Description
This hearty Cowboy Beans recipe combines savory ground beef, smoky bacon, and flavorful baked beans for a comforting and satisfying dish. Slow-baked in the oven with a blend of spices, barbecue sauce, and Dijon mustard, these beans are perfect as a side or a main for any casual gathering or family meal.
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 (such as Bush’s Original Baked Beans)
- ½ cup barbecue sauce
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Brown Meat: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a 4-quart oven-safe pot or Dutch oven, heat over medium heat. Add the ground beef along with diced onion and green bell pepper. Season with garlic salt and onion powder. Cook until the beef is browned and vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes, then drain any excess grease.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in the cooked and crumbled bacon, brown sugar if using, baked beans, barbecue sauce, and Dijon mustard. Mix everything thoroughly to combine all flavors evenly.
- Bake: Cover the pot with a lid and place it into the preheated oven. Bake for 1 hour, or until the beans are hot, bubbly, and thickened to your liking. This slow baking allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Serve: Carefully remove the pot from the oven. Serve the Cowboy Beans warm as a satisfying side dish or a hearty main course.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes with the seasonings.
- If you prefer a vegetarian option, omit the ground beef and bacon and use vegetable-based baked beans.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- To reduce fat, drain the cooked ground beef thoroughly and use reduced-sodium baked beans and barbecue sauce.
