What are cowboy beans made of?

Cowboy beans typically contain a delicious mix of pork and beans, kidney beans, pinto beans, along with ground beef, bacon, and a sweet and smoky sauce. This combination creates a hearty and comforting dish.

How do you make cowboy beans from scratch?

Making cowboy beans from scratch is easy. Start by cooking your bacon and beef, then add beans, vegetables, and seasonings. Bake everything in the oven until the flavors meld together beautifully.

What is the difference between cowboy beans and baked beans?

While both are bean-based dishes, cowboy beans tend to be heartier with added meats like bacon and ground beef, whereas baked beans often focus on sweetness from molasses or brown sugar.

Can you make cowboy beans ahead of time?

Yes, cowboy beans can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator or freezer. They're a great make-ahead dish, perfect for busy days or meal prepping.

What meat goes well with cowboy beans?

In addition to ground beef and bacon, you can add smoked sausage or even leftover pulled pork for an extra layer of flavor in your cowboy beans .

Best Cowboy Beans Recipe - Smoky and Sweet Southern Flavor

Description

Best Cowboy Beans are not just food; they’re a true experience of Southern cooking, with smoky bacon, rich ground beef, and sweet beans.

Ingredients

Scale

½ pound bacon, cut into bite size pieces
1 pound ground beef
1 medium yellow onion, diced
1 medium red bell pepper, diced
2 (16 ounce) cans pork and beans
1 (15.5 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 (15.5 ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup ketchup
¼ cup barbecue sauce
½ cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon black pepper
1½ tablespoon yellow mustard
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon chili powder

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F.
Cook the bacon in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat until crispy. Drain the grease.
Add the ground beef, onion, and bell pepper to the same pot. Cook until the beef is browned and the vegetables are softened, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
Stir in the pork and beans (with liquid), kidney beans, pinto beans, ketchup, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, mustard, and all seasonings. Mix until well combined.
Cover the pot and transfer to the oven. Bake for 45–50 minutes until the sauce is thick and bubbly. Serve hot.

Notes

Use quality bacon and beef for enhanced flavor.
Adjust sweetness by varying the amount of brown sugar to taste.
For a smoky twist, add smoked sausage or a dash of smoked paprika.

Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 50 mins
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Southern

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 430 kcal
Sugar: 20 g
Sodium: 1250 mg
Fat: 20 g
Saturated Fat: 7 g
Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
Trans Fat: 0.5 g
Carbohydrates: 42 g
Fiber: 8 g
Protein: 20 g
Cholesterol: 50 mg

Keywords: cowboy beans, best beans recipe, southern cooking beans