tastes like you used a bottled barbecue sauce. The aroma will make everyone look forward to the family dinner as it cooks all day in the slow cooker. 

It might surprise you just how easy it is to make this great recipe! This will quickly become a recipe that you pass down to your kids. It’s a great side dish for BBQs and an effortless way to use a variety of beans.  

Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans

• Works as both a main dish and a hearty side dish. 
• Easy to customize with your favorite types of beans. 
• Has an incredible smoky flavor. 
• The perfect thing to serve at a summer cookout. 
• A crowd pleaser and hearty recipe that feeds a crowd. 

Ingredients

The full printable recipe card with measurements and instructions is found at the bottom of the post.

• Ground beef: Use lean beef and drain all the grease before adding it to the slow cooker. 
• Bacon: A few slices of smoky bacon add a crispy texture and salty taste to the beans.  
• Onion: Use sweet onion for the best results. 
• Green bell pepper: Chop up green peppers into tiny pieces. 
• Pork and beans: This is not optional; it gives the beans their iconic flavor. 
• Northern beans: Drain these white beans entirely before adding them to the slow cooker. 
• Red Kidney beans: This can of beans adds fiber and flavor to the dish.
• Brown sugar: Add enough brown sugar to sweeten the beans without overpowering them. 
• Ketchup: This adds tanginess and sweet flavors to the beans, 
• Vinegar: Use apple cider vinegar to make a tangy sauce. 
• Mustard: This balances the flavors from the ketchup.   

How to Make Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans

• Step One: Over medium-high heat, cook the bacon with the onion and green bell pepper in a large skillet.
• Step Two: Cook until the bacon is crispy.  
• Step Three: Drain the grease.
• Step Four: To the slow cooker, add the cooked, drained beef, bacon, onion pepper mixture, pork and beans, northern beans, kidney beans, brown sugar, ketchup, vinegar, and mustard.
• Step Five: Stir to combine. 
• Step Six: Cook on low for 4 hours.
• Step Seven: Garnish with parsley if desired. Serve!

Equipment Needed

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• Large skillet – Use this to cook the ground beef and the bacon. 
• Slow cooker – This is essential; you’ll need at least a 7-quart slow cooker. 
• Crockpot liner – Using a liner will make clean-up a lot easier. 
• Wooden spoon – Use a wooden or metal spoon to mix the beans. 

What to Serve with Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans

This easy crock pot cowboy beans recipe is the perfect side dish to feed a family at a cookout. Here are some of my favorite sides and main dishes that taste delicious with them.   

• Potato Salad 
• Instant Pot BBQ Shredded Chicken
• Dr. Pepper Baked Beans 
• Macaroni Salad 
• Waldorf Salad

Variations and Substitutions

• Use different beans. You can substitute the kidney and northern beans for your favorite beans; drain them. Try it with black beans and pinto beans. 
• Make It Spicier. While cooking, you can spice this up by adding red chili flakes, chili powder, or jalapenos.  
• Replace ground beef with hot dogs. Slice them into small pieces.
• Make it smokier. Add some liquid smoke to make it taste like BBQ sauce. 
• Sweeten with maple syrup. 
• Use different types of meat. Ground turkey or ground chicken will taste delicious in this recipe. 

Storage Instructions 

Store leftover cowboy beans in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. 

You can also freeze this cowboy bean recipe. Store it in a freezer-safe container in the freezer for up to six months. 

Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans Tips and Tricks

• Pork and beans are essential ingredients. Don’t use any substitutes.   
• This makes a lot of beans. If it makes too much for you, then easily halve the recipe.   
• This is a freezer-friendly recipe, so freeze any leftovers that you have.  
• Serve with tortilla chips.  

Are Cowboy Beans Chilli?

No, crock-pot cowboy beans are not considered chili because they are not made with red chile peppers. The ICS – the foundation in charge of the International Chili Cookoff – defines traditional chili as “any kind of meat, or combination of meats, and vegetables cooked with beans, chili peppers, various spices, and other ingredients.” 

Can I Make Cowboy Beans In The Oven?

Yea, you can make this recipe in the oven. For the best results, I suggest using a Dutch oven with a lid so that all the flavors infuse together. 

What Is The Best Type Of Meat To Use In Cowboy Beans?

Use the type of meat that the whole family will enjoy. This recipe tastes delicious with ground turkey, chicken, or chorizo sausage. 

How Do I Prevent The Beans From Becoming Too Mushy In The Slow Cooker?

It’s a good idea to stir the beans while they cook and turn off the heat after about four hours. If you cook them too long, they might become mushy. 

Can I Prepare In Advance?

Yes, you can make it ahead of time. Store the cooked beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. 

Can I Make It Sugar-Free?

Use sugar-free ketchup and a sugar-free brown sugar substitute to make it sugar-free. 

How To Reheat 

You’ll get the best results if you reheat the cowboy beans in the oven. Place them in a casserole dish, cover them, and heat them at low heat until completely warm. You can also use the microwave, but this will soften the bacon. 

FAQ

Slow Cooker Side Dishes    

Want more easy slow cooker recipes? Here are some of my favorite crockpot recipes:

• Grape Jelly Meatballs
• Crockpot White Chili Chicken Dip
• Slow Cooker Black Beans
• Slow Cooker Garlic Potatoes 
• Tex-Mex Spinach Dip

You’ll also like these Cowboy Stew, Slow Cooker Rodeo Sloppy Joes and Baked Beans with Ground Beef.

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