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Slow Cooker Cowboy Sandwiches Recipe

Slow Cooker Cowboy Sandwiches Recipe


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4.6 from 34 reviews

  • Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Hearty slow cooker cowboy sandwiches combine tender beef, tangy barbecue sauce, and melted cheese for a robust western-style meal. Rustic flavors and simple preparation make this sandwich a crowd-pleasing dinner perfect for hungry diners.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Proteins:

  • 2 pounds (907 grams) ground beef
  • 0.5 pound (227 grams) bacon, cooked and crumbled

Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1 large onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Liquids and Binders:

  • 1 cup barbecue sauce
  • 0.5 cup (120 milliliters) beef broth

Sandwich Components:

  • 8 sandwich buns
  • Sliced cheddar cheese
  • Pickles (optional)
  • Crispy onions (optional)
  • Jalapenos (optional)

Instructions

  1. Crisp bacon in a skillet until golden and fragrant, then crumble into small pieces.
  2. Brown ground beef in the same skillet, carefully draining excess fat to ensure a lean mixture.
  3. Sauté diced onions and minced garlic in the skillet until translucent and aromatic, releasing their natural flavors.
  4. Transfer the seasoned beef mixture to the slow cooker, incorporating barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper for a rich, complex flavor profile.
  5. Cover and slow cook on low temperature for 4-6 hours, allowing the meat to become tender and absorb the spices, or use high setting for 2-3 hours if time is limited.
  6. Lightly toast sandwich buns until golden and crisp around the edges, creating a sturdy base for the savory filling.
  7. Generously pile the slow-cooked beef mixture onto the toasted buns, ensuring an even distribution of meat.
  8. Layer cheddar cheese slices on top, allowing them to slightly melt from the warmth of the meat.
  9. Customize with optional garnishes like tangy pickles, crispy fried onions, or spicy jalapeños for added texture and flavor.
  10. Serve immediately while warm, with the crumbled bacon sprinkled over the top for a final crunchy touch.

Notes

  • Choose thick-cut bacon for maximum flavor and crispiness, ensuring it crumbles easily.
  • Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a cleaner, more concentrated meat mixture.
  • Select a robust barbecue sauce with smoky undertones to enhance the cowboy-style profile of the sandwich.
  • Consider gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps for those with dietary restrictions, maintaining the recipe’s hearty essence.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 hours (on Low) or 3 hours (on High)
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 570 kcal
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 900 mg
  • Fat: 38 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 100 mg