If you’re looking for a side dish that’s as hearty as it is irresistible, Slow Cooker Steakhouse Cowboy Baked Beans are about to become your new obsession. Imagine tender beef, crispy bacon, and a trio of beans all mingling in a sweet, smoky, and tangy sauce—the kind of flavor-packed comfort food that could easily steal the show at any gathering. This dish truly transforms classic baked beans into something bold and satisfying, guaranteed to have everyone coming back for seconds (and maybe even thirds).
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Slow Cooker Steakhouse Cowboy Baked Beans comes from a handful of simple, down-to-earth ingredients. Each one plays a key role in building the rich flavors and textures that make this dish unforgettable, from the smoky bacon and juicy beef to the robust beans and just-right blend of sauces and spices.
- Ground beef (1 pound): Brings heartiness and savory depth, making these beans a meal-worthy side.
- Thick-cut bacon, chopped (6 slices): Adds unbeatable smokiness and a crisp, craveable texture.
- Onion, diced (1 small): Softens into sweet, aromatic bites that round out every spoonful.
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Infuses each bite with a subtle kick and fragrant warmth.
- Baked beans, canned (28 ounces): The saucy foundation, sweet and savory, that ties it all together.
- Kidney beans, drained and rinsed (15 ounces): Meaty and robust, they add color and substance.
- Pinto beans, drained and rinsed (15 ounces): Creamy and mild, they soak up all that saucy goodness.
- Barbecue sauce (1/2 cup): Injects smokiness and tang—use your favorite for a personalized touch.
- Ketchup (1/4 cup): Sweetens and brightens the sauce with a familiar zing.
- Brown sugar (1/4 cup): Deepens the sweetness and adds a caramel note.
- Yellow mustard (1 tablespoon): Brings a subtle sharpness to balance the sweetness.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon): Layers in savory, umami complexity.
- Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): Infuses a gentle, smoky heat that echoes steakhouse flavors.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Gives a little bite to wake up your taste buds.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Just enough to tie everything together and make the flavors pop.
How to Make Slow Cooker Steakhouse Cowboy Baked Beans
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
Start by crisping up your chopped bacon in a large skillet over medium heat. This step sets the stage for that signature smoky flavor, and the rendered bacon fat will be the perfect base for browning the beef and onion. Once the bacon is golden and crisp, scoop it out with a slotted spoon and let it rest on a plate—try not to eat it all before it makes it into the slow cooker!
Step 2: Brown the Beef and Onion
Pour off most of the bacon grease but leave about a tablespoon in the skillet for extra flavor. Toss in your ground beef and diced onion, stirring and breaking up the meat until the beef is browned and the onion turns soft and translucent, about 6 to 8 minutes. This combo creates a rich, savory backbone for the beans.
Step 3: Add Garlic
Sprinkle the minced garlic into the skillet and let it cook for just 30 seconds—enough to release its fragrance without letting it burn. This little step makes a big difference in layering the flavors.
Step 4: Combine Everything in the Slow Cooker
Transfer the cooked beef, onion, and reserved bacon to your slow cooker. Now, the fun part: add the baked beans, kidney beans, pinto beans, barbecue sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until the sauce is glossy and everything is evenly coated. You’ll see those gorgeous colors and smell that irresistible aroma already coming together.
Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection
Pop the lid on and set your slow cooker to low for 6 to 7 hours, or crank it to high for 3 to 4 hours if you’re short on time. The slow simmer lets all the flavors meld and deepen, turning these Slow Cooker Steakhouse Cowboy Baked Beans into a dish where every bite is pure, savory comfort. Give it a good stir before serving to make sure all the saucy goodness is distributed.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Steakhouse Cowboy Baked Beans
Garnishes
A sprinkle of sliced green onions or freshly chopped parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to your Slow Cooker Steakhouse Cowboy Baked Beans. If you’re feeling extra, a little shredded cheddar or even a few pickled jalapeño slices on top can take things to the next level, making each serving look as inviting as it tastes.
Side Dishes
These beans are bold enough to stand alone, but they truly shine next to classic barbecue fare—think grilled burgers, smoked brisket, or juicy sausages. A buttery cornbread or a crisp, tangy coleslaw helps balance out the richness, making for a well-rounded meal that’s perfect for potlucks, cookouts, or cozy family dinners.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Slow Cooker Steakhouse Cowboy Baked Beans in mini cast iron skillets for a rustic steakhouse vibe, or pile them high over baked potatoes for a hearty twist. You can even load them onto toasted buns with a fried egg for a cowboy-inspired breakfast sandwich. However you serve them, expect big smiles and empty plates!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftover beans to an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors actually get even better as they sit, so don’t be surprised if you find yourself looking forward to leftovers just as much as the first serving.
Freezing
Slow Cooker Steakhouse Cowboy Baked Beans freeze beautifully! Allow the beans to cool completely, then portion them into freezer-safe bags or containers. They’ll keep well for up to three months, making them a great option for meal prep or last-minute cookouts.
Reheating
To reheat, just pop the beans in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. For larger batches, you can reheat right in the slow cooker on low. If the sauce seems a little thick after chilling, stir in a splash of water or broth to bring back that luscious texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Side Dish
Absolutely! Swap the ground beef for ground sausage, chopped smoked sausage, or even ground turkey if you prefer. Each option will give your Slow Cooker Steakhouse Cowboy Baked Beans a unique flavor profile, so feel free to get creative.
Are these beans spicy?
The base recipe is more smoky and sweet than spicy, but you can easily add a kick with a pinch of cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or by using a spicy barbecue sauce. Tailor the heat level to suit your crowd!
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by omitting the beef and bacon and adding extra beans or a plant-based meat substitute. Use vegetarian Worcestershire sauce to keep everything meat-free without losing that savory depth.
Will this recipe fit in a standard slow cooker?
A standard 6-quart slow cooker will comfortably hold the full batch of Slow Cooker Steakhouse Cowboy Baked Beans. If you have a smaller model, consider halving the recipe to avoid overflow.
What’s the best way to transport these beans to a potluck?
Let the beans cool slightly, then transfer them to a lidded, insulated carrier or keep them in the slow cooker on warm. If you’re traveling a long distance, secure the lid with a towel or rubber bands to prevent spills, and bring along a ladle for easy serving.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to impress your family and friends with a dish that’s as satisfying as it is simple, give Slow Cooker Steakhouse Cowboy Baked Beans a try. They’re the kind of crowd-pleasing, comforting side that turns any meal into a special occasion. I can’t wait for you to experience just how delicious homemade cowboy beans can be!
Print
Slow Cooker Steakhouse Cowboy Baked Beans Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Tender and flavorful Slow Cooker Steakhouse Cowboy Baked Beans packed with ground beef, bacon, and a smoky barbecue blend, perfect as a hearty side dish or a standalone meal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Beans
- 1 (28-ounce) can baked beans
- 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
Sauces and Seasonings
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Cook Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the skillet.
- Brown Beef and Sauté Onion: Add the ground beef and diced onion to the skillet with the bacon grease. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is tender, about 6 to 8 minutes.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant. Drain any excess fat from the mixture.
- Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Transfer the cooked beef mixture and bacon to the slow cooker. Add baked beans, kidney beans, pinto beans, barbecue sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, allowing flavors to meld perfectly.
- Serve: Stir the baked beans before serving. Enjoy warm as a delicious side dish or hearty meal.
Notes
- For extra smokiness, use a hickory-flavored barbecue sauce.
- Substitute ground beef with ground sausage or chopped smoked sausage for a different flavor profile.
- Leftovers reheat well and make a great next-day meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 810 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
