Description
This Slow Cooker Steakhouse Cowboy Baked Beans recipe is a hearty and flavorful side dish featuring a savory blend of ground beef, crispy bacon, and a variety of beans simmered with a rich barbecue sauce mixture. Perfect for potlucks or a comforting family meal, this easy slow cooker recipe infuses classic steakhouse flavors into tender baked beans, delivering a satisfying and smoky taste with minimal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Beans
- 2 cans (15 oz each) pork and beans, undrained
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
Sauces and Seasonings
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crisp. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon and drain on paper towels.
- Brown the Beef and Onions: In the same skillet, add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes until the beef is browned and the onions are softened.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release its aroma.
- Drain Excess Fat: Remove any excess fat from the skillet by draining or blotting to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Transfer to Slow Cooker: Move the cooked beef mixture into the slow cooker.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: To the slow cooker, add the cooked bacon, pork and beans (with liquid), kidney beans, black beans, barbecue sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until the beans are hot and bubbly and the flavors meld together.
- Serve: Stir the beans well before serving. Enjoy as a hearty side dish or main course, especially paired with cornbread.
Notes
- This dish can be prepared a day ahead; simply reheat before serving to enhance flavors.
- For an added kick, include a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper during cooking.
- Serve alongside cornbread or as a robust side for barbecues and casual dinners.
