Can I make Kielbasa Cowboy Beans in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Brown the kielbasa and beef mixture on the stovetop first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. The slow cooker method is perfect for hot summer days when you don't want to turn on the oven.

What's the best type of barbecue sauce to use?

This really comes down to personal preference. A sweet, smoky barbecue sauce works wonderfully, but feel free to use whatever style you enjoy most. If you're a fan of tangier sauces or spicier varieties, those work great too and will give the dish your personal stamp.

Can I substitute the ground beef with another protein?

Yes! Ground turkey, pork, or chicken all work well in this recipe. You could even use plant-based ground meat substitutes if you're looking to reduce your meat consumption while keeping the dish hearty.

My family doesn't like bell peppers. What can I use instead?

You can simply omit the bell peppers or substitute with celery for crunch, diced carrots for sweetness, or even mild chili peppers if you want to maintain a similar texture with a different flavor profile.

Kielbasa Cowboy Beans Recipe

Description

A hearty and robust Kielbasa Cowboy Beans recipe, combining smoky kielbasa, savory ground beef, baked beans, and a tangy barbecue sauce for a flavorful, comforting dish that’s perfect for family gatherings or potlucks.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Kielbasa and Beef

- 1 ring (13.9 ounces) kielbasa, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced (approximately 1 cup)
- 1 green bell pepper, diced (approximately 1 cup)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Other Ingredients

8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 cans (28 ounces each) baked beans
1/2 cup (140 g) barbecue sauce
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F to prepare it for baking later in the recipe.
Brown the kielbasa: In a 4-quart, heavy-bottom, oven-safe pot (like a Dutch oven) over medium heat, add the kielbasa slices and cook, turning occasionally, until both sides are browned. This should take about 4-5 minutes. Transfer the browned kielbasa to a plate and set aside.
Cook ground beef and vegetables: Using the same pot, add ground beef, diced onion, diced green bell pepper, garlic salt, and onion powder. Cook the mixture until the beef is no longer pink and the vegetables are softened, which should take about 7-9 minutes. Drain any excess grease from the pot.
Add remaining ingredients: Return the kielbasa to the pot. Then, add the cooked and crumbled bacon, brown sugar, baked beans, barbecue sauce, and Dijon mustard. Stir everything together thoroughly to combine.
Bake the mixture: Cover the pot and bake it in the preheated oven for 1 hour. The beans should come out hot, bubbly, and thickened when finished. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

Feel free to adjust the seasonings (like garlic salt and onion powder) to your taste.
If you don’t have a Dutch oven, you can transfer the mixture to a baking dish after preparing it on the stovetop.
This recipe stores well—store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat leftovers on the stovetop or in the microwave for best results.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 320
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 900mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 14g
Cholesterol: 50mg