These Slow Cooker Steakhouse Cowboy Baked Beans are a hearty, flavorful side dish that’s perfect for barbecues, potlucks, or weeknight dinners. Packed with smoky bacon, savory ground beef, and three types of beans, this recipe is sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy—all the flavors you’d expect from a steakhouse classic. Let your slow cooker do the work while you enjoy the irresistible aroma wafting through your kitchen!
Ingredients
(Serves 6–8)
- ½ lb. thick-cut bacon , cut into small pieces
- ½ lb. ground beef
- 1 small onion , diced
- 2 (15 oz) cans chili beans (do not drain)
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans , drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans , drained and rinsed
- 2/3 cup A.1. Sauce
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup HEINZ Ketchup
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- ½ tsp cumin
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste for spice level)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
Instructions
1. Cook the Bacon and Ground Beef
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon pieces until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
- In the same skillet with the bacon grease, add the ground beef and diced onion . Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is softened, about 5–7 minutes. Drain any excess grease if needed.
2. Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
- In a large slow cooker, combine the chili beans (with their liquid), kidney beans , and black beans . Stir to mix.
- Add the cooked bacon, beef mixture, A.1. Sauce , brown sugar , ketchup , apple cider vinegar , cumin , red pepper flakes , black pepper , and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir everything together until well combined.
3. Cook on Low
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 4–6 hours , stirring occasionally if possible. The longer it cooks, the more the flavors will meld together. If you’re short on time, you can cook on high heat for 2–3 hours , but low and slow is ideal for maximum flavor.
4. Adjust Seasoning and Serve
- Taste the baked beans before serving and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add more brown sugar for sweetness, apple cider vinegar for tang, or red pepper flakes for heat.
- Serve warm as a side dish or topping for grilled meats. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions if desired.
Tips for Success
- Make It Ahead: This dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Customize Your Beans: Swap out one type of bean for another, such as pinto or cannellini beans, based on your preference.
- Add Smoky Flavor: For an extra smoky twist, use smoked paprika or add a few dashes of liquid smoke to the mixture.
- Spice Level Control: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes and cayenne pepper to suit your family’s spice tolerance.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Slow Cooker Steakhouse Cowboy Baked Beans are a crowd-pleasing dish that combines rich, smoky flavors with a touch of sweetness and spice. The slow cooking process allows all the ingredients to meld together, creating a deep, complex flavor profile that’s reminiscent of your favorite steakhouse sides. With minimal prep and hands-off cooking, this recipe is perfect for busy days or entertaining guests.
Enjoy these hearty, flavorful baked beans—they’re sure to become a staple at your table! 🍖.beans
