Description
This slow cooker cowboy beans recipe is a smoky, sweet, and hearty bean stew loaded with ground beef, sweet onion, and four types of beans. It’s an easy, comforting dish perfect for BBQs, potlucks, chilly nights, or a satisfying weeknight dinner with leftovers to spare.
Ingredients
450 g lean ground beef (90% lean)
1 large sweet onion, chopped
110 g packed brown sugar (½ cup)
60 ml ketchup (¼ cup)
45 ml cider vinegar (3 tbsp)
30 ml yellow mustard (2 tbsp)
1 can (450 g) butter beans, drained
1 can (450 g) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (425 g) of pork and beans
1 can (430 g) lima beans, rinsed and drained
Instructions
Brown the ground beef and onion in a skillet over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
Transfer beef and onion to a 3-quart slow cooker.
In a bowl, mix brown sugar, ketchup, vinegar, and mustard. Pour into slow cooker.
Add all beans and stir until well combined.
Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours, or high for 2–3 hours, until hot and flavorful.
Notes
Add liquid smoke or smoked paprika for a smoky twist.
Use black beans or pinto beans as substitutions.
Double the beef or toss in bacon for a meatier version.
Remove the lid near the end for a thicker consistency.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours (on low)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American