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Crockpot Beefy Beans

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Preparation Time

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6–8 hours (Low) or 3–4 hours (High)
  • Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
  • Servings: 8
  • Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cans (15 ounces each) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 cans (15 ounces each) pinto beans, drained
  • 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained
  • 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1½ teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 cup beef broth

Optional Add-Ins

  • Diced bell peppers
  • Jalapeños
  • Corn kernels
  • Cooked bacon
  • Chipotle peppers
  • Mushrooms
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Fresh parsley
  • Green onions

Kitchen Equipment

  • Slow cooker (6-quart or larger)
  • Large skillet
  • Wooden spoon
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add the ground beef and cook for about 7–8 minutes, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks.

When the beef is mostly browned, add the diced onion and continue cooking for another 5 minutes until softened.

Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.

Drain any excess grease.

Intensity: Medium-High Heat

Step 2: Prepare the Slow Cooker

Transfer the cooked beef mixture into the crockpot.

Add:

  • Kidney beans
  • Pinto beans
  • Black beans
  • Crushed tomatoes
  • Tomato sauce
  • Tomato paste
  • Beef broth
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Brown sugar
  • Mustard

Stir until combined.

Step 3: Add the Seasonings

Sprinkle in:

  • Smoked paprika
  • Chili powder
  • Cumin
  • Oregano
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Cayenne

Mix thoroughly so every ingredient is coated.

Step 4: Slow Cook

Cover with the lid.

Cook on:

LOW: 6–8 hours

or

HIGH: 3–4 hours

During cooking, stir once or twice if possible.

Intensity: Low Slow Simmer

Step 5: Taste and Adjust

Taste the beans.

If needed, adjust:

  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Chili powder
  • Brown sugar

If the mixture seems too thick, stir in a little more beef broth.

Step 6: Serve

Ladle into bowls.

Top with:

  • Shredded cheddar
  • Sour cream
  • Fresh parsley
  • Green onions

Serve with:

  • Cornbread
  • Garlic bread
  • Rice
  • Tortilla chips
  • Baked potatoes

Cooking Tips

  • Browning the beef first develops deeper flavor.
  • Rinse canned beans to reduce excess sodium.
  • Use lean ground beef to minimize grease.
  • Stir near the end of cooking for even consistency.
  • Add hot sauce if you prefer extra heat.
  • Let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving to thicken naturally.

Variations

Tex-Mex Style

Add corn, taco seasoning, diced green chilies, and finish with pepper jack cheese.

BBQ Beefy Beans

Mix in ½ cup barbecue sauce for a smoky-sweet twist.

Spicy Version

Include chopped jalapeños, chipotle peppers in adobo, and extra cayenne.

Bacon Lover’s Version

Stir in 8 slices of cooked, crumbled bacon before serving.

Vegetable Boost

Add carrots, celery, zucchini, or bell peppers during the first hour of cooking.

Storage

Refrigerator

Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer

Freeze for up to 3 months.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Microwave individual portions for 2–3 minutes, stirring halfway through, or warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat until heated through.

What to Serve with Crockpot Beefy Beans

  • Sweet cornbread
  • Garlic toast
  • Buttered dinner rolls
  • Coleslaw
  • Garden salad
  • Roasted vegetables
  • Rice
  • Mashed potatoes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use dried beans?

Yes, but soak them overnight and cook them until nearly tender before adding them to the slow cooker. Canned beans are recommended for convenience.

Can I make this ahead?

Absolutely. The flavors improve after a day in the refrigerator, making it an excellent make-ahead meal.

Can I use ground turkey?

Yes. Ground turkey or chicken works well if you want a leaner version.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Replace the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or extra beans and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

Why are my beans too thick?

Simply stir in extra beef broth or a splash of water until you reach your preferred consistency.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving, Approximate)

  • Calories: 445
  • Protein: 31g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Dietary Fiber: 10g
  • Sugars: 8g
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg
  • Sodium: 880mg
  • Potassium: 930mg
  • Iron: 5mg
  • Calcium: 110mg
  • Vitamin A: 8% DV
  • Vitamin C: 14% DV

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