Cowboy Baked Beans
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There is nothing quite like the savory taste of cowboy baked beans, especially when you get that perfect hint of smoky flavor combined with simple, hearty ingredients. Every year I look forward to making these for family gatherings and cookouts because I just know they will be gobbled up. If you are looking for the ultimate delicious side dish, this old fashioned recipe for cowboy baked beans is an absolute must-try.
What Exactly Are Cowboy Beans?
There are so many reasons you’ll love cowboy beans over a regular slow cooker baked beans recipe. The crispy applewood smoked bacon adds that rich smoky flavor that is essential for any BBQ. The ground beef turns these beans into a hearty side dish and whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or a family dinner, this recipe for cowboy beans bring an authentic, old-fashioned vibe to your meal.
It is a recipe I have perfected over the year and its not that difficult to get right.
Ingredients
- Ground beef
- Veggies: small white onion (sweet onion is fine too) and green bell pepper
- Seasonings: garlic powder, onion powder, dry BBQ rub like Weber seasoning
- Canned Baked beans
- Barbecue sauce
- Honey mustard
- Brown sugar
- Bacon cooked crispy and crumbled
How to Make Old Fashioned Cowboy Beans
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Combine ground beef, onion, and green bell pepper in a large skillet. Cook over medium heat until the meat is browned and the vegetables are tender. I use a napkin (held by tongs) to soak up any excess grease.
Mix in garlic powder, onion powder, and your choice of dry BBQ rub (I recommend Weber Cowboy Seasoning– see on amazon what it is).
In a 9 by 13 casserole baking dish, pour two cans of baked beans. Add the beef mixture, then stir in the BBQ sauce, honey mustard, and brown sugar until combined.
Toss in the cooked bacon pieces and ensure the mixture is evenly spread in the dish.Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour.
While I prefer them hot, these beans can be served hot or cold.
Tips, Tricks, and Seasoning Secrets
- The Secret Ingredient: I swear by Weber Cowboy Seasoning for that authentic smoky flavor.
- Adjusting the Flavor: If you prefer extra heat, add a dash of hot sauce.
- Toppings: Try adding a spoonful of melted cheddar cheese, fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions, some sour cream, or even crispy onions or breadcrumbs for added crunch.
- Canned Beans keep it easy: Baked beans are generally made from navy beans or haricot beans. For this recipe, I use canned beans for convenience.
Storing Leftover Cowboy Beans
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Often, because the seasonings have time to really mix together, they taste even better the next day.
What to Serve with Cowboy Beans
These cowboy beans pair wonderfully with just about any grilled meat, veggies like green bean salad, a side of cornbread, or a simple potato salad.
Baked Beans with Ground Beef
Equipment
- 9×13 casserole dish
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 small white onion diced
- 1 green bell pepper chopped
- 1 tbsp. garlic powder
- 1 tbsp. onion powder
- 1 tbsp. Dry BBQ Rub suggested: Weber Cowboy Seasoning
- 56 oz. Original flavored baked beans
- 1 cup BBQ Sauce
- ¼ cup honey mustard
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 lb. bacon cooked and crumbled
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a large skillet, combine ground beef, chopped small white onion (or sweet onion), and diced green bell pepper. Cook over medium heat until the meat is browned and the vegetables are tender. If necessary, use a napkin being held by tongs to soak up any excess grease.
- Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, and your chosen dry BBQ rub (I recommend Weber Cowboy Seasoning for an authentic smoky kick). For lean ground beef, you may want to adjust the seasoning to boost flavor.
- In a 9 by 13 casserole dish, pour two cans of baked beans (do not drain). Add the beef mixture and stir in the BBQ sauce, honey mustard, and brown sugar until everything is thoroughly combined.
- Toss in the crispy cooked bacon pieces, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dish. Bake for 1 hour until the flavors meld and the dish is piping hot. Can be served immediately or served cold later on. (I recommend hot)
Nutrition
Nutritional Disclaimer: The nutritional data provided here is auto-calculated and intended for your convenience only. As it’s generated via automation, its accuracy may be compromised. For precise nutritional insight, please compute the values utilizing the actual ingredients in your recipe through your chosen nutrition calculator or application.
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