Description
Cowboy Beans are a hearty and flavorful side dish perfect for barbecues or family dinners. This recipe combines ground beef, bacon, baked beans, and a blend of seasonings to create a rich, smoky, and slightly sweet dish that pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or can be enjoyed on its own.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Aromatics
- 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)
- ½ cup barbecue sauce
- 2 tablespoons dijon mustard
Beans
- 2 cans (28 ounces each) baked beans (e.g., Bush’s Original Baked Beans)
Instructions
- Cook the Bacon and Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove and crumble it onto paper towels. In the same skillet, add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add diced onions and green bell pepper to the skillet with the browned beef. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Season the Mixture: Stir in garlic salt, onion powder, and brown sugar if using. Mix well so the seasoning coats the beef and vegetables thoroughly.
- Add Beans and Sauces: Pour in the baked beans, barbecue sauce, and dijon mustard. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer the Beans: Reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer uncovered for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors meld and the sauce thickens.
- Add Bacon and Serve: Stir the crumbled bacon back into the beans just before serving. Serve hot as a side dish or a hearty main.
Notes
- Brown sugar is optional but adds a nice touch of sweetness to balance the smoky flavors.
- Use your favorite brand of baked beans for different flavor profiles.
- This dish can be made in advance and reheated; flavors improve the next day.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
- Can be made gluten free by ensuring the barbecue sauce and baked beans do not contain gluten.
