Crock Pot Cowboy Beans are a hearty and filling side dish made with a pound of beef, a pound of bacon, and three kinds of beans, all slow-simmered in a sweet and tangy brown sugar molasses sauce.

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Two Bite Tested

After making this recipe many times over the years, this is the version I consistently come back to. This slow cooker cowboy beans recipe is popular because:

• It is a dump-and-go slow cooker method after the beef and onions are cooked.
• It makes a large batch for potlucks, cookouts, and big gatherings.
• The ingredient list is built from common pantry items and canned beans.

This recipe includes:

• Detailed ingredient notes
• Answers to frequently asked questions
• Serving and storage suggestions
• A recipe card for printing

A Note From My Kitchen

You'll have to forgive me for the quality of that photo up there. I took it on the fly and never bothered to check if the image was totally in focus. I was moving a liiiittle too quickly in my rush to take a last-minute shot that I shook the camera, as you can obviously see.

Shame on me. I am not being a very good food blogger when I take crappy photos.

Every time we have a party or when we host holiday celebrations, I always have the best intentions to photograph my new recipes, I swear I do. This time was just like all of the others. I get all wrapped up in last minute cleaning, getting myself and the kids ready, and making sure all of the food is plated, that I forget to take pictures. I usually remember when the party is in full swing and people are chowing down.

Awful photograph or not, this old fashioned cowboy beans recipe was so yummy and super indulgent! Usually, when a recipe calls for a pound of bacon, I say, "Where do I sign up?" They were the talk of my little guy's second birthday party!

EDIT: I finally shot some new photos of these delish beans! It only took four years! Haha. Check it out!

Ahhhh, a little close-up action so you can see all of that delicious beany goodness. I can honestly say that four years after publishing this recipe, these beans are still THE BEST.

Over the years I've gotten review after review across social media with folks singing this recipe's praises! People have made them their own by adding things like liquid smoke, green bell peppers, and butter beans, but I still love them exactly as written. This authentic cowboy beans recipe is now the number one searched topic on the blog. I tell you, there's a reason for that. They are just that good.

This recipe doesn't get much easier. Just dump the ingredients and go. Throw in some homemade biscuits or cornbread on the side and you'll be in heaven!

Happy cooking,

Ingredient Notes

• Ground beef: For this cowboy beans recipe with hamburger, I like to use 85/15 lean ground beef which means 85% lean and 15% fat.
• Bacon and bacon drippings: Cook the bacon until nice and crisp, but save the bacon grease! Some of the drippings are added to the beans for extra bacon flavor.
• Kidney beans: You can use light red or dark red kidney beans. Pinto beans can be substituted here.
• White beans: Navy beans, cannellini beans, or great northern beans will all work.
• Pork and beans: Look for canned pork and beans in sauce and don't drain the sauce!
• Onion: Yellow onions or sweet onions will both work.
• Brown sugar: Use light brown sugar found in the baking aisle.
• Ketchup: Good old ketchup, nothing fancy!
• Molasses: Don't skip the molasses if you want a deep, rich-flavored batch of beans.
• Yellow mustard: Stick with yellow as opposed to dijon or whole ground. Yellow is best!

Frequently Asked Questions

What size crock pot should be used for cowboy baked beans?

I always use a nice big crock pot for this recipe. If you use a small crock pot, it won't fit all of the beans. Go with a 6-7 qt. This is the crock pot I use and I absolutely love it. I don't have the little dipper, but I wish I did!

Can I prepare this recipe in an Instant Pot or on the stovetop instead of a crock pot?

Yes! For the Instant Pot, use the sauté function for browning beef and onions, then add everything and cook on high pressure for about 20 minutes, followed by a natural release. On the stovetop, simmer gently in a large pot for about 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until flavors meld perfectly.

Are there any common mistakes to avoid when making this recipe?

Yes! Don’t skip cooking the beef and onions first. That step builds your flavor base. Also, save and add some bacon drippings to the beans for extra smoky richness. Avoid overcooking to mush. Slow cook just enough so beans stay tender but intact. And don’t forget the molasses—it’s key to that signature depth of flavor!

Two Bite Take

"This was a GREAT recipe! Everyone loved it, even my picky eaters."

- A Pinterest User

Serving Suggestions

What to Serve With Best Ever Crock Pot Cowboy Beans

These cowboy beans complement all of your favorite barbecue foods. A typical portion is about 1/2 cup. Try them for potlucks or your next cookout alongside these favorite main dishes:

• Bacon and Cheese Stuffed BBQ Burgers
• Oven Baked BBQ Baby Back Ribs
• Pulled Pork
• All-American Club Dogs
• And so much more!

Best Ever Crock Pot Cowboy Beans Variations

Put a twist on your beans with one of the delicious flavor variations:

• Add Fresh Veggies: Toss in diced green bell peppers, jalapeños, or even corn for a pop of color and a fresh bite.
• Spice It Up: Add chili powder, cayenne pepper, or chipotle powder to bring a smoky heat that complements the sweetness.
• Cheesy Twist: Stir in shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese just before serving for creamy richness.

Got Leftovers?

What To Do With Leftover Best Ever Crock Pot Cowboy Beans

Leftover cowboy beans can be used in different ways after they have already been cooked.

• Spoon leftover cowboy beans over baked potatoes and add shredded cheese.
• Use leftover cowboy beans as a topping for hot dogs.
• Serve leftover cowboy beans over rice as a quick bowl-style meal.
• Warm leftover cowboy beans and serve them alongside scrambled eggs.
• Stir leftover cowboy beans into macaroni and cheese just before serving.

How should cowboy beans be stored?

This recipe makes lots of beans, so you might find yourself with leftovers. Here's how you can store leftover cowboy beans:

• Allow the Beans to Cool: Before storing this cowboy bean recipe, let them cool completely at room temperature.
• Choose Appropriate Containers: Cowboy beans should be stored in an airtight container that is glass or plastic with a tight-fitting lid.
• Divide into Portions: If you have a large batch of cowboy beans, consider dividing them into smaller portions before storing them. This will make it easier when reheating later on, allowing you to defrost only the amount needed if you're freezing them.
• Eat Within 3-4 Days: Cowboy beans can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to three or four days without compromising taste or quality. They can be frozen for up to six months.

Best Ever Crock Pot Cowboy Beans

Yield: 20 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 4 hours
Total time: 4 hours, 15 minutes

Crock Pot Cowboy Beans are a hearty and filling side dish made with a pound of beef, a pound of bacon, and three kinds of beans, all slow-simmered in a sweet and tangy brown sugar molasses sauce.

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INGREDIENTS

1 pound ground beef
1 pound bacon, cooked and crumbled
2 tablespoons bacon drippings
3 (15 ounce) cans kidney beans
3 (15 ounce) cans white beans
3 (15 ounce) cans pork and beans
3 small onions, diced
1 cup light brown sugar
1 cup ketchup
1/2 cup molasses
3 tablespoons yellow mustard

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and onions until the meat is no longer pink; drain.
2. Drain and rinse all of the beans except for one can of pork and beans. Combine the beans, cooked ground beef, onions, and remaining ingredients in your crock pot.
3. Cook for 4 hours on high or 8 hours on low.

NOTES

This recipe makes a TON of beans. Plan to use a large oval crockpot or halve the recipe. I served 20 people and still had leftovers, but everyone was more than willing to take some home!

Author: Becky Tarala

Nutrition data should not be considered a guarantee. Please see our full Nutrition Data Disclosure.

Behind the Bites

Hi, I’m Becky, the creator of The Two Bite Club, where good food starts with two bites.
I’ve been cooking and sharing recipes here for years,
sharing the kinds of easy, dependable dishes that tend to become family favorites.

These are the recipes I make in my own kitchen, and I hope you enjoy them as much as we do.
You can read more about me and The Two Bite Club here!

Amazing BBQ Recipes to Complement Cowboy Crockpot Beans

These cowboy beans complement all of your favorite barbecue foods.  Try them for potlucks or your next cookout alongside these favorite main dishes:

• Bacon and Cheese Stuffed BBQ Burgers
• Oven Baked BBQ Baby Back Ribs
• Oven Roasted Pulled Pork with Honey Mustard BBQ Sauce
• All-American Club Dogs