If you’re looking for a hearty, smoky, and slightly sweet dish that’s packed with flavor, Cowboy Beans is the recipe for you! This dish is bold, satisfying, and perfect for any occasion—whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd at a barbecue, meal-prepping for the week, or just craving something rich and comforting.
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Imagine tender beans slow-cooked with smoky bacon, savory ground beef, and a perfectly balanced sauce with a touch of sweetness and spice. Serve it as a side dish or a main course—either way, you won’t be disappointed!
Why You’ll Love Cowboy Beans
Rich & Flavorful: A combination of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors.
Easy to Make: Simple ingredients, minimal prep, and mostly hands-off cooking.
Feeds a Crowd: Perfect for potlucks, BBQs, and gatherings.
Versatile: Serve as a side or a main dish with cornbread or rice.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Tastes even better the next day!
Ingredients in Cowboy Beans
This dish is packed with flavor from a mix of classic pantry staples and a few key ingredients.
Ground Beef: Adds heartiness and a deep, meaty flavor.
Bacon: The smoky, crispy element that makes everything better.
Baked Beans: The base of the dish, adding natural sweetness and texture.
Kidney Beans & Pinto Beans: A mix of beans for great texture and flavor.
Onion & Garlic: Essential aromatics for a rich taste.
BBQ Sauce: Adds a smoky-sweet depth to the sauce.
Ketchup: Provides a classic tangy-sweet balance.
Brown Sugar: A touch of sweetness to round out the flavors.
Mustard: A hint of tangy sharpness.
Worcestershire Sauce: Boosts the umami and adds a savory kick.
Apple Cider Vinegar: A little acidity to brighten up the dish.
Chili Powder & Smoked Paprika: Brings a mild heat and a smoky depth.
How to Make Cowboy Beans
Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving a bit of the grease in the pan.
Brown the Ground Beef: In the same pan, cook the ground beef with the onions and garlic until fully browned. Drain any excess grease.
Combine Everything: In a large pot or slow cooker, mix together the cooked bacon, beef mixture, and all remaining ingredients. Stir well.
Simmer or Bake: Let the beans simmer on the stovetop for about 30 minutes, or bake in the oven at 350°F until thick and bubbly. If using a slow cooker, cook on low for 4–6 hours.
Serve & Enjoy: Let the beans cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color.
How to Serve Cowboy Beans
As a Side Dish: Pairs perfectly with grilled meats, burgers, or barbecue.
With Cornbread: A classic Southern pairing that soaks up all the sauce.
Over Rice: Turns it into a hearty, filling meal.
Topped with Cheese: A sprinkle of shredded cheddar makes it extra indulgent.
With a Fried Egg: A delicious breakfast or brunch twist!
Additional Tips
Make It Spicier: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
Use Different Beans: Try black beans, navy beans, or Great Northern beans for variety.
Make It Vegetarian: Skip the meat and use plant-based crumbles or extra beans.
Freeze for Later: Freeze in portions for an easy future meal.
Thicken the Sauce: Let it simmer longer or mash some of the beans for a thicker consistency.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use canned beans instead of dried beans?
A1: Yes! Canned beans make this recipe faster and easier. Just drain and rinse them before adding.
Q2: Can I make Cowboy Beans in the slow cooker?
A2: Absolutely! Cook the bacon and beef first, then add everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4–6 hours.
Q3: How long do leftovers last?
A3: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Q4: Can I freeze Cowboy Beans?
A4: Yes! Let them cool completely, then store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat them?
A5: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed. The microwave works too—just stir occasionally.
Q6: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
A6: Yes! Ground turkey is a leaner alternative that still tastes great.
Q7: Can I add veggies?
A7: Of course! Bell peppers, diced tomatoes, or even carrots work well.
Q8: How can I make this dish healthier?
A8: Use lean ground meat, reduce the sugar, and choose a low-sodium BBQ sauce.
Q9: Can I make this without bacon?
A9: Yes, but you might want to add a little smoked paprika or liquid smoke for that smoky flavor.
Q10: What type of BBQ sauce works best?
A10: A smoky, slightly sweet BBQ sauce is ideal, but feel free to use your favorite!
Final Thoughts
Cowboy Beans are hearty, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make—the perfect addition to any meal. Whether you serve them at a summer cookout, a cozy family dinner, or meal prep for the week, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit. So grab your ingredients, fire up the stove, and enjoy a bowl of these bold, smoky, and satisfying beans!
Print
Cowboy Beans
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Cowboy Beans are a hearty, smoky, and slightly sweet dish packed with bacon, ground beef, and a variety of beans simmered in a tangy barbecue sauce. Perfect for potlucks, cookouts, or a comforting side dish!
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb bacon, chopped
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 (15 oz) cans pork and beans, undrained
- 1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans, drained
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained
- 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, drained
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
-
Cook the Bacon & Onion:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, cook the bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate and set aside.
- Leave the bacon grease in the pot and add the onion. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
-
Brown the Beef:
- Stir in garlic and ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. Cook until beef is browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess grease.
-
Combine & Bake:
- Add the cooked bacon back to the pot, followed by chili powder, all the beans, barbecue sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Stir well and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer to the oven and bake uncovered for 45 minutes, until the sauce has thickened and caramelized.
Notes
- Add a diced jalapeño for extra heat.
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey for a leaner option.
- Serve as a side or enjoy as a main dish with cornbread.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 22
- Cholesterol: 40mg