If you’re looking for an easy, hearty meal packed with smoky, sweet, and savory flavors, this Slow Cooker Beef and Baked Beans recipe is a must-try! Tender ground beef, rich baked beans, onions, and a delicious BBQ sauce come together in the slow cooker for a comforting dish that requires very little hands-on work.
It’s perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, potlucks, summer cookouts, or game-day gatherings. Just prepare the ingredients, let your slow cooker do the work, and enjoy a warm, satisfying meal.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4–6 hours on LOW or 2–3 hours on HIGH
- Total Time: About 6 hours
- Servings: 6–8
- Course: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
- Cooking Method: Slow Cooker
Ingredients
Wendy’s Slow Cooker BBQ Beef & Beans | Winter Warmer Recipes
- 1½ pounds ground beef
- 2 cans (28 ounces each) baked beans
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- ½ green bell pepper, diced
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
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Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon until fully browned.
Drain excess grease. Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until softened.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt.
Mix until the sauce is smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Add Everything to the Slow Cooker
Wendy’s Slow Cooker BBQ Beef & Beans | Winter Warmer Recipes
Add the baked beans to your slow cooker. Stir in the browned beef mixture and prepared sauce.
Mix everything gently until the beans and beef are evenly coated. If using bacon, stir in half of the crumbled bacon and save the rest for topping.
Step 4: Slow Cook
Cover with the lid and cook:
- LOW: 4–6 hours
- HIGH: 2–3 hours
Stir once or twice if convenient. The mixture should become thick, rich, and flavorful.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Crock pot beans with ground beef, bacon in a spicy sauce closeup on the table. Horizontal top view
Give everything a final stir. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Sprinkle the remaining bacon over the top and serve warm.
Tips for the Best Beef and Baked Beans
- Brown the beef first: This adds deeper flavor and removes excess grease.
- Choose your favorite BBQ sauce: Smoky, honey BBQ, or original BBQ sauce all work beautifully.
- Adjust the sweetness: Reduce the brown sugar for a less sweet dish.
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños.
- Thicken the mixture: Remove the lid for the final 20–30 minutes if the beans are too thin, while monitoring the temperature.
What to Serve with Beef and Baked Beans
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This hearty dish pairs wonderfully with:
- Homemade cornbread
- Creamy coleslaw
- Grilled corn on the cob
- Baked potatoes
- Garlic bread
- Fresh green salad
- Steamed vegetables
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Warm in a saucepan over medium-low heat or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water if the mixture becomes too thick. Reheat leftovers to 165°F.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey works well as a lighter alternative. Brown it before adding it to the slow cooker.
2. Can I prepare this recipe the night before?
Yes. Brown the beef and prepare the sauce ahead of time. Refrigerate the components separately, then combine and cook the next day.
3. Can I use canned pork and beans?
Absolutely. Canned pork and beans can replace traditional baked beans without changing the cooking method.
4. Can I make this recipe without BBQ sauce?
Yes. Use additional ketchup with a little Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and smoked paprika for a different but delicious flavor.
5. Is this recipe good for potlucks?
Definitely! It’s easy to transport and stays warm in the slow cooker, making it a great choice for gatherings.
Printable Recipe Card
Slow Cooker Beef and Baked Beans
Hearty Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans
PREP TIME
15 minutes
COOK TIME
4–6 hours
SERVINGS
6–8
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds ground beef
- 2 cans baked beans (28 ounces each)
- 1 chopped onion
- ½ green bell pepper
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 4 slices cooked bacon (optional)
Instructions
- Brown ground beef in a skillet and drain excess grease.
- Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook for 2–3 minutes.
- Mix BBQ sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings.
- Add baked beans, beef mixture, and sauce to the slow cooker.
- Stir well, cover, and cook on LOW for 4–6 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours.
- Stir, garnish with bacon if desired, and serve warm.
