Get ready to saddle up for a taste sensation with these Slow Cooker Steakhouse Cowboy Baked Beans! Packed with hearty ingredients like bacon, ground beef, and a variety of beans, these baked beans are slow-cooked to perfection, resulting in a dish that’s bursting with flavor and cowboy charm. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, a potluck dinner, or simply craving some down-home comfort food, these beans are sure to hit the spot. Let’s rustle up some cowboy goodness with this irresistible recipe!
Ingredients:
- ½ lb. thick-cut bacon, cut into 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
- 1 15 oz can 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
Directions:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon pieces until crisp. Remove the bacon from the skillet using a slotted spoon and transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Discard all but 2 tablespoons of the bacon grease and return the skillet to the stovetop.
- Brown the ground beef and diced onion in the remaining bacon grease until the beef is no longer pink and the onions are tender, about 5 minutes.
- Transfer the cooked ground beef mixture, bacon, and all remaining ingredients to the slow cooker. Stir well to combine.
- Cook on LOW for 3 to 4 hours or on HIGH for 1 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Before serving, give the beans a final stir and adjust seasoning if necessary. Enjoy these flavorful cowboy baked beans as a delicious side dish or as a main course!
Prep Time: 10 min Cooking Time: 3 hr (on LOW) or 1 hr (on HIGH) Total Time: 3 hr 10 min (on LOW) or 1 hr 10 min (on HIGH) Servings: 10
Serving and Storage Tips:
- Serving Suggestions: Serve these Slow Cooker Steakhouse Cowboy Baked Beans as a hearty side dish alongside grilled meats such as steak, ribs, or chicken. They also make a delicious topping for baked potatoes or a filling main course when served with cornbread or rice.
- Garnish Options: Enhance the presentation and flavor of the baked beans by garnishing them with chopped fresh parsley, green onions, or a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese before serving. These additional touches add a pop of color and extra flavor to the dish.
- Make-Ahead Convenience: These baked beans can be prepared in advance and reheated before serving, making them a convenient option for meal planning and entertaining. Simply store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or freeze them for longer-term storage.
- Reheating Instructions: To reheat the baked beans, simply transfer them to a saucepan or microwave-safe dish and warm them over medium heat on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating and prevent sticking.
- Freezing Option: If you have leftovers or want to prepare a batch of baked beans for future use, you can freeze them in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Freeze the beans in portion-sized servings for easy reheating later on.
- Thawing and Reheating Frozen Beans: When ready to enjoy the frozen baked beans, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or defrost them in the microwave using the defrost setting. Once thawed, reheat the beans following the same instructions as for reheating fresh beans.
- Batch Cooking: Consider doubling or tripling the recipe to make a larger batch of baked beans to enjoy throughout the week or to serve at larger gatherings and events. Leftover baked beans can also be repurposed into other dishes, such as chili, soups, or casseroles.
- Storage Tips: Store any leftover baked beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze the beans in individual portions or larger batches for up to 2-3 months. Be sure to label the containers with the date of preparation for easy reference.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your Slow Cooker Steakhouse Cowboy Baked Beans stay fresh, flavorful, and ready to enjoy whenever you’re craving a taste of the Wild West. Whether served as a side dish or main course, these hearty baked beans are sure to satisfy your appetite and delight your taste buds!
Variations:
- Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version of these baked beans, omit the bacon and ground beef. Instead, add extra vegetables such as diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for added flavor and texture. You can also increase the amount of beans or add tofu or tempeh for protein.
- Smoky Flavor: Enhance the smoky flavor of the baked beans by adding a few dashes of liquid smoke to the sauce mixture. Liquid smoke adds a rich, smoky aroma that pairs perfectly with the savory flavors of the beans and spices.
- Sweet and Spicy: Create a sweet and spicy variation by adding diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes to the bean mixture. Balance the heat with a touch of honey or maple syrup for sweetness. The combination of sweet and spicy flavors adds depth and complexity to the dish.
- BBQ Twist: Give these baked beans a barbecue twist by stirring in your favorite barbecue sauce along with the other sauce ingredients. Choose a smoky or tangy barbecue sauce to complement the flavors of the beans and meat. Serve the beans alongside grilled meats for a classic barbecue feast.
- Southwest-Inspired: Add a Southwest flair to the baked beans by incorporating ingredients such as corn, diced green chilies, and cilantro. You can also substitute the cumin with taco seasoning for a burst of Mexican-inspired flavor. Serve these beans with tortilla chips or as a filling for tacos or burritos.
- Italian-Inspired: Give these baked beans an Italian-inspired twist by adding ingredients such as diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and grated Parmesan cheese. You can also substitute the A.1. Sauce with marinara sauce for a tomato-based flavor profile. Serve these beans with garlic bread or alongside pasta for a comforting meal.
- Hawaiian-Inspired: Create a Hawaiian-inspired variation by adding ingredients such as pineapple chunks, diced ham, and teriyaki sauce to the bean mixture. The combination of sweet pineapple and savory ham adds a tropical twist to the dish. Serve these beans with rice or alongside grilled seafood for a taste of the islands.
- Mediterranean Twist: Add Mediterranean flavors to the baked beans by incorporating ingredients such as diced tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese. You can also substitute the cumin with dried oregano and basil for a herbaceous touch. Serve these beans with crusty bread or alongside grilled vegetables for a Mediterranean-inspired meal.
- Beer-Braised Beans: For a rich and flavorful variation, replace some of the liquid in the recipe with your favorite beer. The beer adds depth and complexity to the sauce, resulting in tender and flavorful baked beans. Choose a lager or ale for a milder flavor or a stout or porter for a more robust taste.
- Breakfast Beans: Transform these baked beans into a hearty breakfast dish by adding ingredients such as diced breakfast sausage, scrambled eggs, and shredded cheddar cheese. Serve these beans with toast or biscuits for a satisfying morning meal that’s packed with protein and flavor.
Experiment with these variations to customize your Slow Cooker Steakhouse Cowboy Baked Beans and create a dish that suits your taste preferences and culinary cravings. Whether you prefer a classic flavor profile or want to explore new flavor combinations, these versatile baked beans are sure to be a hit at any meal!
FAQs:
- Can I use different types of beans in this recipe? Yes, you can customize the bean selection to suit your preferences. While the recipe calls for chili beans, kidney beans, and black beans, feel free to substitute with other varieties such as pinto beans, navy beans, or cannellini beans.
- Can I make these baked beans ahead of time? Absolutely! These baked beans are perfect for making ahead of time. Simply prepare the recipe as directed, allow the beans to cool, and then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat before serving for a convenient and delicious meal or side dish.
- Can I adjust the level of spiciness in the beans? Yes, you can adjust the spiciness to your preference by varying the amount of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper used in the recipe. Start with a smaller amount and gradually add more to reach your desired level of heat.
With their bold flavors and rustic charm, these Slow Cooker Steakhouse Cowboy Baked Beans are a surefire hit for any occasion. Whether served alongside grilled meats, piled on top of a baked potato, or enjoyed straight from the bowl, these beans are a delicious way to add a taste of the Wild West to your table. So grab your slow cooker and get ready to enjoy a hearty helping of cowboy comfort food!
