Name: Best Ever Crock Pot Cowboy Beans
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 8 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 pound turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled; 2 tablespoons bacon drippings; 3 (15 ounce) cans kidney beans; 3 (15 ounce) cans white beans; 3 (15 ounce) cans pork and beans; 3 small onions, diced; 1 cup light brown sugar; 1 cup ketchup; 1/2 cup molasses; 3 tablespoons yellow mustard

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When the weather turns chilly and you’re craving something cozy, Best Ever Crock Pot Cowboy Beans are just the ticket. This hearty, flavorful dish combines the warmth of beans with the richness of ground beef and a medley of sweet and tangy flavors—all effortlessly cooked in your crock pot. Perfect for game day gatherings, family dinners, or any casual get-together, these cowboy beans bring a smile to everyone’s face. They’re not just a dish; they’re an experience filled with homey scents and satisfying bites. If you’re looking for more delicious crock pot ideas, check out this collection of easy crock pot recipes for busy weeknights.

Reasons to Love Best Ever Crock Pot Cowboy Beans

What makes these beans stand out in the sea of comfort food? For starters, they’re a deliciously filling dish that’s ready when you are. Here are just a few of the many reasons to try them: You may also find Chicken Parmesan Crock Pot useful.

Simple to prepare with minimal hands-on time.
Packed with protein and fiber for a satisfying and nutritious meal.
A crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for gatherings.
Versatile enough to customize with your favorite ingredients.

Gather These Ingredients

To make these cowboy beans, you’ll need a harmonious blend of ingredients that work together to create a mouthwatering dish. You will need the following:

1 pound ground beef
1 pound turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled
2 tablespoons bacon drippings
3 (15 ounce) cans kidney beans
3 (15 ounce) cans white beans
3 (15 ounce) cans pork and beans
3 small onions, diced
1 cup light brown sugar
1 cup ketchup
1/2 cup molasses
3 tablespoons yellow mustard

Each ingredient plays a significant role, blending flavors and textures to create the ultimate comfort food.

Bringing It Together

Cooking Best Ever Crock Pot Cowboy Beans is a breeze. Follow these steps to create a beautifully harmonious dish:

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and onions over medium heat until the meat is no longer pink, stirring occasionally. Once cooked, drain any excess fat.
Drain and rinse all the beans, except for one can of pork and beans, which you will keep for sweetness and creaminess.
In your crock pot, combine the beans, cooked ground beef, onions, and the remaining ingredients: turkey bacon, bacon drippings, brown sugar, ketchup, molasses, and mustard. Stir well to mix everything together.
Cover and cook on high for approximately 4 hours or on low for about 8 hours, until the flavors meld and everything is heated through.

Prep ~20 minutes, Cook ~4-8 hours, Total ~4-8 hours, Servings ~8, Kcal ~300 per serving (estimate).

Plan Ahead

If you want to simplify your meal prep, you can prepare some elements in advance. Chop the onions and cook the ground beef a day ahead, storing them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook. Just throw everything into your crock pot in the morning and let it work its magic throughout the day.

How to Store Leftovers

Storing leftover Best Ever Crock Pot Cowboy Beans couldn’t be easier. Once cooled, transfer them to an airtight container and place them in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3-4 days. If you want to save them for longer, consider freezing the beans in portions. Just thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stove until warmed through. The beans will stay fresh as long as they smell hearty and inviting.

Perfect Pairings

These hearty cowboy beans can shine on their own, but pairing them with the right sides can elevate your meal. Here are some suggestions:

Crusty bread or garlic bread for a satisfying crunch.
A fresh garden salad for a refreshing contrast.
Cornbread for a classic Southern touch.
Coleslaw for a crispy, tangy complement.

Variations and Swaps

Feel free to make these cowboy beans your own! Here are a few ideas for variations:

Substitute ground turkey for the beef for a lighter option.
Add bell peppers or jalapeños for a spicy kick.
Experiment with different bean combinations or add kidney beans for extra texture.
Incorporate diced tomatoes for added freshness and acidity.

Cook’s Notes and Secrets

To ensure your Best Ever Crock Pot Cowboy Beans turn out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:

Make sure to drain and rinse your beans to avoid excess sodium.
Keep an eye on the cooking time; overcooking can make the beans mushy.
Allow the beans to sit for a few minutes before serving; this lets the flavors concentrate.
A quick stir before serving can help combine any settled ingredients.

Your Questions Answered

Can I use dried beans instead of canned? Yes, but be sure to cook them fully before adding to the crock pot.
Is there a way to make this vegetarian? Absolutely! Use a plant-based ground meat substitute and skip the turkey bacon.
Can I double the recipe? Yes, just ensure your crock pot is large enough to accommodate the extra ingredients.
What kind of ground beef should I use? Lean ground beef is recommended for a healthier option.
How spicy are these beans? They are not spicy unless you choose to add hot sauce or jalapeños.

Final Thoughts

Best Ever Crock Pot Cowboy Beans is sure to become a favorite in your household. With its delicious blend of flavors and the ease of preparation, you’ll find countless opportunities to serve this dish. Gather your ingredients, set your crock pot, and enjoy the delicious warmth that only cowboy beans can deliver. Make these soon and let the comfort begin!

Best Ever Crock Pot Cowboy Beans

Author: anastasia-rice
Total Time: 480 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Omni

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Description

A hearty and flavorful dish combining beans, ground beef, and a medley of sweet and tangy flavors, effortlessly cooked in a crock pot.

Instructions

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and onions over medium heat until the meat is no longer pink, stirring occasionally. Once cooked, drain any excess fat.
Drain and rinse all the beans, except for one can of pork and beans, which you will keep for sweetness and creaminess.
In your crock pot, combine the beans, cooked ground beef, onions, and the remaining ingredients: turkey bacon, bacon drippings, brown sugar, ketchup, molasses, and mustard. Stir well to mix everything together.
Cover and cook on high for approximately 240 minutes or on low for about 480 minutes, until the flavors meld and everything is heated through.

Notes

For a lighter option, substitute ground turkey for the beef. Use plant-based ground meat substitute and skip the turkey bacon for a vegetarian version.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 240 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Crock Pot
Cuisine: American