Of course! Cowboy Beans are the ultimate hearty, savory, and slightly sweet side dish (or main course!) that’s perfect for potlucks, barbecues, and family dinners. They’re a robust, satisfying blend of beans, bacon, and ground beef in a thick, flavorful sauce.
Think of them as the more rugged, outdoorsy cousin of baked beans.
Here’s a classic, crowd-pleasing recipe.
Hearty Cowboy Beans
This recipe is incredibly forgiving and can be easily adapted to your taste and what you have on hand.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour (mostly hands-off)
Servings: 8-10 as a side
Ingredients
· ½ lb bacon, chopped
· 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
· 1 large yellow onion, chopped
· 1 green bell pepper, chopped
· 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
· 1 (28 oz) can Bush’s Original Baked Beans (or your favorite brand)
· 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
· 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
· ½ cup ketchup
· ¼ cup barbecue sauce
· 2 tbsp yellow mustard
· 2 tbsp brown sugar (or molasses)
· 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
· 1 tsp chili powder
· Salt and black pepper to taste
· Optional: 1 jalapeño, finely diced (for heat)
Instructions
- Cook the Bacon: In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a paper towel, leaving the bacon drippings in the pot.
- Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the bacon drippings. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s no longer pink. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper (and jalapeño, if using) and cook for 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables have softened. Add the garlic and cook for one more minute until fragrant. Drain off any excess grease.
- Combine Everything: Return the cooked bacon to the pot. Add all the remaining ingredients: the baked beans, kidney beans, pinto beans, ketchup, barbecue sauce, mustard, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and chili powder. Stir until everything is well combined.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a bubble, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. For even deeper flavor, let it simmer uncovered for up to an hour. The longer it simmers, the better the flavors will meld.
- Season and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper. Serve hot.
Tips for the Best Cowboy Beans & Variations
· Bean Bonanza: The bean combination is flexible! You can use a total of 3-4 cans of any beans you like. Great options include black beans, cannellini beans, or great northern beans.
· Sweet & Smoky Balance: The flavor profile is a balance of sweet, savory, and smoky. Adjust the brown sugar and barbecue sauce to your liking. Using a smoky barbecue sauce will enhance the “cowboy” flavor.
· Make it in a Slow Cooker: This is a perfect slow cooker dish. After browning the bacon, beef, and veggies on the stove, transfer everything to your slow cooker. Stir in the remaining ingredients and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours.
· Spice it Up: Add a teaspoon of cumin for a Southwestern twist, or a dash of hot sauce for more heat.
· For a Thicker Sauce: If you prefer a thicker consistency, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Stir this slurry into the simmering beans and cook for a few minutes until thickened.
What to Serve With Cowboy Beans
They’re the perfect sidekick for:
· Grilled or Smoked Meats: Pulled pork, burgers, hot dogs, ribs, or brisket.
· Cornbread: A must-have for sopping up the sauce!
· Coleslaw: The cool, creamy crunch is the perfect contrast.
· As a Main Course: Serve them over rice or with a thick slice of cornbread for a complete, satisfying meal.
This dish is hearty, flavorful, and always a hit. Enjoy