Description
This Cowboy Beans recipe is a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for family gatherings or potlucks. Combining ground beef, bacon, baked beans, and a blend of spices and sauces, these beans deliver a rich, smoky, and slightly sweet taste that complements any barbecue or casual meal. Easy to prepare and sure to satisfy, this dish is a classic comfort food with a cowboy twist.
Ingredients
Scale
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 and Sauces
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ cup brown sugar (optional)
- 2 cans (28 ounces each) baked beans (e.g., Bush’s Original Baked Beans)
- ½ cup barbecue sauce
- 2 tablespoons dijon mustard
Instructions
- Cook the bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the 8 slices of bacon until crisp. Remove bacon, drain on paper towels, and crumble once cooled.
- Sauté the vegetables: In the same skillet with some bacon fat, add the diced yellow onion and green bell pepper. Cook over medium heat until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Brown the ground beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet with the cooked vegetables. Season with garlic salt and onion powder. Cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Combine ingredients: Add the crumbled bacon back into the skillet along with the baked beans, barbecue sauce, dijon mustard, and brown sugar if using. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer the beans: Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer gently for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to allow flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve hot. These cowboy beans make a perfect side dish or hearty meal on their own, especially alongside grilled meats or cornbread.
Notes
- For a smokier flavor, try adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika or chipotle powder.
- Make sure to cook the bacon thoroughly to enhance flavor and texture.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Brown sugar is optional but adds a nice balance of sweetness to the beans.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
