gluten-free | dairy-free
+ ground beef + onion + bell pepper + uncooked bacon + garlic + pinto beans + cannellini beans + black eyed peas + ketchup + water or broth + maple syrup + Dijon mustard + apple cider vinegar + smoked paprika + salt & pepper
In a skillet over med-high heat, cook the ground beef, breaking into pieces. Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook for 7-8 minutes or until cooked through.
Add meat mixture to a 6-quart slow cooker. Cook bacon in skillet, add to slow cooker along with beans, ketchup, mustard, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, salt & pepper.
Add the broth (or water) and maple syrup, stir everything together. Set the slow cooker on low for 4 hours (or on high for 2 hours).
With a reduced sugar sauce, these beans make for a healthier-version of baked beans to serve!
Before serving, stir, then taste and season with additional salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Part main entree and part side dish, these Cowboy Beans made in the crock pot are a simple and satisfying addition to any potluck, backyard barbecue, or summer cookout.