Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans

These cowboy beans, baked beans with a meaty twist, are full of simple ingredients and hearty flavor.

What Are Cowboy Beans? 

Cowboy beans (a.k.a. chuckwagon) is a southwestern dish consisting of beans, ground beef, bacon, and other ingredients. Full of barbecue flavor, this side pairs perfectly with all kinds of entrees. 

Cowboy Bean Ingredients

These are the simple ingredients you’ll need to make this cowboy beans recipe: 

• Meat: Bacon and ground beef take regular baked beans up a notch. 
• Beans: You’ll need canned baked beans with pork, kidney beans, and lima beans. 
• Onions: Two diced onions add tons of flavor. 
• Ketchup: Use store-bought or homemade ketchup. 
• Brown sugar: A cup of brown sugar lends warmth and sweetness. 
• Mustard: A teaspoon of prepared mustard lends an extra depth of flavor. 

How to Make Cowboy Beans

You’ll find the full, step-by-step recipe below – but here’s a brief overview of what you can expect when you make cowboy beans in the slow cooker: 

1. Cook the meat in a skillet until the beef is brown and crumbly.
2. Transfer the meat to a slow cooker, then stir in the remaining ingredients.
3. Cook, covered, until the mixture is thick and bubbling. 

What to Serve With Cowboy Beans

This hearty and flavorful side will pair beautifully with all your favorite barbecue main dishes. For delicious inspiration, explore our collection of Barbecue and Grilling Recipes. Here are a few of the potluck-perfect recipes you’ll find: 

• Juiciest Hamburgers Ever
• Prize-Winning Baby Back Ribs
• Bob's Pulled Pork on a Smoker

How to Store Cowboy Beans

Store your leftover cowboy beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove. You can freeze cowboy beans for up to four months.

Allrecipes Community Tips and Praise

“Great recipe,” raves Heather. “I only used one onion and sautéed it in the bacon grease before adding it to the Crock-Pot. It was delicious! My guest asked for the recipe.”

“This was always a favorite of my husband,” says Kathy Auvil Bledsoe. “I put a few onions and green peppers and a few hot peppers just to give it a little of my own touch. But with or without my own stuff it's a grand dish. A real keeper!”

“I’ve made this just like the recipe says and it tastes fantastic,” according to Brenda. “It’s a real favorite in my family and it’s easy to make too. Definitely a five star recipe!”

Editorial contributions by Corey Williams