There are some days when you come home from work, exhausted, and the last thing you want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. That’s where Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans come in—a delightful and hearty recipe that lets you toss everything in one pot and let it do the work for you! With its warm, smoky flavors and a hint of sweetness, this dish is the perfect solution whether you’re feeding your family or hosting a casual gathering with friends.
Imagine walking into your home after a long day to the mouthwatering aroma of savory beans mingling with spices. Just thinking about it brings a smile to my face! I’m Anna, and along with my sister Patricia, we’re here to take your cooking experience to the next level, one simple and delicious recipe at a time. So, let’s roll up those sleeves, grab our aprons, and dive into the world of Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans!
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans Recipe
- One-Pot Wonder: Less cleanup means more time to spend with loved ones (or guilty Netflix binges).
- Fuel for the Soul: This recipe combines beans with a medley of flavors that warms you from the inside out.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch at once, and enjoy leftovers throughout the week!
Ingredients You’ll Need
To whip up this cowboy delight, gather the following:
- 1 pound bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (any color you prefer)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: shredded cheese for topping and fresh cilantro for garnish
Steps to Deliciousness
- Cook the Bacon: In a pan over medium heat, fry the chopped bacon until it’s crispy. Sizzle, sizzle! Remove the bacon and let it drain on paper towels, but don’t you dare throw away that rendered fat—it’s liquid gold!
- Sauté the Veggies: In the same pan, toss in the onions and bell pepper. Cook them until they’re soft, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute—hello, aroma!
- Mix Everything Together: Grab your slow cooker and combine all the beans, diced tomatoes, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, chili powder, smoked paprika, and the sautéed veggies. Don’t forget to add your crispy bacon! Stir everything until it’s nicely mixed.
- Cook Low and Slow: Set your slow cooker to low and let it work its magic for 6-8 hours. The flavors will meld beautifully, creating a rich and hearty dish. If you’re in a rush (because that’s life, right?), you can cook it on high for about 3-4 hours.
- Add Final Flavor Touches: Before serving, taste your cowboy beans and season with salt and pepper. If you’re feeling fancy, top with shredded cheese and fresh cilantro.
And voila! Your Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans are ready to be devoured.
Cooking Tips
- Customize Your Beans: Feel free to mix and match different types of beans or add your favorite spices. This recipe is versatile!
- Leftover Magic: You can store the leftovers in the refrigerator for up to five days—just reheat and enjoy!
- Don’t Overflow: If you love spice, add some jalapeños, but go easy at first to avoid a fiery surprise!
My Cowboy Beans Journey
I remember the first time I made these Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans. I was hosting a casual game night, and I wanted something that would please both the kids and the adults. Little did I know that these beans would become a staple in our household! Every time I serve them, I’m reminded of shared laughter and the endless conversations that happened over dinner. Cooking for family and friends is what I love most, and this recipe certainly helps nurture those precious moments.
FAQs
Can I substitute bacon in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can use turkey bacon or even skip it entirely for a vegetarian version. Just add a bit of olive oil to the sautéing process.
How can I spice this up?
If you like a kick, try adding diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce! Don’t worry; your taste buds will thank you.
Can I freeze leftovers?
You bet! Simply let them cool, transfer to an airtight container, and freeze for up to three months. Easy peasy!
So there you have it—delicious, hearty, and oh-so-easy Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans! This dish is like a warm hug on a chilly evening and perfect for a family dinner or game night. Give it a try, and I bet it will become a beloved recipe in your home too. Now, grab a spoon and let the cowboy adventure begin!
For more recipes check my
The Ultimate Bourbon Baked Beans Recipe
Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans
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Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans
- Total Time: 495 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Omnivore
Description
A hearty dish featuring a medley of beans and smoky flavors, perfect for busy days or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 pound bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: shredded cheese for topping and fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- In a pan over medium heat, fry the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon and let it drain on paper towels.
- In the same pan, sauté the onions and bell pepper until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- In the slow cooker, combine all beans, diced tomatoes, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, chili powder, smoked paprika, sautéed veggies, and crispy bacon. Stir until mixed.
- Set slow cooker to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Before serving, taste and season with salt and pepper. Top with shredded cheese and fresh cilantro if desired.
Notes
Customize with different beans or spices., Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to five days., Freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to three months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 480 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 30mg