Cowboy BBQ Beans

Dec 10, 2025
3 min read

Updated: Jan 27

I love BBQ Beans, however, a lot of recipes are incredibly high in added sugar. I've created a high protein, low added sugar BBQ Beans recipe that is incredibly easy to make! Just dump all the ingredients, set it and forget it! You come back home to a delicious home-cooked meal. And one that is nutritionally dense!

If you’re looking for an easy, high-protein meal prep idea that’s healthy and full of flavor, this BBQ Beans recipe is for you. I like to use multiple methods of cooking when I am meal prepping. This saves me time a TON of time.

Crock pots are the ultimate time saver. You literally just dump all the ingredients, set it and forget it. You carry on with your day and come back to a delicious and fresh meal!

Beans are tiny nutrition superheroes. They’re packed with protein and loaded with fiber to keep you full and energized. They're so nutritionally dense. The rich fiber and protein content, slow digestion so they help steady your blood sugar, and make every meal more satisfying. Plus, they’re budget-friendly, endlessly versatile, and can sneak into almost any dish. Add them to your weekly lineup and let these little powerhouses do what they do best! If you choose a starch/carbohydrate choice, prioritize beans because you get both complex carbohydrates, fiber and protein!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

🌾 1. It’s a one-pot, "set it and forget it "lifesaver.

Just toss everything in the crockpot and let it work its magic-minimal effort, maximum flavor.

💪 2. Packed with protein and fiber.

The combo of lean beef + three types of beans makes this a hearty, satisfying meal that keeps you full for hours.

🍛 3. Cozy, smoky, BBQ comfort.

The sugar-free honey BBQ sauce adds sweet-smoky goodness that tastes like it simmered all day on the ranch & less added sugar.

🥄 4. Meal-prep gold.

It makes a big batch, reheats beautifully, and gets even better the next day—perfect for busy weeks.

Cowboy BBQ Beans

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 4-6 hours

Yields:4 -6 servings

Ingredients

¼ cup dried red kidney beans

¼ cup dried black beans

¼ cup dried black-eyed peas

1 lb 93% lean ground beef

1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes

32 oz beef broth/stock

1 bag frozen mixed vegetables (carrots, green beans, corn)

1 jar G Hughes Sugar-Free Honey BBQ Sauce

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp onion powder

1 tsp smoked paprika

Salt + pepper to taste

Optional: crushed red pepper

Directions:

1.Rinse the kidney beans, black beans, and black-eyed peas.

Drain well and add directly to a medium to large crockpot. You can used canned beans for a shorter cook time.

2. Cook 1 lb ground beef in a skillet until browned. Add to the crockpot.

3. Add everything else: Diced tomatoes (with liquid), frozen mixed vegetables, entire jar G Hughes Honey BBQ Sauce (link), Beef broth, and seasonings.

4. Cook on low: 8–10 hours or high: 4–6 hours

Beans should be completely tender before serving.

5. Adjust + serve:Add more broth for a soup-like consistency.

Add extra BBQ sauce for sweetness. Add salt or pepper to taste.

Notes:

You can use regular barbecue sauce, however, it will significantly increase the total calories and added sugar content.
You can add meat directly to crockpot without browning, however, cook time will be longer.

Nutrition per serving: 258 calories |23gm Protein |27 gm carbohydrates | 6 gm Fat

Printable version:

Get 7 High Protein Meals that you can make in less than 15 minutes!