Cowboy Baked Beans Recipe

Name: Cowboy Baked Beans Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: 2 cans baked beans (16 oz cans); 0.5 pound bacon (diced); 1 cup BBQ sauce; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon mustard (yellow)

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By: Maria
Posted: 11/19/2024

Cowboy baked beans are the ultimate side dish or meal, combining smoky beans with ground beef, and a rich, tangy sauce. This recipe is perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or a comforting family dinner. Packed with protein and bold flavors, these beans are so satisfying they can easily stand alone as the star of the meal.

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Ingredients

For the Beans:

1 lb (450g) ground beef.
6 slices of bacon, diced
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 cans (15 oz / 425g each) kidney beans., drained and rinsed.
2 cans (15 oz / 425g each) pinto beans (15 oz / 425g each)?, drained and rinsed.
1 can (28 oz / 794g) of baked beans., undrained

For the Sauce:

1 cup (240ml) barbecue sauce.
12 cup (120ml) ketchup.
14 cup mustard (60ml) – 14
12 cup (120ml) molasses or brown sugar.
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce. 1 tbs
1 tsp smoked paprika. 1 t
1 tsp chili powder
Salt and black pepper to taste.

Directions

Cook the BaconIn a large skillet over medium heat, cook the diced bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside.
Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet with the bacon drippings. Cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces. Add the onion and garlic, cooking until the onion softens. Drain any excess fat.
Combine IngredientsIn a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven, combine the cooked beef mixture, bacon, and all the beans. Stir in barbecue sauce, ketchup, mustard, molasses, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure everything is coated.
Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the pot and bake for 45-50 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the flavors meld and the sauce thickens.
Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Serve warm as a side dish or main meal.

Notes

slow cooker Option: Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
Add Spice: For a kick, stir in 1-2 chopped jalapeos or a dash of hot sauce.
Vegetarian VersionOmit the ground beef and bacon and use vegetarian baked beans for a meat-free alternative.
Storage: Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Cowboy Baked Beans are a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that delivers bold, smoky flavors in every bite.

What are the most frequently asked questions on Quora

Can I make these cowboy baked beans ahead of time?

Can you make these beans ahead of time? Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-30 minutes or until heated through, stirring occasionally. If you can assemble the ingredients and freeze the beans for up to 3 months, Thaw completely in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

What substitutions can I make if I don’t have all the ingredients?

If you don’t have molasses, you can substitute an equal amount of brown sugar. If you’re out of pinto beans or kidney beans, you can use an extra can of your preferred bean, adjusting the total bean quantity to 3 cans (15 oz each). If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, you can substitute it for soy sauce.

How do you know if the cowboy baked beans are cooked?

The beans are done when the sauce has thickened, and the flavors have melded together. Visually, the sauce should coat the back of a spoon. You can also taste the beans to ensure they are tender and flavorful, with no harshness from the spices. The cooking time of 45-50 minutes in the oven at 350°F (175°C) is a good guide, but always check for doneness.

Can I double or triple this recipe to feed a larger crowd?

Can you easily scale this recipe up? If so, use a larger oven-safe pot or Dutch oven. The cooking time might need to be extended by about 10-15 minutes to ensure the beans are heated through and the sauce thickens properly. When triple cooking, you may need to use two separate pots or cook in batches. Always stir halfway through the cooking process to ensure even heating.

What are the nutritional benefits of cowboy baked beans?

Cowboy Baked Beans are a good source of protein from ground beef and beans, as well as fiber from the beans. The beans also provide essential vitamins and minerals, such as iron and folate. The addition of bacon and the rich sauce adds flavor and some fat content, so it is best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.