This hearty Three Meat Cowboy Beans recipe is packed with flavor! It combines ground beef, sausage, and bacon, cooked slowly until all the tastes mix perfectly. Yum!
Getting everything into the crock pot is a breeze—no fuss, just stir and let it work its magic! I love serving it with cornbread for a cozy, filling meal.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: The beef adds a hearty base to the dish. If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground turkey works well too. Alternatively, if you want more flavor, try using ground pork.
Smoked Sausage: I love using kielbasa, but any smoked sausage will do! If you want to keep it lighter or vegetarian, use a plant-based sausage or omit it altogether.
Bacon: Bacon gives a great smoky flavor and crunch. For a lighter option, turkey bacon can be substituted. You can also use diced pancetta for a different taste.
Beans: Feel free to mix up the beans! You can use more chickpeas or black beans if you prefer. Canned beans make it easy, but dried beans are a great option too if you soak them overnight and cook them beforehand.
Barbecue Sauce: Any favorite brand works, but I recommend using a sweeter sauce to balance the beans’ flavors. You can also make your own sauce if you’re feeling adventurous!
How Do You Get All the Meats to Work Together Perfectly?
Cooking the meats in a skillet before adding them to the crock pot is key. This step not only enhances their flavors but also helps render some fat, making the dish richer. Here’s how to ensure they’re just right:
- Cook bacon until crispy and let its grease flavor the other meats.
- Don’t rush browning the ground beef; this improves the taste.
- The sausage should be lightly browned to develop its flavor—just a few minutes will do.
Layering the cooked meats with the beans and sauce in the crock pot allows all these wonderful flavors to meld together beautifully during the cooking time. Enjoy the delicious aroma wafting from your kitchen!
Easy Three Meat Crock Pot Cowboy Beans
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meats:
- 1/2 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb smoked sausage, sliced
- 1/2 lb bacon, chopped
For the Beans:
- 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) baked beans
For the Sauce and Seasonings:
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This comforting dish takes about 20 minutes of prep time and then cooks in the crock pot for 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. Perfect for those busy days when you want a filling meal waiting for you at home!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Bacon:
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chopped bacon until it’s nice and crisp. Once done, use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon, leaving the grease in the skillet. This grease will help flavor the ground beef and sausage!
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
In the same skillet, add the ground beef. Cook it until it’s browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. If there’s a lot of grease, drain off the excess, but don’t worry if there’s a bit left; it will add flavor!
3. Brown the Smoked Sausage:
Next, add the sliced smoked sausage to the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes until it starts to brown. This adds a yummy smoky flavor to your cowboy beans!
4. Combine Everything in the Crock Pot:
Grab your crock pot and add all the beans: pinto, black, kidney, and baked. Then add the cooked ground beef, bacon, and sausage to the pot.
5. Add Flavorful Sauces:
Now it’s time to flavor things up! Stir in the chopped onion, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, yellow mustard, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well—it should smell amazing!
6. Cook the Beans:
Cover the crock pot with the lid and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. If you can, stir occasionally to mix those delicious flavors.
7. Taste and Serve:
Before serving, taste your cowboy beans and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with cornbread or over rice for a full meal. Get ready to enjoy a warm, hearty dish!
Enjoy your delicious and comforting cowboy beans packed with three meats! They’re sure to be a hit at your dinner table!
FAQ About Easy Three Meat Crock Pot Cowboy Beans
Can I Use Different Types of Beans?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap out any beans for your favorites. Great alternatives include chickpeas, navy beans, or even lentils. Just make sure to keep a similar quantity for balance!
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, simply omit the meats and replace them with plant-based sausage or mushrooms for added flavor. You can also add more beans or vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to make it hearty.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let the beans cool completely before putting them in the freezer!
Can I Adjust the Spiciness Level?
Yes! If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the chili powder or omit it altogether. For some heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce before serving!
