Cowboy Beans and Slow-Cooker Country-Style Ribs

By: chef ssentongo
Here’s a delicious and hearty recipe for Cowboy Beans and Slow-Cooker Country-Style Ribs—a perfect comfort food meal with tender, fall-apart pork ribs and smoky, savory beans.
Ingredients:


For the Ribs:
- 2–3 lbs country-style pork ribs (bone-in or boneless)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp cumin
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for searing)
- 1 cup beef or chicken broth
For the Cowboy Beans:
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 (15 oz) cans pinto beans, drained & rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained & rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained & rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juices)
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp mustard (yellow or Dijon)
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp liquid smoke (optional, for extra smokiness)
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Season & Sear the Ribs:

- In a small bowl, mix salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cumin. Rub the ribs with the seasoning blend.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the ribs for 2–3 minutes per side until browned. Transfer to the slow cooker.
- Deglaze the skillet with broth, scraping up browned bits, then pour over the ribs.
2. Cook the Ribs:
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until tender.
3. Prepare the Cowboy Beans:

- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving the drippings.
- Sauté onion and bell pepper in bacon fat until soft (about 5 minutes). Add garlic and cook 1 more minute.
- Stir in all beans, diced tomatoes, BBQ sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire, mustard, chili powder, liquid smoke, and cooked bacon. Simmer for 10–15 minutes. Season with salt & pepper.
4. Combine & Serve:

- Once ribs are done, remove from the slow cooker and shred or serve whole.
- Serve ribs over a generous scoop of cowboy beans. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if desired.
Tips:
- For extra flavor, add a splash of beer or apple cider vinegar to the beans.
- Make it ahead: The beans taste even better the next day!
- Serve with: Cornbread, coleslaw, or pickles for a complete meal.
Enjoy this smoky, savory, and satisfying dish—perfect for a crowd or cozy family dinner!
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