Cowboy beans are a flavorful and hearty dish, perfect for gatherings, barbecues, or a satisfying family meal. Loaded with bacon, ground beef, and a combination of beans, this dish brings together savory and sweet flavors in every bite.
Cowboy beans are a flavorful and hearty dish, perfect for gatherings, barbecues, or a satisfying family meal. Loaded with bacon, ground beef, and a combination of beans, this dish brings together savory and sweet flavors in every bite.
Ingredients You'll Need for Cowboy Beans
- Thick-Cut Applewood Bacon: Adds a smoky, crispy element to the dish.
- Yellow Onion: Provides a mild sweetness and aromatic base.
- Garlic: Enhances the flavor with a hint of sharpness.
- Ground Beef: Adds heartiness and makes the beans more filling.
- Chili Powder: Brings warmth and a mild kick to the dish.
- Pork and Beans: Contribute to the dish’s base with a slightly sweet flavor.
- Cannellini Beans: Add creaminess and absorb the sauce well.
- Kidney Beans: Provide a firmer texture, balancing the creaminess of cannellini beans.
- Barbecue Sauce: Offers sweetness and tang; Sweet Baby Ray’s works wonderfully here.
- Ketchup: Adds a sweet, tomato-based layer of flavor.
- Brown Sugar: Enhances the sweetness and balances the smoky elements.
- Yellow Mustard: Adds a tangy depth to the dish.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Introduces a savory, umami flavor.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Brightens the dish with a hint of acidity.
How to Make Cowboy Beans: Step-by-Step Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the beans.
- Step 2: Cook the Bacon
- In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottom pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it becomes crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside, leaving some bacon grease in the pot.
- Step 3: Sauté the Onions
- Add the diced onions to the pot with the bacon grease and cook until the onions are almost tender, about 5 minutes.
- Step 4: Add Garlic and Ground Beef
- Add the minced garlic and ground beef to the pot. Cook the beef, crumbling it as you go, until it is no longer pink. Drain any excess grease from the pot.
- Step 5: Mix in the Seasonings
- Return the cooked bacon to the pot and stir in the chili powder, salt, and pepper to season the mixture.
- Step 6: Add the Beans and Sauces
- Stir in the pork and beans (including their liquid), drained cannellini beans, and kidney beans. Add the barbecue sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Step 7: Bake the Cowboy Beans
- Place the pot in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 45 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
Serving and Storage Tips for Cowboy Beans
- Serve the cowboy beans warm, straight from the oven, as a side dish or a main course.
- These beans pair wonderfully with cornbread, coleslaw, or grilled meats like ribs and brisket.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- To reheat, warm the beans on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through.
- Cowboy beans also freeze well. Store them in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.
Helpful Notes and Variations
- For a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Substitute ground turkey or sausage for the ground beef for a different flavor profile.
- Vegetarians can leave out the bacon and ground beef, replacing them with smoked paprika and more beans for a plant-based version.
- If you prefer a thicker texture, let the beans bake for an additional 10-15 minutes.
Tips from Professional Chefs
- Aaron Franklin: Use high-quality barbecue sauce for a rich, smoky flavor.
- Ree Drummond: Cook the beans a day in advance to allow the flavors to deepen overnight.
- Gordon Ramsay: Always taste and adjust the seasoning before serving for the perfect balance of flavors.