Meaty Cowboy Beans Recipe

Cowboy Beans are a hearty and flavorful dish combining ground beef, bacon, and a medley of beans simmered in a tangy barbecue sauce. This classic recipe is perfect as a side dish for barbecues, potlucks, or even as a main course on a chilly evening.​Hurst Beans+5The Recipe Critic+5Delicious Table ®+5Yellow Bliss Road+1The Recipe Critic+1

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty and Filling: Packed with protein from ground beef and beans, this dish is satisfying and can serve as a main course.​
• Flavorful: The combination of bacon, barbecue sauce, and spices creates a rich and smoky flavor profile.​
• Versatile: Ideal for gatherings, it can be prepared in advance and kept warm in a slow cooker.​
• Customizable: Easily adaptable with different types of beans or additional ingredients to suit your taste.​

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Ground beef​Wikipedia+5I Am Homesteader+5Yellow Bliss Road+5
• Bacon​Southern Living+6Yellow Bliss Road+6Southern Living+6
• Onion​Allrecipes+3I Am Homesteader+3Hurst Beans+3
• Garlic​
• Pork and beans​
• Kidney beans​The Recipe Critic+1Allrecipes+1
• Cannellini beans​
• Barbecue sauce​Southern Living+3The Recipe Critic+3I Am Homesteader+3
• Ketchup​I Am Homesteader+4Wikipedia+4Plowing Through Life+4
• Brown sugar​I Am Homesteader+6The Recipe Critic+6Wikipedia+6
• Yellow mustard​Latest news & breaking headlines+9The Recipe Critic+9Hurst Beans+9
• Worcestershire sauce​buythiscookthat.com+3The Recipe Critic+3Yellow Bliss Road+3
• Apple cider vinegar​
• Chili powder​Southern Living+5The Recipe Critic+5Allrecipes+5
• Salt and pepper​

Directions

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).​
2. Cook Bacon: In a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the bacon grease in the pot.​
3. Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the diced onion to the pot and cook until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.​
4. Brown Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the pot with the onions and garlic. Cook until the beef is no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.​
5. Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked bacon to the pot. Stir in the pork and beans (with liquid), drained kidney beans, and drained cannellini beans. Add the barbecue sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all ingredients.​
6. Bake: Cover the pot and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, until the mixture is bubbly and has thickened.​
7. Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm.​

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe yields approximately 8 servings.​
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes​Southern Living+10Southern Living+10The Kitchn+10
• Cooking Time: 45 minutes​AP News
• Total Time: 1 hour​Southern Living

Variations

• Bean Selection: Feel free to experiment with different beans such as black beans, pinto beans, or butter beans to suit your preference.​The Recipe Critic
• Spice Level: Adjust the chili powder or add diced jalapeños for a spicier dish.​
• Sweetness: Modify the amount of brown sugar to achieve your desired level of sweetness.​
• Meat Options: For a leaner version, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef.​

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftover cowboy beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.​The Recipe Critic
• Freezing: For longer storage, place cooled beans in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months.​
• Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes. If the mixture has thickened, add a splash of water or broth to reach the desired consistency.​

FAQs

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

To make vegetarian cowboy beans, omit the ground beef and bacon. Instead, add more varieties of beans or include meat substitutes like plant-based crumbles. Use vegetarian-friendly barbecue sauce and Worcestershire sauce.​

Can I prepare this dish in a slow cooker?

Yes, after browning the meat and sautéing the onions and garlic, transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.​Yellow Bliss Road

Is it necessary to bake the beans, or can I simmer them on the stovetop?

While baking helps to meld the flavors and thicken the sauce, you can simmer the mixture on the stovetop over low heat for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.​

Can I use canned beans other than the ones listed?

Absolutely. Feel free to use your preferred canned beans; just ensure they are drained and rinsed if not specified otherwise.​

How do I adjust the recipe for a larger crowd?

To serve more people, simply double or triple the ingredients. Use a larger pot or divide the mixture between multiple baking dishes as needed.​

What can I serve alongside cowboy beans?

Cowboy beans pair well with cornbread, coleslaw, or over rice for a complete meal.​

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare cowboy beans a day in advance. Store them in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.​

How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too runny?

If the sauce is too thin after cooking, let the beans bake uncovered for an additional

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