These Easy Three Meat Crock Pot Cowboy Beans are a hearty delight! Packed with three kinds of meat, beans, and BBQ goodness, they’re perfect for any gathering. Plus, using a crock pot makes it super simple!
Honestly, how can you go wrong with beans and meat simmering all day? I love to serve them with cornbread, and they always get devoured quickly! It’s a winning combo for sure!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This provides richness to the dish. If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken works well too.
Smoked Sausage: You can use any smoked sausage you like, such as kielbasa or andouille. For a lighter choice, turkey sausage can be a great alternative.
Bacon: Bacon gives a fantastic flavor, but if you’re short on time, turkey bacon or omit it completely. The dish will still be delicious!
Beans: Any combination of beans is fine! If you want a different flavor, try using navy beans or cannellini beans.
BBQ Sauce: Choose your favorite brand or make your own. If you’re looking for a healthier option, opt for a sugar-free or organic BBQ sauce.
How Do I Get the Best Flavor and Texture?
Cooking the meats separately before adding them to the crock pot is key! This step helps develop deep flavors:
- Start with crispy bacon to release its flavor into the pan.
- Brown the ground beef well to enhance its savory taste.
- Add onion and garlic to the beef just until soft; this brings out their flavors too.
Mix everything well in the crock pot and let it cook slowly. The longer it cooks, the better the flavors meld together. You’ll end up with a thick, hearty dish that is perfect for satisfying any crowd!
Easy Three Meat Crock Pot Cowboy Beans
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meat:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb smoked sausage, sliced
- 1/2 lb bacon, chopped
For the Beans:
- 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
For the Sauce and Flavor:
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe requires about 20 minutes of prep time to cook the meats and combine everything. After that, simply let the crock pot do the work for 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. It’s a great set-it-and-forget-it meal for busy days!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Bacon:
Begin by cooking the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it’s crispy. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the bacon and set it aside, but make sure to leave some of the delicious drippings in the skillet.
2. Brown the Ground Beef:
Add the ground beef to the skillet with the bacon drippings. Cook it over medium heat until it’s nicely browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. If there’s a lot of excess fat, drain some of it off to keep the dish from being too greasy.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the browned beef. Cook them until the onion is softened and the garlic is fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Combine in the Crock Pot:
Pour the mixture of beef, onion, and garlic into the crock pot. Then, add the cooked bacon and the sliced smoked sausage. Mix it up to distribute everything evenly.
5. Add the Beans and Sauce:
Next, add all three types of beans to the crock pot—pinto, black, and kidney. Follow this by pouring in the barbecue sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, yellow mustard, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well mixed!
6. Cook:
Cover the crock pot with the lid and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The longer it cooks, the more the flavors will meld together!
7. Final Touches:
Once cooked, taste and adjust the seasonings if needed. You can add extra salt, pepper, or even more BBQ sauce to suit your preferences.
8. Serve:
Serve the cowboy beans hot, ideally with some warm cornbread or over a scoop of rice. Enjoy this hearty and comforting meal with your family and friends!
This recipe yields a rich, savory crock pot bean stew loaded with three types of meat and deep BBQ flavor, making it perfect for gatherings or a cozy dinner at home.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Types of Meat?
Absolutely! You can swap out the ground beef, smoked sausage, or bacon for other meats. Ground turkey, chicken sausage, or even vegetarian alternatives work great, depending on your preference! Just make sure to adjust cooking times accordingly if needed.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating when you’re ready to enjoy them again!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare and assemble everything a day in advance! Simply prep as directed, then cover it and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, just place it in the crock pot and follow cooking instructions!
What Can I Serve with Cowboy Beans?
These beans are delicious on their own but pair well with cornbread, rice, or tortilla chips. You can also serve them with a side salad or grilled vegetables to round out the meal!
