Slow Cooker Cowboy Baked Beans

These cowboy beans, a savory twist on classic baked beans, are made with simple ingredients and packed with hearty flavor.

What Are Cowboy Beans?

Cowboy beans, also known as chuckwagon beans, are a southwestern dish made with beans, ground beef, bacon, and other flavorful ingredients. With a rich barbecue taste, they pair perfectly with a variety of main courses.

Ingredients for Cowboy Beans

Here are the simple ingredients you'll need to make this delicious cowboy beans recipe:

• Meat: Bacon and ground beef take regular baked beans up a notch. 
• Beans: You’ll need canned baked beans with pork, kidney beans, and lima beans. 
• Onions: Two diced onions add tons of flavor. 
• Ketchup: Use store-bought or homemade ketchup. 
• Brown sugar: A cup of brown sugar lends warmth and sweetness. 
• Mustard: A teaspoon of prepared mustard lends an extra depth of flavor. 

How to Prepare Cowboy Beans

The full step-by-step recipe is provided below, but here’s a quick overview of what you can expect when making cowboy beans in the slow cooker:

1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet until it's crumbled and cooked through.
2. Transfer the meat to the slow cooker and stir in the remaining ingredients.
3. Cover and cook until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble.

What to Serve with Cowboy Beans

This hearty and flavorful dish complements any of your favorite barbecue main courses. For more delicious ideas, check out our collection of Barbecue and Grilling Recipes. Here are a few potluck-friendly recipes you'll love:

• Juiciest Hamburgers Ever
• Prize-Winning Baby Back Ribs
• Bob's Pulled Pork on a Smoker

How to Store Cowboy Beans

Store leftover cowboy beans in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. You can also freeze the beans for up to four months.

Community Tips and Reviews

“This is an amazing recipe,” says Heather. “I only used one onion and sautéed it in the bacon grease before adding it to the Crock-Pot. It turned out fantastic! My guest even asked for the recipe.”

“This has always been a favorite of my husband,” shares Kathy Auvil Bledsoe. “I added a few onions, green peppers, and some hot peppers for a little extra kick. But whether I make it with my own twist or stick to the original, it’s always a hit. A real keeper!”

“I followed the recipe exactly and it turned out amazing,” says Brenda. “It’s a big hit with my family and so easy to make. Definitely a five-star recipe!”

Editorial contributions by Corey Williams

Ingredients List

• 1 pound ground beef

• ½ pound bacon, chopped

• 1 (28 ounce) can baked beans with pork

• 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained

• 1 (15 ounce) can lima beans, rinsed and drained

• 2 onions, chopped

• 1 cup ketchup

• 1 cup brown sugar

• 1 teaspoon prepared mustard

Instructions

Prepare all the ingredients.

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook and stir the ground beef and bacon together until the beef is browned and crumbly, about 7 to 10 minutes.

Transfer the cooked beef and bacon into a slow cooker. Add in the baked beans with pork, kidney beans, lima beans, onions, ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard, then stir well.

Cover and cook on low heat until the mixture thickens and starts to bubble, at least 3 hours.

Nutritional Information (per serving)