Cowboy Beans are the ultimate hearty, savory, and slightly sweet side dish. Think of them as a robust, full-meal version of baked beans, packed with bacon, ground beef, and peppers. They’re perfect for potlucks, barbecues, and feeding a hungry crowd.
Classic Cowboy Beans
This recipe is a one-pot wonder that delivers maximum flavor with minimal fuss.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes
Serves: 8-10 as a side
Ingredients
-
6 slices bacon, chopped
-
1 lb ground beef (80/20)
-
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
-
1 bell pepper (any color), chopped
-
2 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 (28 oz) can baked beans (e.g., Bush’s Original)
-
1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
-
1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
-
½ cup barbecue sauce
-
⅓ cup ketchup
-
2 tablespoons yellow mustard
-
2 tablespoons brown sugar (or more to taste)
-
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
-
1 teaspoon chili powder
-
Salt and black pepper to taste
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 aside, leaving the bacon drippings in the pot.
-
Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the pot with the bacon drippings. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until no longer pink. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper and cook for 5-7 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for one more minute until fragrant. Drain off any excess grease.
-
Combine Everything: Return the cooked bacon to the pot. Add the baked beans, kidney beans, pinto beans, barbecue sauce, ketchup, mustard, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and chili powder. Stir until everything is well combined.
-
Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer gently for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
-
Season and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, black pepper, or more brown sugar if desired. Serve hot.
Chef’s Tips & Variations
-
Bean Flexibility: This is a great “clean out the pantry” recipe. You can use any combination of canned beans you like, such as black beans, cannellini beans, or great northern beans.
-
Spice it Up: For a kick, add a diced jalapeño (with seeds for more heat) when cooking the onions and peppers, or add a dash of hot sauce with the other liquids.
-
Smoky Flavor: For a deeper smoky taste, use a smoky barbecue sauce or add ½ teaspoon of liquid smoke.
-
The Slow Cooker Method: This is perfect for parties. After browning the beef and bacon (a crucial step for flavor), transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours.
-
Make it a Main Dish: These beans are so hearty they can easily be a main course, especially when served with cornbread or over a baked potato.
-
Toppings: Serve with toppings like shredded cheddar cheese, sliced green onions, or a dollop of sour cream.
Enjoy this classic, crowd-pleasing dish