Beef And Beans Slow Cooker
Beef And Beans Slow Cooker is a easy American recipe that serves 6. 890 calories per serving. Recipe by All Wings Everything on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 8 hrs | Total: 8 hrs 35 min
Cost: $21.37 total, $3.56 per serving
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds Ground Beef (extra meat optional, break up while browning)
- 0.75 pounds Bacon (cooked, crumbled or chopped; can use turkey bacon)
- 20 ounces Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies (two 10‑ounce cans, do not drain)
- 1 medium Onion (peeled and chopped)
- 6 cloves Garlic Cloves (minced)
- 1 pound Pinto Beans (dry) (soak 6‑8 hours, drain before adding)
- 1 teaspoon Chili Powder
- 1 teaspoon Cumin
- 0.5 teaspoon Black Pepper (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Salt (add to taste)
- 8 cups Water
Instructions
Brown the Ground Beef
Heat the skillet over medium‑high heat, add a splash of the bacon cooking oil, then add the ground beef. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and ½ tsp black pepper, breaking the meat up as it cooks until browned, about 5 minutes.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: Medium‑high heat on stovetop
Drain Excess Fat
Turn off the heat and carefully pour off the rendered fat into a heat‑proof container, leaving the browned meat in the skillet.
Time: PT1M
Transfer Beef to Crock Pot
Using a spoon, move the browned beef into the crock pot.
Time: PT1M
Add Soaked Pinto Beans
Drain the overnight‑soaked pinto beans and add them to the crock pot.
Time: PT1M
Add Cooked Bacon
Stir in the crumbled cooked bacon.
Time: PT1M
Add Water
Pour 8 cups of water over the ingredients in the crock pot.
Time: PT1M
Add Aromatics and Spices
Add the minced garlic, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp chili powder, and the two cans of diced tomatoes with green chilies (including the liquid). Stir to combine.
Time: PT2M
Add Onion
Stir in the chopped onion (can be added raw; it will soften during the long cook).
Time: PT1M
Slow Cook
Cover the crock pot, set to LOW, and cook for 8‑10 hours, stirring once or twice midway.
Time: PT8H
Temperature: Low setting (~190°F)
Finish and Serve
Turn off the crock pot, give the stew a final stir, taste and adjust salt if needed, then ladle into bowls. Serve as is or over rice.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 890
- Protein
- 36 g
- Carbohydrates
- 31 g
- Fat
- 37 g
- Fiber
- 5 g
Dietary info: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, High-Protein
Allergens: Pork
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Ground Beef: Ground Turkey, Ground Chicken
- Instead of Bacon: Turkey Bacon, Smoked Ham
- Instead of Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: Diced Tomatoes + Jalapeño, Fire‑roasted tomatoes
- Instead of Onion: Shallot
- Instead of Garlic Cloves: Garlic powder (1 tsp)
- Instead of Pinto Beans (dry): Canned pinto beans (drained)
- Instead of Chili Powder: Cayenne pepper, Chipotle powder
- Instead of Cumin: Coriander
- Instead of Black Pepper: White pepper
Equipment Needed
- Skillet
- Crock Pot (Slow Cooker)
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Colander
- Measuring Spoons
- Measuring Cups
- Can Opener
- Serving Bowl
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Browning the ground beef to develop flavor
- Soaking and draining the pinto beans
- Cooking on low for 8‑10 hours to achieve tender beans
- Checking bean texture before serving
Chef Tips from the Video
- Reserve a tablespoon of the bacon fat to sauté the onion for extra flavor.
- For a smoky kick, use smoked paprika in addition to cumin.
- Serve with a dollop of sour cream or shredded cheese for richness.
Troubleshooting
Beans are still hard after 8 hours.
Continue cooking on low for another 1‑2 hours, or add a bit more water if the stew looks dry.
Stew is too watery.
Remove the lid for the last 30 minutes to allow excess liquid to evaporate, or stir in a tablespoon of flour slurry.
Stew tastes bland.
Add a pinch more salt, extra chili powder, or a splash of Worcestershire sauce to boost depth.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in freezer‑safe bags or containers for up to 3 months.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Soak the pinto beans the night before to reduce cooking time.
- Brown the beef and crumble the bacon a day ahead; store separately in the fridge.
- The stew can be fully cooked, cooled, and refrigerated; reheat gently before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of beef and beans stew in American comfort food cuisine?
Beef and beans stew is a classic American comfort dish that grew out of frontier cooking, where inexpensive beans and affordable cuts of beef were combined to create a filling, nutritious meal for families and workers.
What regional variations of beef and beans stew exist within the United States?
In the Southwest, the stew often includes green chilies and cumin for a Tex‑Mex flair, while in the Midwest it may feature barley or carrots. Some Southern versions add smoked sausage instead of bacon.
How is beef and beans stew traditionally served in American households?
It is typically served hot in a bowl, sometimes over steamed rice or with crusty bread on the side. In colder regions it may be paired with cornbread or a simple salad.
What occasions or celebrations is beef and beans stew traditionally associated with in American culture?
The stew is popular for family gatherings, tailgate parties, and as a make‑ahead dish for holidays like Thanksgiving leftovers or casual weekend meals because it reheats well and feeds a crowd.
What authentic traditional ingredients are essential for a classic American beef and beans stew versus acceptable substitutes?
Traditional ingredients include ground beef, pork bacon, dry pinto beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, onion, garlic, cumin, and chili powder. Substitutes can be ground turkey, turkey bacon, canned beans, or different chili powders, but the flavor profile changes slightly.
What other American dishes pair well with beef and beans stew?
Serve it alongside cornbread, a simple green salad, or a side of coleslaw. It also complements roasted vegetables or a baked potato for a more substantial plate.
What makes beef and beans stew special or unique in American comfort cuisine?
Its combination of protein‑rich beef and beans creates a complete, hearty meal in one pot, while the bacon and spices add smoky depth, making it both economical and flavorful.
How has beef and beans stew evolved over time in American home cooking?
Originally a simple, no‑frills dish, modern versions incorporate slow‑cooker technology, added spices like cumin, and canned tomatoes with chilies, allowing richer flavors and hands‑off cooking.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making beef and beans stew?
Common errors include not browning the beef (which reduces flavor), skipping the bean soak (leading to tough beans), using too much water (resulting in a thin broth), and forgetting to stir midway, which can cause sticking.
Why does this beef and beans stew recipe use a low slow‑cook setting instead of a higher temperature?
Low heat gently breaks down the beans and melds the flavors over many hours without overcooking the beef, resulting in tender beans and a rich, cohesive broth.
What does the YouTube channel All Wings Everything specialize in?
The YouTube channel All Wings Everything focuses on easy, crowd‑pleasing comfort food recipes, often featuring hearty stews, casseroles, and wing‑centric dishes with a down‑to‑earth cooking style.
How does the YouTube channel All Wings Everything's approach to American comfort cooking differ from other cooking channels?
All Wings Everything emphasizes simple, ingredient‑friendly recipes that can be made with everyday kitchen tools like a crock pot, avoiding fancy techniques and instead highlighting flavor through straightforward seasoning and cooking methods.
Last updated: August 21, 2026
