Imagine the aroma of savory, slow-cooked Cowboy Beans wafting through your kitchen.
You’ll start by browning juicy ground beef until it’s perfectly caramelized, then sautéing onions and garlic to release their fragrant essence.
The medley of beans—kidney, pinto, and black—simmers in a rich, tangy barbecue sauce, melding into a hearty, comforting dish.
As the crockpot works its magic, there’s more to uncover about this flavorful journey.
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 Crockpot
- 1 Skillet
- 1 Wooden spoon
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Knife
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) baked beans
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking Cowboy Beans in a crockpot, follow this timeline:
- Reading and Understanding Recipe:
- Allocate 5 minutes to read through the recipe and gather all necessary ingredients and equipment.
- Preparation (15 minutes):
- 0:00 – 5:00: Dice the onion and mince the garlic.
- 5:00 – 10:00: Cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon.
- 10:00 – 12:00: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent.
- 12:00 – 15:00: Drain excess fat from the skillet and transfer the beef mixture to the crockpot.
- Combining Ingredients:
- 15:00 – 20:00: Add the kidney beans, pinto beans, black beans, and baked beans to the crockpot.
- 20:00 – 25:00: Pour in the barbecue sauce, ketchup, and brown sugar.
- 25:00 – 30:00: Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix all ingredients until well combined.
- Cooking (6 hours):
- 30:00: Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6 hours.
- During this time, you can attend to other tasks or relax as the crockpot does its work.
- Resting (10 minutes):
- After 6 hours of cooking, let the beans rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Recipe Instructions
In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon.
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent.
Drain excess fat from the skillet and transfer the beef mixture to the crockpot.
Add the kidney beans, pinto beans, black beans, and baked beans to the crockpot.
Pour in the barbecue sauce, ketchup, and brown sugar.
Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
Mix all ingredients in the crockpot until well combined.
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6 hours.
Once cooked, let the beans rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Serving Tips
- Cornbread: A classic pairing that complements the hearty and flavorful beans.
- Rice: Serve over a bed of rice to soak up the delicious sauce and provide a filling meal.
- Grilled Vegetables: Add a fresh, healthy contrast to the rich and savory beans.
- Tortilla Chips: Use as a fun and crunchy way to scoop up the beans.
- Coleslaw: Offers a revitalizing, tangy side that balances the richness of the beans.
Storage
Store leftover Cowboy Beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, freeze portions for up to 3 months.
Reheat as needed.
Freezing
To freeze Cowboy Beans, let them cool completely.
Then transfer them to airtight containers or freezer bags, removing excess air.
Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating
To reheat Cowboy Beans, use a microwave-safe dish.
Cover, and heat in the microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Alternatively, reheat on the stovetop over low heat.
Stir frequently.
Final Thoughts
Cowboy beans in a crockpot are a delightful blend of flavors that bring a taste of the American West to your table.
With minimal prep time and the convenience of slow cooking, this dish is perfect for busy days.
You can enjoy a hearty meal with rich, smoky flavors that are both satisfying and easy to prepare.
Adjust the sweetness and spice levels to suit your preferences, and consider adding liquid smoke for an extra touch of smokiness.
Whether served as a main dish or a side, cowboy beans are sure to be a hit with family and friends.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Substitute Ground Turkey for Ground Beef?
You can substitute ground turkey for ground beef. It’s leaner and offers a lighter texture. Sauté until juicy and golden brown. This swap won’t compromise flavor; it’ll deliver the same hearty, smoky essence your tastebuds crave.
What Beans Can Be Used as a Substitute for Baked Beans?
You can replace baked beans with navy or Great Northern beans. They absorb flavors beautifully, offering a creamy texture and mild taste. Just guarantee you season them well, adding a touch of brown sugar and barbecue sauce.
Is It Possible to Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Swap the ground beef with hearty mushrooms or textured vegetable protein. Sauté them until golden for a rich, umami depth. The aroma of spices mingling with beans will still create that comforting, savory delight.
How Can I Make the Dish Spicier?
To spice it up, incorporate diced jalapeños for a fiery kick and sprinkle in cayenne pepper for intensified heat. Let the aromas tantalize your senses as the spices meld, creating a bold, robust flavor profile. Enjoy!
Can This Dish Be Made in an Instant Pot Instead of a Crockpot?
Absolutely, you can use an Instant Pot. Brown the beef using the sauté function, then combine ingredients. Seal and pressure cook for about 15 minutes. Release pressure naturally, allowing the flavors to meld into a hearty, savory delight.
Cowboy Beans Crockpot
Equipment
- 1 Crockpot
- 1 Skillet
- 1 Wooden spoon
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Knife
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 large onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can kidney beans 15 ounces, drained and rinsed
- 1 can pinto beans 15 ounces, drained and rinsed
- 1 can black beans 15 ounces, drained and rinsed
- 1 can baked beans 15 ounces
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent.
- Drain excess fat from the skillet and transfer the beef mixture to the crockpot.
- Add the kidney beans, pinto beans, black beans, and baked beans to the crockpot.
- Pour in the barbecue sauce, ketchup, and brown sugar.
- Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Mix all ingredients in the crockpot until well combined.
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6 hours.
- Once cooked, let the beans rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
