Description
If you’re craving something cozy, satisfying, and easy to prepare, Hearty Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans are the answer. This rich, smoky dish combines ground beef, a trio of beans, and aromatic spices simmered low and slow for maximum flavor. It’s the perfect solution for hearty dinners, game-day spreads, or feeding a hungry crowd. Whether you’re into slow cooker meals, protein-packed comfort food, or easy dinner ideas, this recipe has your back with every spoonful.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 medium yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
15 ounces kidney beans, drained
15 ounces great northern beans, drained
15 ounces pinto beans, drained
14.5 ounces diced tomatoes, with juice
8 ounces tomato sauce
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 medium yellow bell pepper, chopped
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef and diced onion until browned and soft. Drain excess grease.
2. Stir in minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Cook 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Transfer mixture to slow cooker. Add kidney beans, great northern beans, pinto beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, bell pepper, and brown sugar.
4. Stir well. Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours until thick and flavorful.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
You can swap ground beef with turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter option.
For extra smokiness, add a few dashes of liquid smoke or chopped cooked bacon.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: cowboy beans, slow cooker dinner, hearty meals, bean recipe, easy comfort food