Cowboy Beans Recipe

Introduction

Cowboy Beans are a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for gatherings or a comforting family meal. Packed with ground beef, smoky bacon, and a savory-sweet sauce, this classic recipe delivers a satisfying and rich taste everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced (approximately 1 cup)
• 1 green bell pepper, diced (approximately 1 cup)
• ½ teaspoon garlic salt
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• ¼ cup brown sugar (optional)
• 2 cans (28 ounces each) baked beans (we used Bush’s Original Baked Beans)
• ½ cup barbecue sauce
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. Step 2: In a heavy-bottom, oven-safe pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, add ground beef, diced onion, diced green bell pepper, garlic salt, and onion powder. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the ground beef is no longer pink.
3. Step 3: Drain excess liquid from the pot to avoid sogginess.
4. Step 4: Stir in the cooked bacon crumbles, brown sugar (if using), baked beans, barbecue sauce, and Dijon mustard until all ingredients are well combined.
5. Step 5: Cover the pot with a lid and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour. The beans should be hot, bubbly, and thickened when done.
6. Step 6: Serve the cowboy beans warm, straight from the pot, as a main dish or a hearty side.

Tips & Variations

• For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce.
• Use smoked sausage or ground turkey as a substitute for ground beef to vary the flavor.
• Omitting the brown sugar will make the dish less sweet but still deliciously smoky and savory.
• Leftovers taste great reheated and can be served over rice or with cornbread.

Storage

Store leftover cowboy beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through. You can also freeze the beans for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make cowboy beans without bacon?

Yes, you can omit the bacon for a milder flavor or use a vegetarian bacon alternative. The dish will still be tasty, though the smoky depth from bacon will be missing.

What side dishes go well with cowboy beans?

Cowboy beans pair well with cornbread, steamed rice, coleslaw, or grilled vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cowboy Beans Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 88 reviews

Cowboy Beans is a hearty and comforting dish featuring seasoned ground beef, smoky bacon, baked beans, and a blend of sweet and tangy flavors from brown sugar, barbecue sauce, and dijon mustard. Baked to perfection in a Dutch oven, this classic dish is perfect as a main course or a savory side.

• Author: Natalie
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 to 8 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Vegetables

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced (approximately 1 cup)
• 1 green bell pepper, diced (approximately 1 cup)
• 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

Seasonings

• ½ teaspoon garlic salt
• ½ teaspoon onion powder

Other Ingredients

• ¼ cup brown sugar (optional)
• 2 cans (28 ounces each) baked beans (we used Bush’s Original Baked Beans)
• ½ cup barbecue sauce
• 2 tablespoons dijon mustard

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F to prepare for baking the beans later.
2. Cook the Meat and Vegetables: In a heavy bottom, oven-safe pot (such as a Dutch oven), add the ground beef, diced onion, diced green bell pepper, garlic salt, and onion powder. Cook over medium heat until the ground beef is no longer pink, thoroughly combining the flavors.
3. Drain Excess Liquid: Once the beef is cooked through, drain off any excess liquid to ensure the beans do not become too watery during baking.
4. Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the cooked and crumbled bacon, optional brown sugar, baked beans, barbecue sauce, and dijon mustard to the beef mixture. Mix well to evenly incorporate all ingredients.
5. Bake the Beans: Cover the pot with its lid and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour. This baking step allows the flavors to meld together while thickening the sauce.
6. Serve: After baking, the beans should be hot, bubbly, and thickened. Serve warm as a hearty main dish or a delicious side.

Notes

• Brown sugar is optional but adds a nice subtle sweetness balancing the savory and smoky flavors.
• Use a heavy-bottomed, oven-safe pot like a Dutch oven to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.
• Leftovers store well and can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
• For a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños during the sautéing step.

Keywords: Cowboy Beans, baked beans, ground beef, bacon, barbecue sauce, hearty bean casserole, comfort food