Cowboy Beans with Bacon
A hearty and flavorful slow cooker dish featuring beans, bacon, and BBQ sauce, perfect for potlucks and game days.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 6 oz bacon, chopped Smoky and salty flavor base
- 1 lb ground beef Optional, adds a cookout feel. You can also use smoked sausage.
- 1 can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can baked beans
- 1 medium onion, diced Essential for flavor
- 3 cloves garlic, minced Basic flavor enhancer
- 1 cup BBQ sauce Use your favorite brand
- 1/2 cup ketchup For sweetness and sauce balance
- 1/4 cup brown sugar Adjust if BBQ sauce is very sweet
- 1 tbsp mustard Enhances flavors
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar Balances sweetness
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt Taste and adjust as bacon and BBQ sauce can be salty
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- In the remaining bacon fat, brown the ground beef (if using) with the diced onion and minced garlic until the beef is cooked through and the onions are translucent.
- Add the drained and rinsed beans, BBQ sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, vinegar, and seasonings to the slow cooker.
- Stir in the cooked bacon and ground beef mixture.
Cooking
- Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, stirring occasionally.
Serving
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed before serving.
Notes
Consider variations such as adding jalapenos for spice or using different bean types. This dish is easy to adjust based on personal preference.