These Easy Crock Pot Cowboy Beans are a delicious, crowd-pleasing side or a satisfying meal on their own. Sweet and savory notes come from brown sugar and molasses, while bacon, ground beef and sausage add rich, meaty flavor. Ketchup, barbecue sauce, mustard and spices round out the classic cowboy bean profile. This slow-cooker version is simple to assemble and lets the flavors develop as it cooks.
How to Make Cowboy Beans in a Slow Cooker
Watch our step-by-step video demonstration on the original site or follow the instructions below to make this comforting slow-cooker favorite. The method is straightforward: cook the bacon, brown the meats with onion, combine everything in the crock pot with canned beans and sauces, then simmer until thick and flavorful.
Cris here. When we found this cowboy bean recipe in a busy-day slow cooking cookbook, we knew it would be a keeper. These beans balance sweet and savory beautifully and have become a regular for potlucks and family dinners. Below are notes, a full ingredient list and clear instructions so you can make them at home.
Easy Crock Pot Cowboy Beans Notes
- You can swap any canned beans you prefer; the recipe is forgiving and works well with a mix of beans.
- Brown the ground beef and sausage together for more depth of flavor; drain excess grease before adding to the crock pot.
- If you want a shortcut, use pre-cooked or store-bought bacon crumbles.
- This recipe scales easily for gatherings—simply increase quantities and use a larger slow cooker.
- Adjust seasonings to taste at the end of cooking. Add more chili powder for heat, or more brown sugar or molasses for sweetness.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator and reheat gently. Always reheat until steaming hot throughout.
What Other Home Cooks Are Saying
“This was my 1st time cooking cowboy chili and surprisingly it was great. My new go to meal.”
Demra C.
“Very yummy, the entire family enjoyed them. Easy to make too.”
Ashley R.
“They stole the show at Christmas! Everyone raved about them!”
Anna M.
Easy Crock Pot Cowboy Beans
A hearty, flavorful slow-cooker bean dish with bacon, ground beef and sausage. Sweet, smoky and perfect for gatherings.
Rating: 4.96 from 22 votes
Course: Side | Cuisine: American | Keyword: Easy Crock Pot Cowboy Beans
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 3 hours | Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 8–10 | Calories: 579 kcal (estimate)
Author: Cris
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled (or precooked bacon crumbles)
- 1/2 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb ground pork breakfast sausage
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 16 oz can pork and beans (undrained)
- 16 oz can pinto or chili beans (undrained)
- 16 oz can butter beans, drained
- 16 oz can kidney beans, drained
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 teaspoon Montreal steak seasoning or freshly ground pepper
Instructions
- Cook the bacon over medium heat until crisp. Drain and crumble.
- In a separate skillet, brown the ground beef and breakfast sausage over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until the onion is tender, then drain off excess grease.
- Place the browned meat and onion mixture plus the crumbled bacon into the crock pot.
- Add the undrained pork and pinto/chili beans, plus the drained butter and kidney beans.
- Stir in ketchup, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, molasses, mustard, chili powder, garlic salt and Montreal seasoning. Mix gently to combine.
- Cover and cook on high for 1 hour, then reduce to low and cook, covered, for an additional 2–4 hours until flavors meld and sauce thickens.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed before serving.
Notes
- Substitute any beans you prefer. A variety creates a nice texture and flavor contrast.
- Use a multi-cooker or skillet to brown the meats quickly before transferring to the slow cooker.
- For crisp bacon without extra fuss, use pre-cooked bacon pieces or crisp bacon in an air fryer.
- This recipe doubles or triples well for potlucks—just scale ingredients and cook accordingly.
- Nutritional values are estimates and will vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.
- Slow cookers vary; check doneness and adjust cooking time to your appliance.
Nutrition
Calories: 579 kcal | Carbohydrates: 59 g | Protein: 31 g | Fat: 25 g | Saturated Fat: 9 g | Cholesterol: 72 mg | Sodium: 1924 mg | Fiber: 12 g | Sugar: 21 g
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If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also enjoy these dishes:
- Crock Pot Party Beans
- Crock Pot Beefy Hearty Beans