Cowboy Beans (Hearty, Smoky & Loaded with Flavor!).

by

 

🤠 Cowboy Beans (Hearty, Smoky & Loaded with Flavor!) 🥓

Before I even dive into this recipe, I just have to say — thank you for being here! Whether you’ve been following my kitchen adventures for a while or just stumbled across this post in search of the ultimate side dish, I’m so glad you’re here. Cowboy Beans have long been one of those recipes that make me feel like I’m feeding hearts, not just bellies.

Now, if you’re ready for a dish that’s anything but boring, you’re in for a treat. These Cowboy Baked Beans are **smoky, sweet, savory**, and loaded with tender **ground beef** and crispy **applewood smoked bacon**. It’s the kind of recipe that smells like comfort, tastes like home, and can feed a crowd with smiles all around.

👉 Want this recipe delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe below so you’ll never miss a cozy, crowd-pleasing favorite like this again!

Why You’ll Love Cowboy Beans

These beans are a perfect balance of hearty and comforting. Imagine tender beans simmering in a sweet, tangy sauce with smoky bacon and seasoned beef. The flavor deepens as it cooks, creating a rich, stick-to-your-ribs side (or main!) dish that’s as good at a holiday table as it is at a backyard BBQ.

Here’s why they’ll steal your heart:

  • **Versatile** – Serve as a side or make it the star of the meal.
  • **Feeds a crowd** – Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or family gatherings.
  • **Unbeatable flavor** – Sweet, smoky, savory, and oh-so-satisfying.
  • **Easy prep** – Just a few simple steps, one pot, and your oven or slow cooker do the rest!

Ingredients

  • 1 lb **applewood smoked bacon**
  • 1 large **yellow onion**, chopped
  • 2 cloves **garlic**, minced
  • 1 lb **ground beef** (85/15 or lean)
  • 48 oz **baked beans** (do not drain)
  • 32 oz **kidney beans** (drained)
  • 16 oz **cannellini beans** (drained)
  • 32 oz **black beans** (drained)
  • ¼ cup **brown sugar**
  • ¼ cup **apple cider vinegar**
  • 1 cup **ketchup**
  • 2 tbsp **yellow mustard**

Tools You’ll Need

  • Large **cast-iron pot, Dutch oven, or slow cooker**
  • Wooden spoon
  • Slotted spoon
  • Sharp knife or kitchen scissors
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredient Additions & Substitutions

  • **Bacon:** Applewood smoked adds great depth, but any bacon will do. Want it extra smoky? Add a drop of **liquid smoke**.
  • **Beans:** Mix it up with navy, lima, or pinto beans for more texture.
  • **Sugar:** Prefer it less sweet? **Cut back on the brown sugar by half.**
  • **Ground meat:** Try ground turkey or sausage for a fun twist.

How to Make Cowboy Beans

  1. **Cook the Bacon:** Chop the bacon (scissors make it quick!) and fry until **crispy** in a large cast-iron pot. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and **set aside**.
  2. **Sauté Aromatics:** In the same pot, add chopped onion and cook 5–6 minutes until soft. Add garlic and stir for another minute.
  3. **Brown the Beef:** Add ground beef to the pot and cook until no longer pink. Drain excess grease if necessary.
  4. **Combine Everything:** Add all the beans, brown sugar, vinegar, ketchup, and mustard. Stir well to blend.
  5. **Bake or Slow Cook:**
    • **Oven:** Bake **covered at 350°F** for **1½ hours**.
    • **Slow cooker:** Cook on **LOW** for about **2 hours**.
  6. **Serve Hot and Enjoy!**

What to Serve with Cowboy Beans

  • Grilled ribs or smoked brisket
  • BBQ chicken
  • Cornbread or dinner rolls
  • Coleslaw or a crisp garden salad
  • Or simply enjoy them **solo** in a bowl — they’re hearty enough to be dinner all on their own!

Tips for Perfect Cowboy Beans

  • Use a **heavy-bottomed pot** to evenly cook your bacon and beef.
  • **Taste as you go** — adjust sweetness or tang with more sugar or vinegar.
  • **Make a day ahead** for even deeper, richer flavor.
  • Freeze leftovers in small portions for quick weeknight sides.

Storage & Reheat

  • **Store** in an airtight container in the fridge for up to **4 days**.
  • **To reheat**, bake covered at 375°F for 20 minutes or warm gently on the stove. These also **freeze beautifully** for up to 3 months.

FAQ About Cowboy Beans

Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely! Skip the beef and bacon, add a little liquid smoke, and you’ve got a delicious meatless version.
Can I use dry beans?
Yes, but it’ll take extra soaking and cooking time. **Canned beans** make this dish weeknight-friendly.
Can I double the recipe?
Definitely — it’s perfect for parties. Just use a bigger pot or two baking dishes.

Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)

Nutrient Amount
Calories 420
Protein 25g
Carbohydrates 38g
Fat 18g
Fiber 7g
Sugar 14g

Final Thoughts: These Cowboy Beans are the definition of comfort food — smoky, hearty, and bursting with flavor. This recipe delivers every time!

Join the Conversation! Tried this recipe? I’d love to see your creations! 💛

 

Leave a Comment