Name: Slow Cooker Steakhouse Cowboy Baked Beans
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 h
Total time: 5 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1/2 lb beef sausage or smoked beef sausage, diced; 1 small onion, diced; 2 (15 oz) cans baked beans, undrained; 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed; 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed; 3/4 cup ketchup; 1/2 cup barbecue sauce; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1 tbsp yellow mustard; 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; Salt and black pepper to taste

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These Slow Cooker Steakhouse Cowboy Baked Beans are rich, smoky, and hearty—just the way I like a comforting meal. Loaded with ground beef, savory beef sausage, three kinds of beans, and a sweet-and-tangy barbecue sauce, this recipe turns a humble pot of beans into a satisfying main dish or an impressive side for any gathering. It’s the kind of set-it-and-forget-it recipe that fills the house with amazing aromas and delivers big flavor with minimal effort.

Slow Cooker Steakhouse Cowboy Baked Beans

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb ground beef

½ lb beef sausage or smoked beef sausage, diced

1 small onion, diced

2 (15 oz) cans baked beans, undrained

1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed

1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed

¾ cup ketchup

½ cup barbecue sauce

¼ cup brown sugar

1 tablespoon yellow mustard

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce

1 teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and black pepper to taste

Directions

I start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and cooking the diced beef sausage until browned. Then I remove it and set it aside.

In the same skillet, I cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and the onion softens. After that, I drain off any excess fat.

I transfer the cooked beef and onion mixture to my slow cooker.

Then I add the cooked sausage, baked beans, kidney beans, black beans, ketchup, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

I stir everything together until well combined.

I cover and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours.

Before serving, I give everything a good stir.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 8 hearty servings.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 5 hours (on low)

Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes

Calories per serving: 395 kcal

Variations

I sometimes swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.

If I’m in the mood for spicier beans, I add chopped jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce.

For a smokier taste, I use chipotle barbecue sauce or add a few drops of liquid smoke.

I’ve also stirred in cooked bacon pieces for an extra punch of flavor.

When I want to stretch the dish even further, I serve it over rice or with cornbread.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. These beans also freeze well—I portion them into freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
To reheat, I warm them in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if they’ve thickened too much.

FAQs

How can I make these beans vegetarian?

I skip the meat entirely and add more beans or even diced mushrooms for texture. I also use vegetarian baked beans and a plant-based barbecue sauce.

Can I cook this on the stovetop instead of a slow cooker?

Yes, I can simmer everything in a large pot over low heat for about 1 to 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

What’s the best type of sausage to use?

I like using smoked beef sausage for extra flavor, but any fully-cooked sausage (like kielbasa or even spicy andouille) works well in this recipe.

Can I use different types of beans?

Absolutely. I sometimes swap out the kidney or black beans for pinto beans or white beans depending on what I have on hand.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Yes, it freezes beautifully. I let the beans cool completely, portion them into containers, and freeze for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

These Slow Cooker Steakhouse Cowboy Baked Beans are the kind of hearty, flavor-packed comfort food I turn to when I want something satisfying and easy. With the slow cooker doing most of the work and the smoky barbecue flavor carrying every bite, this dish is perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week. Whether I serve it at a backyard BBQ or as a weeknight dinner, it always delivers.

📖 Recipe:

Slow Cooker Steakhouse Cowboy Baked Beans

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Diet: Halal

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Description

These Slow Cooker Steakhouse Cowboy Baked Beans are rich, smoky, and hearty. Made with ground beef, beef sausage, three types of beans, and a sweet-and-tangy barbecue sauce, this dish works as a main course or a side—perfect for gatherings or meal prep.

Instructions

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the diced beef sausage until browned. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and the onion softens. Drain excess fat.
Transfer the cooked beef and onion mixture to the slow cooker.
Add the cooked sausage, baked beans, kidney beans, black beans, ketchup, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Stir everything together until well combined.
Cover and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours.
Stir well before serving.