Hearty Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans
A comforting and flavorful dish featuring ground beef, beans, and spices, perfect for busy weeknights and family gatherings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef Use lean ground beef for a healthier option
- 2 cans 15 oz each of beans (such as kidney, pinto, or black beans), rinsed and drained Rinse beans to reduce sodium
- 1 can 15 oz of diced tomatoes
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper , chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp chili powder Adjust to taste for spiciness
- 1 tsp cumin
- to taste Salt and pepper
Optional Toppings
- to taste shredded cheese Cheddar or Monterey Jack works well
- to taste sour cream
- to taste green onions, sliced
Instructions
Preparation
- Gather all your ingredients. Chop the onion, bell pepper, and garlic and set aside the beans, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
Cooking the Base
- Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
Combining Ingredients
- Transfer the cooked ground beef to the slow cooker. Add rinsed beans, diced tomatoes, chopped onion, bell pepper, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
Setting the Slow Cooker
- Cover slow cooker and set to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Cooking Process
- Let cook undisturbed. Stir halfway through if at home.
Checking for Doneness
- When done, give it a thorough stir. Ensure beans and beef are heated through and vegetables are tender.
Preparing Toppings
- Prep your toppings: grate cheese, chop green onions, and get sour cream ready.
Serving
- Ladle the cowboy beans into bowls and garnish with your choice of toppings.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove over low heat.