Description

Crockpot Cowboy Beans with Kielbasa is a smoky, hearty slow cooker dinner made with tender beans, savory ground beef, and slices of kielbasa in a sweet-and-tangy barbecue sauce. It is easy to prep, perfect for potlucks or family dinners, and even better the next day.

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef

12 ounces kielbasa sausage, sliced into rounds

1 medium yellow onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 can 16 ounces pork and beans

1 can 15 ounces kidney beans, drained and rinsed

1 can 15 ounces pinto beans, drained and rinsed

1 can 15 ounces black beans, drained and rinsed

3/4 cup barbecue sauce

1/2 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

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until no longer pink. Add the diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds more, then drain any excess grease.

2. Add the cooked beef mixture to the slow cooker. Stir in the sliced kielbasa.

3. Add the pork and beans, kidney beans, pinto beans, and black beans to the slow cooker.

4. In a medium bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt.

5. Pour the sauce over the meat and beans, then stir gently until everything is evenly coated.

6. Cover and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours or on high for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, until hot and thickened.

7. Stir well before serving and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm.

Notes

For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes.

If the beans seem thin at the end, leave the lid slightly open for the last 20 to 30 minutes to help the sauce thicken.

These beans taste even better the next day, so they are great for meal prep or make-ahead gatherings.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Category: Dinner
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 465
Sugar: 17g
Sodium: 1180mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 13g
Trans Fat: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 41g
Fiber: 10g
Protein: 24g
Cholesterol: 48mg

Keywords: crockpot cowboy beans with kielbasa, cowboy beans, slow cooker beans, kielbasa beans, hearty crockpot dinner