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Hearty Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans Recipe

Hearty Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans Recipe

Hearty Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans Recipe is a comforting, protein-packed dish.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 15 minutes
Course Main Course / Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 380 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound dried pinto beans rinsed and soaked overnight
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 6 slices bacon chopped
  • 1 large onion diced
  • 1 green bell pepper diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 can 15 oz tomato sauce
  • ½ cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • Optional: hot sauce for serving

Instructions
 

Cook Bacon

  • In a skillet, cook chopped bacon until crisp. Remove with slotted spoon and set aside, leaving drippings in pan.

Brown Ground Beef

  • Add ground beef to bacon drippings. Cook until browned. Drain excess fat.

Sauté Vegetables

  • Add onions, bell pepper and garlic to skillet. Cook until softened and fragrant.

Prepare Beans

  • Drain soaked beans and rinse. Place beans in slow cooker.

Combine Ingredients

  • Add cooked beef, bacon and sautéed vegetables to slow cooker.

Add Sauces and Spices

  • Pour tomato sauce, ketchup, and beef broth over beans. Stir in brown sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt and pepper.

Cook Slowly

  • Cover and cook on low for 6 hours, or until beans are tender. Stir occasionally if possible.

Check Seasoning

  • Taste beans near the end of cooking. Adjust salt, pepper or chili powder if needed.

Serve Hot

  • Spoon cowboy beans into bowls. Serve with cornbread or over rice for hearty meal.

Optional Topping

  • Top with fresh chopped parsley, shredded cheese, or a dash of hot sauce for extra flavor.

Notes

  • Use canned beans for faster version; reduce cooking time to 2–3 hours.
  • Add smoked sausage or ham for extra protein.
  • Use fire-roasted tomatoes for more smoky flavor.
  • Add extra chili powder for spicier beans.
  • Serve over baked potatoes for a complete meal.
  • Stir beans gently to avoid breaking them.
  • Soak beans overnight for best texture.
  • Substitute turkey bacon for lighter version.
  • Add corn kernels for sweetness.
  • Leftovers taste even better the next day.
Keyword Hearty Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans Recipe