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Hearty Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans

A comforting slow cooker dish featuring savory beef, smoky bacon, and tender beans, delivering an explosion of smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 7 hours
Total Time 7 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Southwestern
Calories: 500
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Protein Power
  • 1 lb ground beef Use organic grass-fed for better flavor and nutrition.
  • 6 slices bacon, chopped Choose nitrate-free varieties for enhanced health benefits.
Bean Base
  • 2 cans beans (pinto or kidney), drained and rinsed
  • 1 can diced tomatoes Use 15 oz can.
Aromatics & Vegetables
  • 1 cup onion, diced
  • 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced
Flavor Enhancers
  • 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar Can substitute with monk fruit or coconut sugar.
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a heavy-bottomed cast iron skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped bacon until both are nicely browned. Drain the excess fat.
  2. In your slow cooker, combine the beef and bacon mixture with the beans, diced tomatoes, onion, bell pepper, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  3. Stir to ensure all ingredients are well combined and coated.
Cooking
  1. Cover and set your slow cooker to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
  2. Serve warm and enjoy a hearty, flavorful meal!

Notes

To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F or air fryer at 300°F until warmed through. Avoid the microwave to maintain texture. To make the recipe vegan, replace ground beef with lentils or a plant-based meat substitute, and use coconut bacon.