Slow Cooker Steakhouse Cowboy Baked Beans

by

Introduction:

Indulge in the rich flavors of the Wild West with our Slow Cooker Steakhouse Cowboy Baked Beans recipe. Packed with savory bacon, hearty ground beef, and a medley of beans, this dish brings a taste of the frontier right to your dinner table. Whether served as a comforting side or the main attraction, these slow-cooked beans are sure to satisfy your cravings. Follow along as we guide you through creating this mouthwatering cowboy classic.

Ingredients:

  • ½ lb. thick-cut bacon, cut into pieces
  • ½ lb. ground beef
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cans (15 oz each) chili beans (undrained)
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained
  • ⅔ cup A.1. Sauce
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • ⅓ cup HEINZ Ketchup
  • ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
  • ½ tsp cumin
  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • ¼ tsp cayenne pepper

Instructions:

  1. Begin by crisping up the bacon in a large skillet until golden and crispy. Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess grease, ensuring to reserve about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the skillet.
  2. In the same skillet, add the ground beef and diced onion to the bacon grease. Cook until the beef is browned and the onions are translucent, approximately 5 minutes.
  3. Transfer the cooked beef mixture and crispy bacon to the slow cooker. Add in the chili beans (undrained), kidney beans, black beans, A.1. Sauce, brown sugar, HEINZ Ketchup, apple cider vinegar, cumin, red pepper flakes, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
  4. Set the slow cooker to LOW and allow the flavors to meld together for 3 to 4 hours. If pressed for time, cook on HIGH for 1 to 2 hours instead, ensuring to stir occasionally.
  5. Once cooked, taste the beans and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot and enjoy these hearty cowboy baked beans as a delightful side dish or a satisfying main course.

Serving Tips:

  1. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color and freshness.
  2. Serve alongside grilled meats such as steak, ribs, or chicken for a complete meal.
  3. Pair with cornbread or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
  4. Top with shredded cheese or a dollop of sour cream for added richness.

Storage Tips:

  1. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  2. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
  3. For longer storage, freeze the cooled beans in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months.
  4. Thaw frozen beans overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  5. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to prevent the beans from drying out.

Variations of Slow Cooker Steakhouse Cowboy Baked Beans:

  1. Vegetarian Version:
    • Omit the bacon and ground beef.
    • Increase the amount of beans or add additional varieties such as pinto beans or navy beans.
    • Add diced vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or celery for extra flavor and texture.
    • Substitute Worcestershire sauce for the A.1. Sauce to maintain the savory depth of flavor.
  2. Smoky Chipotle Twist:
    • Replace the A.1. Sauce with chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a smoky, spicy kick.
    • Add smoked paprika and a dash of liquid smoke for extra depth of flavor.
    • Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice before serving.
  3. Sweet and Tangy Maple Glazed Beans:
    • Substitute maple syrup for the brown sugar for a richer, more nuanced sweetness.
    • Use Dijon mustard instead of HEINZ Ketchup for a tangier flavor profile.
    • Incorporate diced apples or apple chunks for added sweetness and texture.
  4. Bourbon Infused Beans:
    • Add a splash of bourbon to the bean mixture for a rich, complex flavor.
    • Increase the amount of brown sugar for a sweeter taste to balance the smokiness of the bourbon.
    • Top with crispy fried onions or shallots for an extra crunch.
  5. Spicy Jalapeño and Cheddar Beans:
    • Include diced jalapeños or green chilies for a spicy kick.
    • Stir in shredded cheddar cheese during the last hour of cooking for a creamy, cheesy finish.
    • Sprinkle with crushed tortilla chips or breadcrumbs before serving for added texture.
  6. Mediterranean Inspired Beans:
    • Replace the bacon with diced pancetta for a lighter, Italian twist.
    • Add sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and capers for a Mediterranean flair.
    • Season with Italian herbs such as oregano, basil, and thyme for a fragrant aroma.

Nutrition Information:

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 3 hours on LOW or 1 hour on HIGH
  • Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes on LOW or 1 hour 10 minutes on HIGH
  • Servings: 10

Conclusion:

Elevate your dinner with the robust flavors of Slow Cooker Steakhouse Cowboy Baked Beans. Perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or simply a cozy night in, this recipe is a surefire crowd-pleaser. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, these beans are bound to become a staple in your culinary repertoire. So, grab your slow cooker and saddle up for a taste adventure that’s as satisfying as it is delicious.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) about Slow Cooker Steakhouse Cowboy Baked Beans:

  1. Q: Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon? A: Yes, turkey bacon can be used as a leaner alternative to regular bacon in this recipe. However, note that it may result in a slightly different flavor profile.
  2. Q: Can I substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken? A: Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for ground beef to make a lighter version of this dish while still maintaining its delicious flavor.
  3. Q: Are there any gluten-free alternatives for the A.1. Sauce and HEINZ Ketchup? A: Yes, there are gluten-free versions of A.1. Sauce and HEINZ Ketchup available in most grocery stores. Alternatively, you can use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce as a substitute for A.1. Sauce.
  4. Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time and reheat it later? A: Yes, Slow Cooker Steakhouse Cowboy Baked Beans can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
  5. Q: How can I make this recipe spicier? A: To add more heat to the dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or add diced jalapeños or other hot peppers to the bean mixture.
  6. Q: Can I freeze leftovers of this dish? A: Yes, Slow Cooker Steakhouse Cowboy Baked Beans can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Allow the beans to cool completely before transferring them to a freezer-safe container or bag.
  7. Q: Can I use different types of beans? A: Absolutely! Feel free to customize the bean selection according to your preference. You can use a combination of kidney beans, black beans, pinto beans, or any other variety you like.
  8. Q: How can I make this recipe vegetarian? A: To make this dish vegetarian, omit the bacon and ground beef. Increase the quantity of beans and consider adding extra vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms for added flavor and texture.
  9. Q: What can I serve with Slow Cooker Steakhouse Cowboy Baked Beans? A: These beans pair well with grilled meats such as steak, ribs, or chicken. They also make a delicious accompaniment to cornbread, baked potatoes, or a simple green salad.
  10. Q: Can I adjust the sweetness of the beans? A: Yes, you can adjust the sweetness of the beans by varying the amount of brown sugar or by using a different sweetener of your choice, such as maple syrup or honey. Taste the beans as they cook and add more sweetener if desired.

Leave a Comment