owboy Baked Beans are a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for barbecues, potlucks, or any family gathering. This dish combines tender beans with ground beef, bacon, and a savory-sweet sauce that has just the right amount of tang. Whether served as a side or a main dish, these beans are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The blend of smoky bacon, rich beef, and a touch of sweetness from brown sugar and barbecue sauce makes every bite of this dish irresistibly good.
Ingredients
. 1 lb ground beef
. 6 slices bacon, chopped
. 1 medium onion, chopped
. 2 cloves garlic, minced
. 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
. 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
. 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
. 1 can (28 oz) pork and beans
. 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
. 1/3 cup ketchup
. 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
. 1 tbsp yellow mustard
. 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
. 1 tsp chili powder
. 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
. Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain, leaving the bacon drippings in the skillet.
3. Cook the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet with the bacon drippings. Cook over medium heat until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
4. Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the onion is softened and translucent.
5. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground beef and onion mixture, crispy bacon, kidney beans, pinto beans, black beans, pork and beans, barbecue sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir until everything is well combined.
6. Bake: Pour the bean mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it out evenly. Cover with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and slightly caramelized.
7. Serve: Allow the beans to cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with additional cooked bacon or chopped green onions if desired.
Tips for Perfect Cowboy Baked Beans
. Drain and Rinse the Beans: Draining and rinsing the kidney, pinto, and black beans helps reduce excess sodium and gives the dish a cleaner flavor.
. Use Smoky Bacon: Smoky bacon adds an extra depth of flavor that enhances the overall taste of the beans.
. Let It Rest: Letting the baked beans rest for a few minutes after baking allows the flavors to meld and makes them easier to serve.
Recipe Variations
. Spicy Cowboy Beans: Add 1-2 diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
. Vegetarian Cowboy Beans: Omit the ground beef and bacon, and use vegetable broth instead of the bacon drippings. Add 1 cup of chopped bell peppers for added texture and flavor.
. Sweet and Tangy Beans: Add 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar for a tangy twist, balancing the sweetness of the brown sugar.
FAQs
Q: Can I make these beans ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the beans up to a day in advance. Store them in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven before serving.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftover beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Q: Can I freeze Cowboy Baked Beans?
A: Yes, you can freeze the baked beans. Let them cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Serving Suggestions
. With Cornbread: Serve these baked beans with a side of cornbread for a classic and comforting combination.
. At a Barbecue: Pair the beans with grilled meats like ribs, chicken, or burgers for a delicious barbecue spread.
. With a Green Salad: Balance the richness of the beans with a light, fresh green salad on the side.
Cowboy Baked Beans are a delicious, hearty dish that’s perfect for any gathering. With their smoky bacon, savory beef, and sweet and tangy sauce, these beans are packed with flavor and guaranteed to be a hit. Whether served as a side dish or enjoyed on their own, they’re a versatile and satisfying addition to any meal.
This easy-to-make recipe is great for feeding a crowd, and it can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Make these Cowboy Baked Beans for your next barbecue or family dinner, and watch them disappear quickly!
