Wicked Cowboy Beans

Today Im going to share a great recipe that is a staple here at Wicked Raven - Wicked Cowboy Beans!  As you all know by now - I am a huge fan of the crock pot!  It makes my life better and I actually own five crock pots!  One has three crocks that can be going all at one time in one unit, one is for casseroles and has an auto timer on it so the dish doesnt over cook, two are 3 quart pots and one is a 5 quart pot (the Big Boy we call him - on the left below)!  

Casserole crock below - I just used it for rice and meatballs (recipe for that later) and it was awesome!  But for this recipe we are using the Big Boy!

I use all of them - not the "three banger" as often but it is great for taking to hospitality rooms, or for those team pot lucks that we have so often.  

 So get out your "Big boy" and get ready:  Start with the beans:  I use an equal mix of  small red beans, black beans and great northern or Navy beans then add a handful of Pinto beans in as well. Should equal about 1 1/2 to 2 Cups - so 3/4 C of each. Soak that mixture overnight or simmer on the stove in enough water to cover the beans for two hours.  In either case drain them and then go forward.

In your "Big Boy" crock pot put the soaked beans in the bottom and add:

1 lb. browned sausage (I like Jimmy Dean sage or something close)

or

a few items of left over grilled meats - steak ends or roast or even corned beef works alright!

Fry up some bacon - I always fry 2 pounds at a time and then use part of it in this dish - about 8 strips - save the rest for other dishes later in the week - It always gets used!

A seasoning packet (1 Tbsp. Chicken broth mix, 1 Tbsp dry oregano, 1 Tbsp Cumin)

A Large diced onion

3 cloves of smashed garlic

1 Quart of Chicken broth

1/2 C Ketchup

1/4 C Worchestershire

1/2 tsp liquid smoke (optional)

1/4 C brown sugar or molasses (optional)

Give it a little stir and let it cook on low about 8 hours.  Serve with chips or cornbread, over rice or even potatoes.  Put a little cheese on top and it is delicious!  It also freezes well if you need to freeze the left overs - we make this on days when we have everyone here fishing and that way they can eat when ever they come in.  Its a hearty hot dish that fills folks up and comforts them - in case they didn't catch anything!

Enjoy!