Description
Hearty slow cooker cowboy sandwiches combine robust beef, zesty peppers, and melted cheese between golden buns. Ranch-inspired flavors and simple preparation make this dish perfect for casual gatherings where hungry guests devour these satisfying sandwiches.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 2 tbsps olive oil (for browning the beef)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand)
- 1 (15 oz) can baked beans, drained
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsps Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
- 6 – 8 sandwich buns (brioche or Kaiser rolls)
- Pickles, jalapenos, or coleslaw for toppings (optional)
Instructions
- Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, ensuring no pink remains and draining any excess fat.
- Sauté chopped onion and minced garlic in the same skillet until fragrant and translucent.
- Transfer the meat and aromatics to the slow cooker, combining with baked beans, barbecue sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, chili powder, black pepper, and salt.
- Cover and slow cook on low temperature for 4-6 hours or high temperature for 2-3 hours, allowing flavors to meld and develop.
- Warm sandwich buns while mixture is cooking to prepare for serving.
- Ladle the rich, savory beef mixture generously onto prepared buns.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the hot mixture, allowing it to slightly melt.
- Customize with optional toppings like tangy pickles, spicy jalapeños, or creamy coleslaw for added texture and flavor.
- Serve immediately while warm and enjoy the hearty, robust sandwich.
Notes
- Customize meat choice by swapping ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based protein for healthier alternatives.
- Control spice levels by adjusting chili powder and adding hot sauce gradually to suit different heat preferences.
- Prep ingredients ahead of time and store in refrigerator to streamline cooking process and reduce day-of preparation stress.
- Enhance flavor complexity by using homemade barbecue sauce or experimenting with different regional sauce varieties for unique taste profiles.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours (on Low) or 3 hours (on High)
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 573 kcal
- Sugar: 17 g
- Sodium: 790 mg
- Fat: 33 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 41 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg