Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans with Kielbasa
My Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans are packed with protein, featuring kielbasa, bacon, ground beef, and beans! Hearty, satisfying, and so easy.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces beef kielbasa sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- 8 slices thick-cut bacon chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1 pound ground beef 85–90% lean
- 1 large sweet onion diced (about 10 ounces)
- 1 bell pepper diced (any color you prefer)
- 1 small jalapeño minced
- 3 cloves garlic minced (about 1 tablespoon)
- 56 ounces baked beans 2 cans, 28 ounces each
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce
- 2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Brown the Kielbasa: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the kielbasa rounds on both sides. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
- Cook the Bacon: Add the chopped bacon to the skillet and fry until crispy, stirring occasionally. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain half of the grease.
- Cook the Beef & Vegetables: To the same skillet, add the ground beef, onion, bell pepper, jalapeño, and garlic. Cook until the beef is browned and the onions and peppers are softened. Drain excess grease.
- Assemble the Cowboy Beans: Transfer the kielbasa, bacon, and beef mixture to a 5-quart crockpot. Add the baked beans, ketchup, Dijon mustard, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on high for 3–4 hours or low for 6–8 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Serve & Enjoy: Ladle into bowls and serve warm. Enjoy with cornbread, rice, or crusty bread!
Notes
Make-Ahead Tips: This dish can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator before slow cooking.
Storage: Store cooled cowboy beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
Freezing: Place in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Alternatively, reheat in the microwave in 1-minute increments, stirring between each round.
Customization Ideas: Adjust the flavor balance—add more brown sugar for sweetness, Worcestershire sauce for umami, or apple cider vinegar for tang.
Nutrition
Serving: 1 | Calories: 356cal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 51mg | Sodium: 946mg | Sugar: 6g | Fiber: 8g | Calcium: 92mg | Iron: 3mg