Get ready to wrangle up a hearty, flavor-packed meal with this Cowboy Beans Recipe! Imagine everything you love about classic baked beans, but supercharged with smoky bacon, savory ground beef, tender beans, and a mouthwatering sweet-tangy sauce. This stick-to-your-ribs dish brings rustic comfort straight from the Wild West right to your table, pleasing picky eaters and hungry cowpokes alike. Whether you have a big gathering or just want a cozy weeknight dinner, this one is destined to become a favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Cowboy Beans Recipe is all about big flavors with simple, down-to-earth ingredients. Each element in this list brings amazing taste, texture, or color to the pan, so don’t leave anything out if you can help it!

Ground Beef (1 pound): Gives the beans a hearty, meaty bite and satisfying protein base.
Bacon (6 slices, chopped): Adds irresistible smokiness and a little crispy magic throughout.
Onion (1 medium, diced): Offers sweet, savory depth and a bit of color.
Green Bell Pepper (1, diced): Brings fresh crunch and mild pepper flavor to balance the richness.
Pork and Beans (2 cans, 15 ounces each): The sweet, saucy backbone that makes everything meld together.
Kidney Beans (1 can, 15 ounces, drained and rinsed): For texture and heartiness in every bite.
Pinto Beans (1 can, 15 ounces, drained and rinsed): Creamy, mild beans that hold up beautifully during baking.
Ketchup (1/2 cup): Gives that classic tang and lovely red hue.
Barbecue Sauce (1/2 cup): Layers of smoky, sweet, and savory flavor in every spoonful.
Brown Sugar (1/4 cup): Rounds out the sauce with rich, molasses-like sweetness.
Apple Cider Vinegar (2 tablespoons): Freshens things up with a little zip and brightness.
Worcestershire Sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds subtle umami and depth behind the scenes.
Chili Powder (1 teaspoon): For a gentle, warming heat and earthy color.
Garlic Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Savory, garlicky flavor without peeling or chopping.
Black Pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a touch of bite to balance the sweetness.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Makes all the other flavors pop perfectly.

How to Make Cowboy Beans Recipe

Step 1: Crisp the Bacon

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, in a large skillet set over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until it’s wonderfully crisp and caramelized. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside for later, but keep the flavorful drippings in the pan—they’ll add even more depth to the final dish.

Step 2: Brown the Beef and Veggies

Add the ground beef, diced onion, and green bell pepper right into that flavorful skillet. Sauté everything together, breaking up the beef as you go, until the meat is nicely browned and the veggies are tender. Drain off any extra fat so your Cowboy Beans Recipe isn’t greasy.

Step 3: Mix Up the Bean Base

Transfer the beef mixture to a large mixing bowl. Add the crispy cooked bacon, pork and beans, kidney beans, and pinto beans. This is where the dish gets its signature hearty texture, perfect for scooping or spooning.

Step 4: Stir in the Sauce

Pour in the ketchup, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Stir everything until it’s thoroughly combined—you want every bean and bite of beef coated in that sweet, tangy, savory sauce!

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Scoop your Cowboy Beans mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish, smoothing the top out evenly. Bake uncovered for a full hour, giving it a good stir halfway through so every bite cooks evenly and melds together into comforting deliciousness. Serve it up hot and get ready for rave reviews.

How to Serve Cowboy Beans Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh green onions, chopped cilantro, or a bit of shredded cheddar on top of your Cowboy Beans Recipe gives it vibrant color and an extra pop of flavor. For some spice, toss on sliced jalapeños just before serving.

Side Dishes

This dish shines next to a thick wedge of crusty cornbread, a cool and crunchy coleslaw, or simply with a big green salad. If you’re feeding a crowd, set it out as part of a barbecue spread alongside grilled sausages or chicken.

Creative Ways to Present

Try ladling your Cowboy Beans into mini cast iron skillets for a fun, rustic look at parties. Or serve them spooned over baked potatoes, with tortilla chips for dipping, or even tucked into a wrap with melty cheese. It’s the ultimate hearty, customizable comfort food!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers from your Cowboy Beans Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep beautifully for up to four days, and the flavors just get better as they sit!

Freezing

Cowboy Beans freeze surprisingly well. Allow them to cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe bags or containers. They’ll keep for up to three months, making them a lifesaver on busy days.

Reheating

To reheat, you can microwave individual servings or gently warm a larger batch on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen up the beans and bring back that saucy goodness.

FAQs

Can I make Cowboy Beans Recipe in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Prepare everything as directed, then transfer to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 4 to 5 hours. It’s an easy way to let the flavors meld while you go about your day.

What’s the best kind of barbecue sauce to use?

Use your favorite barbecue sauce here—smoky, sweet, spicy, or a mix! Each one will bring its own spin to the flavor, so try a few different brands until you find the one that makes this Cowboy Beans Recipe your personal signature.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Definitely! Just skip the beef and bacon, and use plant-based crumbles or extra beans to add heartiness. A dash of smoked paprika mimics that classic bacon smokiness for a satisfying vegetarian version.

How spicy is Cowboy Beans Recipe?

The recipe as written is mild and kid-friendly, but you can easily turn up the heat! Add more chili powder, a dash of hot sauce, or throw in some diced jalapeños for extra kick.

Are cowboy beans gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use a gluten-free barbecue sauce and Worcestershire. Double-check the labels and you’re all set for a celiac-friendly feast!

Final Thoughts

If you love comfort food that welcomes a crowd and fills the kitchen with delicious aromas, this Cowboy Beans Recipe is a must-try. It’s just as perfect for a summertime cookout as it is for a cozy, chilly night in. Give it a go and watch it disappear—everyone will be begging for seconds!

Cowboy Beans Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 27 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Satisfy your craving for hearty comfort food with this delicious Cowboy Beans recipe. Loaded with ground beef, bacon, and a variety of beans in a tangy, sweet sauce, this dish is a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Dish:

1 pound ground beef
6 slices bacon, chopped
1 medium onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced

Beans Mixture:

2 cans (15 ounces each) pork and beans
1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 ounces) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup ketchup
1/2 cup barbecue sauce
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cook Bacon: In a large skillet, cook the bacon until crisp, then set aside.
Cook Beef Mixture: In the same skillet, cook ground beef, onion, and green bell pepper until browned. Drain excess fat.
Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, combine beef mixture, bacon, beans, ketchup, barbecue sauce, sugar, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, spices.
Bake: Transfer to baking dish, bake uncovered for 1 hour, stirring halfway.
Serve: Serve hot.