Cowboy baked beans are a robust and savory dish made with ground beef, hearty beans, barbecue sauce, and seasonings. This comforting meal is ideal as a side or even a standalone entrée for gatherings, cookouts, or weeknight dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hearty and filling: Packed with protein and fiber.
- Perfect for feeding a crowd: Great for potlucks and barbecues.
- Sweet and smoky: The flavor combination is rich and comforting.
- Flexible: Serve as a main dish or a savory side.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground beef
- Baked beans (canned or homemade)
- BBQ sauce
- Yellow onion, diced
- Bell pepper (optional), diced
- Brown sugar
- Ketchup
- Worcestershire sauce
- Garlic powder
- Smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper
- Bacon or sausage pieces (optional)
directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Brown the beef: In a skillet, cook ground beef with onion over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Combine ingredients: In a large bowl or baking dish, mix cooked beef, baked beans, BBQ sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and optional bacon or sausage. Stir to combine.
- Bake: Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish and bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, or until bubbly and slightly caramelized on top.
- Serve: Let cool slightly before serving. Pairs well with cornbread, coleslaw, or over rice.
Servings and timing
- Servings: 6–8
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 50 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour 5 minutes
storage/reheating
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. Add a splash of water or sauce if it thickens too much.
FAQs
Can I use canned beans only?
Yes, canned baked beans are convenient and work well, but you can use a combination of beans if preferred.
Is this dish spicy?
Not inherently. For heat, add hot sauce or diced jalapeños.
Can I freeze cowboy baked beans?
Yes, store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
What protein can I substitute for beef?
Ground turkey, chicken, or sausage are all good alternatives.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Absolutely—just omit the meat and use plant-based protein or extra beans.
Do I need to drain the baked beans?
No, use them with their sauce to maintain the dish’s moisture.
Can I make it in a slow cooker?
Yes, cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours after browning the meat.
What sides go well with it?
Cornbread, mac and cheese, coleslaw, or a simple green salad.
Can I prepare it ahead of time?
Yes, prepare and refrigerate the mixture a day ahead. Bake just before serving.
How do I make it smokier?
Use smoked paprika, chipotle powder, or a smoky BBQ sauce for deeper flavor.
Conclusion
Cowboy Baked Beans offer the ultimate comfort in every bite—rich, smoky, and deeply satisfying. Whether served as a side dish or main course, it’s a favorite that never fails to please a crowd.
Print
Cowboy Baked Beans
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
Hearty and smoky cowboy baked beans made with ground beef, bacon, and a mix of beans simmered in a sweet and tangy barbecue-style sauce. A perfect side or main dish for barbecues and potlucks.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (28 oz) can baked beans
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving drippings in the pan.
- Add ground beef and onion to the skillet. Cook until beef is browned and onion is soft, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine all beans, cooked beef mixture, bacon, barbecue sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes, or until bubbly and slightly caramelized on top.
- Let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Can be made ahead and reheated—flavors improve over time.
- Use any combination of beans based on preference or availability.
- For extra heat, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
- Serve as a side or main dish with cornbread or rice.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
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