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u3887994962 a rustic bowl of hearty slow cooker cowboy beans 277b77fc af91 4c26 a327 b75f121fbbf1 0

Easy Hearty Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans

Hearty slow cooker cowboy beans made with three kinds of beans, savory ground beef, tomatoes, and warm spices. A comforting, budget-friendly recipe perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb Ground beef
  • 15 oz Kidney beans drained and rinsed
  • 15 oz Pinto beans drained and rinsed
  • 15 oz Great northern beans drained and rinsed
Sauce and Seasonings
  • 1 medium Yellow onion diced
  • 1 medium Bell pepper chopped
  • 2 cloves Garlic cloves minced
  • 14.5 oz Diced tomatoes with juice
  • 8 oz Tomato sauce
  • 0.25 cup Brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp Chili powder
  • 1 tsp Smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp Ground cumin
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker
  • Skillet

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Transfer the beef mixture to the slow cooker. Add all beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, bell pepper, brown sugar, and seasonings. Stir well to combine.
  3. Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours until thick and flavorful. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.

Notes

For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey or plant-based crumbles. Serve with cornbread, rice, or crusty bread for a complete meal.