Cowboy baked beans are rich, savory, and simple to make in a slow cooker. With a few cans of beans, lean ground beef, and a handful of seasonings, you’ll have a crowd-pleasing side or main that’s perfect for cookouts, potlucks, and game day.
What are Cowboy Beans? Cowboy beans are a hearty variation of classic baked beans that include browned ground beef and bold seasonings for a savory, meaty flavor. They combine the comfort of canned pork-and-beans or baked beans with a smoky, slightly sweet barbecue touch and are ideal for feeding a group without fuss. This version cooks low and slow in a crockpot, which deepens the flavor and keeps the beans tender.
Key Ingredients
Ground beef: One pound of lean ground beef, browned and drained, adds savory protein and a rich base.
Pork and beans: Four 15-ounce cans (about 60 ounces) form the bulk of the dish and provide texture and sweetness.
Sweet yellow onion: Diced onion softens and caramelizes as it cooks, lending natural sweetness and depth.
Barbecue sauce: A couple of tablespoons of your favorite barbecue sauce add smoky-sweet flavor and help bind the sauce.
Seasonings: Onion powder, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper keep the flavor balanced and simple.
Worcestershire sauce: A tablespoon brightens the dish with umami and rounds out the beefy notes.
How to Make Cowboy Beans
- Brown 1 pound of lean ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it into small pieces. Drain off excess fat to keep the final dish from becoming greasy.
- Place the cooked beef into the slow cooker, then add four 15-ounce cans of pork and beans, one diced sweet yellow onion, 2 tablespoons barbecue sauce, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce. Stir gently to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 5 hours, or until the flavors have melded and the onions are tender. For a quicker option, cook on high for 2–3 hours, watching to prevent over-thickening.
- Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If the beans are thicker than you like, stir in a little water or stock to reach the desired consistency.
How to Serve Cowboy Beans
- Serve as a main dish in bowls with warm cornbread or corn muffins for a classic pairing.
- Offer toppings such as crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, sliced green onions, or extra diced onion so guests can customize their bowls.
- As a side, pair the beans with grilled meats like hamburgers, hot dogs, brats, or chicken for a full cookout spread.
- If serving at a party, keep the beans warm in the slow cooker on the KEEP WARM setting to maintain texture and flavor for several hours.
Tips & Variations
Beans: Pork and beans give a sweet-savory backbone, but you can substitute baked beans, ranch-style beans, or a mix of bean types to vary texture and flavor.
Meat alternatives: Ground turkey, chicken, or pork work well if you prefer a lighter meat. You can also stir in cooked, crumbled bacon for extra smokiness.
Vegetables and heat: Add diced bell pepper or roasted poblano for more complexity, or include a pinch of cayenne, chili powder, or chopped jalapeño to add heat.
Make-ahead: Cowboy beans store well in the refrigerator for 3–4 days and can be gently reheated in a slow cooker or on the stovetop. They also freeze nicely for longer storage.
Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans Recipe
Rating: 5 from 2 votes
Prep Time: 5 mins • Cook Time: 5 hrs • Total Time: 5 hrs 5 mins • Servings: 6 • By: Sarah Olson
Equipment
- Slow cooker (6-quart or larger recommended)
- Skillet for browning beef
Ingredients
- 1 lb. lean ground beef
- 60 oz. pork and beans (four 15-oz. cans)
- 1 sweet yellow onion, diced
- 2 Tbsp. barbecue sauce
- 1/2 tsp. onion powder
- 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper
- 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it into small pieces. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the cooked beef to the slow cooker. Pour in the pork and beans, diced onion, barbecue sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 5 hours, stirring occasionally if possible. For a faster option, cook on high for 2–3 hours.
- Taste and adjust seasonings. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it. Serve warm and enjoy.
Nutrition
Calories: 436 kcal | Carbohydrates: 64 g | Protein: 31 g | Fat: 8 g | Sodium: 1519 mg
Nutrition info is an estimate. If you follow a special diet, please calculate based on your specific ingredients.
Made this recipe? Leave a comment below to share your variations or serving ideas.
More Slow Cooker Baked Beans Recipes
Try different takes on slow cooker baked beans such as apple pie baked beans, baked beans with little smokies, and root beer baked beans for sweet-savory variations. For a heartier meal, pair baked beans with country-style ribs or add smoked sausage for extra flavor.