Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans (with Instant Pot version)
These slow cooker cowboy beans are the BBQ cousin to my calico beans.... and the entire family actually likes these beans better now! Simmer them low and slow all day and come home to a slow cooker full of delicious, tangy BBQ beans!
In a large skillet cook the bacon for 2-3 minutes. Add in the beef and onion and cook until the meat is no longer pink, then drain.
Combine the beef mixture, bacon and all other ingredients in a slow cooker. For the liquid smoke you can add to taste, some people like it smokier!
For the slow cooker, place the lid on top and cook on high for 3-4 hours, or low for 6-8 hours.
If you want to cook in the oven you can also spoon the mixture into a greased 2-qt. baking dish. Bake, uncovered, at 325° for 45-60 minutes.
Serve and enjoy!
Instant Pot Method
In the bottom of your Instant Pot using the "saute" button, cook the bacon for 2-3 minutes. Add in the beef and onion and cook until the meat is no longer pink, then drain.
Combine the beef mixture, bacon and all other ingredients into the Instant Pot.
For the Instant Pot, use the chili/stew button and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes. I do not recommend slow cooking as it doesn't do as good of a job as an actual slow cooker.
Release the pressure via natural release for the safest way, or instant release it according to the manufacturers directions,.
Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Adjust the BBQ sauce, liquid smoke and the chili powder to your liking. We like a lot of BBQ sauce in ours!