Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans with Sausage and BBQ Sauce
These hearty cowboy beans combine tender beans with savory mini sausages in a sweet and tangy BBQ-style sauce. Brown sugar, ketchup, and mustard create the perfect balance of flavors while the slow cooker does all the work. Perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or family gatherings, this comfort food classic feeds a crowd and gets better as it sits. The cornstarch slurry at the end creates a thick, satisfying consistency that coats each bean perfectly.
Ingredients
- 15 ½ oz bag Hurst's HamBeens BBQ Style Cowboy Beans
- 1 medium onion, medium diced (about 1 cup)
- 1 medium bell pepper, medium diced
- 1 cup dark brown sugar
- 1 cup ketchup
- ¼ cup yellow mustard
- 14 oz package mini sausagediced ham1:1
Use same weight of diced ham for similar flavor
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 3 cups water
- 3 tablespoons corn starch
- 3 tablespoons cold water
Instructions
- 1
Pour rinsed beans into 8-quart crock pot
- 2
Add diced onion and diced bell pepper
- 3
Add brown sugar, ketchup, and mustard to crock pot
- 4
Rinse mini sausages under cold water and add to crock pot
- 5
Pour chicken broth and water over ingredients and stir
- 6
Place lid on crock pot and turn to high
- 7
Cook on high for 5-6 hours or low for 8-10 hours until beans are tender
- 8
Mix cornstarch with cold water until lump-free
- 9
Pour cornstarch slurry into crock pot and stir until thickened
Tips
Rinse the mini sausages to remove excess salt and fat before adding to the slow cooker for cleaner flavors.
The cornstarch slurry should be completely smooth before adding - whisk thoroughly to prevent lumps in your final dish.
These beans taste even better the next day as flavors meld, making them perfect for meal prep or advance preparation.
Good to Know
Refrigerate leftovers up to 5 days in airtight containers. Beans will thicken when cold.
Can be made 1-2 days ahead. Reheat gently and add liquid if needed.
Serve hot as a side dish with cornbread, grilled meats, or at barbecues and potlucks.
Common Mistakes
Don't skip rinsing the sausages to avoid overly salty final dish.
Make cornstarch slurry completely smooth to prevent lumpy texture.
Avoid lifting the lid frequently during cooking to maintain consistent temperature.
Substitutions
Use same weight of diced ham for similar flavor
FAQ
Can I use different types of beans for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute with navy beans, pinto beans, or great northern beans. Cooking times may vary slightly depending on bean type and size.
What if I don't have mini sausages available?
You can substitute with diced ham, regular sausage cut into pieces, or even bacon. Use about the same weight for similar flavor impact.
How long will these cowboy beans keep in the refrigerator?
Properly stored cowboy beans will keep for up to 5 days refrigerated. They actually taste better after a day as flavors continue to develop.