Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans

If you’re on the hunt for a savory, comforting dish that’s both easy to prepare and packed with flavor, look no further than this Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans recipe. Perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings, this dish combines lean ground turkey, turkey bacon, and a variety of beans to create a nutritious and satisfying meal. Plus, with its slow cooker convenience, you’ll have more time to spend with family and friends while your meal simmers to perfection.

What Are Cowboy Beans?

Cowboy beans, a classic American dish, are traditionally made with a combination of beans, meat and a rich, tangy sauce. This cowboy beans recipe stays true to its roots while offering a healthier twist.

By using lean ground turkey and turkey bacon, this recipe cuts down on fat without sacrificing the robust flavors that make cowboy beans so beloved. The result is a dish that’s both hearty and nutritious, perfect for anyone looking to enjoy comfort food without the guilt.

The Ingredients: A Symphony of Flavors

One of the highlights of this slow cooker cowboy beans recipe is its diverse ingredient list. Each component plays a crucial role in delivering the dish’s signature taste and texture.

• Lean Ground Turkey: This protein-packed ingredient is a healthier alternative to traditional beef, offering the same hearty texture with less fat.
• Turkey Bacon: Adds a smoky, savory flavor that complements the beans and sauce perfectly.
• Various Beans: Using a mix of beans, like pinto, cannellini and butter beans, not only adds nutritional value but also a delightful variety of textures.
• Vegetables: Diced onion and bell pepper provide a fresh crunch and a burst of color.
• Sauce Ingredients: Ketchup, water, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika and black pepper create a rich, tangy sauce that ties the dish together.

How to Make Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans

Making this recipe for cowboy beans is as simple as it is satisfying. Here’s a step-by-step guide to preparing your new favorite dish:

1. Prepare the Meat: Start by browning the lean ground turkey in a large skillet. Once cooked, set it aside and use the same skillet to cook the turkey bacon until it’s done. Chop the bacon into bits.
2. Combine Ingredients: In your slow cooker, add the cooked ground turkey and turkey bacon, followed by the beans, diced onions and bell peppers. Pour in the ketchup, water, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika and black pepper. Stir gently to combine everything evenly.
3. Slow Cook: Place the lid on your slow cooker and cook on LOW for three to four hours or on HIGH for two to three hours. Check periodically and add more water if the mixture seems too dry.

Serving Suggestions

Cowboy beans are incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways:

• As a Main Dish: Enjoy a hearty bowl of cowboy beans on their own, perhaps with a side of cornbread or a green salad.
• As a Side Dish: Pair these beans with grilled meats, such as chicken or steak, for a complete and satisfying meal.
• On Top of Rice or Quinoa: For an extra boost of fiber and nutrients, serve cowboy beans over a bed of brown rice or quinoa.

Customization Options

One of the best things about this cowboy bean recipe is how easily it can be customized to suit your tastes and dietary preferences:

• Spicy Kick: Add a diced jalapeño or a teaspoon of cayenne pepper for a spicy version.
• Vegetarian Version: Omit the ground turkey and turkey bacon, and replace them with more beans or a meat substitute like textured vegetable protein (TVP).
• Extra Veggies: Feel free to add more vegetables, such as corn, carrots or zucchini, to increase the nutritional value and add more variety.

Nutrition and Health Benefits

This slow cooker cowboy beans recipe is not only delicious but also nutritious. Each serving is around 215 calories, making it a balanced option that fits well into various diet plans. On Nutrisystem, it counts as one SmartCarb, one PowerFuel and two Extras, ensuring you stay on track with your nutritional goals.

Lean Ground Turkey: Rich in protein and lower in fat compared to beef, ground turkey is an excellent choice for maintaining muscle mass and supporting weight loss.

Beans: A powerhouse of nutrients, beans are high in fiber, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals. They help keep you full longer, aid in digestion and support heart health.

Turkey Bacon: Provides a flavorful, lower-fat alternative to traditional bacon, contributing to the smoky taste without the added calories.

Vegetables: Onions and bell peppers add essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C and antioxidants, promoting overall health and well-being.

This Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to enjoy a hearty, flavorful meal with minimal effort. Its combination of lean meats, diverse beans and rich sauce makes it a standout dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

Whether you’re serving it as a main course or a side, this cowboy bean recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Give it a try and experience the delicious, nutritious goodness for yourself!