Four-Bean Cowboy Beans: A Hearty Slow Cooker Comfort Meal

Homestead Cowboy Beans

These cowboy beans are simmered with ground beef, bacon, and four types of beans in a sweet and tangy sauce that will delight everyone in the family.

Why You’ll Love These Cowboy Beans

Whether you’re planning a weeknight dinner, hosting a game day or cozying up on a chilly evening, these cowboy beans deliver that perfect balance of smoky bacon, tender beans, and a tangy barbecue twist. They’re the ultimate slow-cooked beans favorite for family gatherings and tailgate parties alike.

Ingredients

• 1 pound bacon, diced
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, seeded and diced
• 15 oz can pinto beans, drained
• 15 oz can kidney beans, drained
• 15 oz can black beans, drained
• 15 oz can navy beans, drained
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
• 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Place bacon in a large skillet and cook over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until evenly browned and crispy, 10 to 12 minutes. Drain bacon slices on paper towels and crumble when cool enough to handle.
2. In the same skillet, add ground beef and cook over medium heat until browned, breaking up meat, about 5 minutes. Drain excess fat.
3. Add onions and bell pepper; sauté until softened, about 4 minutes.
4. Stir in ketchup, brown sugar, barbecue sauce, mustard, vinegar, and chili powder. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Transfer the beef mixture and crumbled bacon to a slow cooker. Add all four beans; stir to combine.
6. Cook on low for 4 hours (or on high for 2 hours), stirring halfway through to blend flavors.
7. Adjust seasoning and serve warm, garnished with extra chopped bacon or green onions if desired.

Tips and Variations

• Spice it up: Add a dash of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
• Smoky flavor: Use smoked paprika or swap regular bacon for smoked bacon.
• Vegetarian twist: Omit the meat and stir in extra beans and a splash of liquid smoke.
• Make ahead: These cowboy beans taste even better the next day—store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Nutrition per serving

• Calories: 536 kcal
• Carbs: 66 g
• Fiber: 12 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Fat: 19 g
• Sodium: 1222 mg
• Sugar: 21 g

Ready to enjoy the ultimate comfort food? Dive into a bowl of hearty and flavorful cowboy beans.