Description
This hearty Cowboy Beans recipe is a flavorful and comforting dish perfect for family gatherings or potlucks. It combines savory ground beef, crispy bacon, baked beans, and a smoky blend of seasonings to create a rich, protein-packed side or main dish with a sweet and tangy barbecue twist.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 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)
- 2 cans (28 ounces each) baked beans (e.g., Bush’s Original Baked Beans)
- ½ cup barbecue sauce
- 2 tablespoons dijon mustard
Instructions
- Cook the bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon slices until crispy. Remove the bacon and place it on paper towels to drain excess grease. Once cooled, crumble the bacon and set it aside.
- Sauté the vegetables: In the same skillet with the bacon drippings, add the diced yellow onion and green bell pepper. Cook over medium heat until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Brown the ground beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Break it apart with a wooden spoon and cook until fully browned and no longer pink, about 8-10 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Season the mixture: Sprinkle in the garlic salt and onion powder, stirring well to evenly coat the meat and vegetable mixture.
- Add remaining ingredients: Stir in the crumbled bacon, brown sugar (if using), baked beans, barbecue sauce, and Dijon mustard. Mix thoroughly to combine all flavors.
- Simmer the beans: Reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer gently for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and allow flavors to meld together.
- Serve warm: Once thickened and heated through, remove from heat and serve the Cowboy Beans hot as a side dish or a hearty main course.
Notes
- Brown sugar is optional and adds a subtle sweetness that balances the savory flavors.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños along with the vegetables.
- This dish can be made ahead and reheated; flavors deepen after resting overnight in the refrigerator.
- Use lean ground beef to reduce fat content if desired.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
