Slow Cooker 5 Ingredient Beef and Baked Beans
This easy slow cooker beef and baked beans recipe is the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights. Made with just five simple ingredients, this hearty crockpot dinner combines ground beef, tender baked beans, chopped onion, barbecue sauce, and yellow mustard to create a delicious sweet-and-savory meal with minimal prep.
Simply add the ingredients to your slow cooker, let everything cook until hot and flavorful, and enjoy a satisfying homemade dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. The rich barbecue flavor blends beautifully with the beef and beans, making this an excellent choice for family dinners, potlucks, casual gatherings, and cozy fall evenings.
Serve this easy ground beef and baked beans recipe with cornbread, buttery toast, coleslaw, or a fresh green salad. You can also spoon it over baked potatoes, rice, or macaroni to stretch the meal and feed a hungry crowd.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cans (28 ounces each) baked beans
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
Instructions
- Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker if desired.
- For food safety, brown the ground beef in a skillet first, breaking it into small crumbles. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Transfer the cooked beef to the slow cooker and add the chopped onion, baked beans, barbecue sauce, and yellow mustard.
- Stir everything together until the ingredients are evenly combined.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4–6 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours, until the onion is tender and the mixture is hot and flavorful. Cooking times may vary by slow cooker.
- Stir, taste, and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve warm with your favorite sides.
Benefits of This Easy Crockpot Dinner
- Only five ingredients: A simple shopping list makes meal planning easier.
- Minimal preparation: Perfect for busy families who want a homemade dinner without complicated steps.
- Budget-friendly comfort food: Ground beef and canned baked beans create a filling meal using everyday ingredients.
- Sweet and smoky flavor: Barbecue sauce and mustard add a tangy, savory twist to traditional baked beans.
- Easy to customize: Add chili powder for heat or use ground turkey as an alternative to beef.
- Great for meal planning: Leftovers can be refrigerated promptly and reheated thoroughly for another easy meal.
- Versatile serving options: Enjoy it with cornbread, rice, baked potatoes, or a simple green vegetable.
Tips and Variations
For a spicier version, add a pinch of chili powder, diced jalapeños, or a splash of hot sauce. Choose smoky barbecue sauce for a deeper flavor or a sweeter variety for a classic family-friendly taste.
To prepare ahead, chop the onion and measure the sauces the night before. For extra servings, spoon the beef and beans over rice or baked potatoes.
For a lighter alternative, substitute ground turkey for ground beef. If you prefer a thicker consistency, remove the lid for the final 15–20 minutes of cooking, keeping the mixture hot.
