![Slow cooker cowboy beans in a white bowl with a spoon.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.allrecipes.com/thmb/sfglf1aKzGBHd5QgOJMlxkpx4EA=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/ALR-242080-slow-cooker-cowboy-beans-2x3-11-9d07e9a88b9f42679ef85dc790432279.jpg)
ALLRECIPES / MADHUMITA SATHISHKUMAR
Everyone knows the tune: "Beans, beans, the magical fruit..." They are indeed magical (and something of a a fruit and a vegetable). Either way, I'm not surprised a bean recipe is our most-saved recipe for the Fourth of July.
And this recipe isn't just any side dish: Cowboy beans are something special. This recipe is pretty close to a classic American staple. Originally from the southwestern Unites States, households across the country enjoy cowboy beans, and beans of all kind, on the regular. What's better than a dish stocked with layers of sweetness, richness, and flavor?
What Are Cowboy Beans?
Cowboy beans are made from three types of beans: baked beans with pork, kidney beans, and lima beans. They also include ground beef and bacon, plus plenty of ketchup and brown sugar for good measure.
![a hero shot of slow cooker cowboy beans in a bowl](https://www.allrecipes.com/thmb/g687niPx16DlifrE2kC5mUO5hx0=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/242080-slow-cooker-cowboy-beans-VAT-4x3-16-1-7b8bd282dd864c3c808ef9a6986bf39e.jpg)
ALLRECIPES / MADHUMITA SATHISHKUMAR
The result is a savory, sweet, rich side dish that is great for a barbecue or potluck. If you are looking to add more delicious flavor to this recipe, ground pork is another great option to include alongside the pork bits that come in a can of baked beans. Some Allrecipes community members suggest adding multiple kinds of onions, green peppers, hot peppers for a spicy kick, beef bouillon, or a handful of your favorite shredded cheese.
"Every time I have made this recipe, it receives RAVE reviews, and I am asked to bring it to every function," says Allrecipes community member LoGould. "Whether prepared exactly as written or when I've changed up the variety of beans, there has never been so much as a spoonful left."
How to Make Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans
![Several small bowls filled with ingredients to make slow cooker cowboy beans.](https://www.allrecipes.com/thmb/fXd8iXpoZA2o52F-RqmmIfrwbk4=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/ALR-242080-slow-cooker-cowboy-beans-steps-ingredients-2811c4a7ae6c4d58891d98238fe85a43.jpg)
ALLRECIPES / MADHUMITA SATHISHKUMAR
This recipe comes together with hardly any effort. Since it's cooked in a slow cooker, most of the hard work is out of your hands.
Cook and stir ground beef and bacon in a large skillet. Once brown and crumbly, transfer to your slow cooker and stir in the in remaining ingredients: your baked beans, kidney and lima beans, onions, ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard.
Stir all the ingredients, cover, and cook on Low for about 3 hours. It's that simple. The aromas will fill your kitchen and having you hungry in no time. Bring this to your Fourth of July barbecue, and everyone will thank you.