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Cowboy Beans

Irresistible 15-Minute Cowboy Beans Recipe

  • Author: basmer1517
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Cowboy beans are a hearty and flavorful side dish perfect for barbecues or a weeknight comfort meal. This recipe features smoky bacon, savory ground beef, and tender beans simmered in a sweet and tangy sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • ½ lb bacon, chopped
  • ½ onion, chopped
  • 1 lb. ground beef
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • 15 oz. pinto beans, 1 can, drained
  • 15 oz. kidney beans, 1 can, drained
  • 15 oz. cannellini beans, 1 can, drained
  • ½ cup BBQ sauce
  • ¼ cup ketchup
  • 2 tbsp mustard
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1½ tbsp apple cider vinegar

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  2. Add the chopped bacon to an oven-safe Dutch oven over medium heat and cook until crispy. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towel.
  3. Pour out most of the grease from the pot. Add in the onion, ground beef, garlic, chili powder, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is soft.
  4. Stir in the pinto beans, kidney beans, and cannellini beans.
  5. Then, add in the BBQ sauce, ketchup, mustard, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and bacon bits, and stir everything together.
  6. Cover the pot and transfer to the oven. Bake for 40 minutes.

Notes

  • For a lighter option, use turkey bacon.
  • You can use ground turkey, chicken, or pork instead of ground beef.
  • Honey or maple syrup can be used as a natural sweetener instead of brown sugar.
  • Best beans to use: Pinto and baked beans are classic, but kidney, navy, or black beans work just as well. Mix a few varieties for extra texture.
  • Vegetarian version: Skip the bacon and beef, and add extra beans or sautéed mushrooms.
  • Slow cooker option: Brown bacon, beef, and onions first, then transfer to slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
  • Cowboy beans can be made ahead and the flavors improve with time. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.
  • For longer storage, freeze cooled beans in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat until hot.
  • Optional additions: Corn kernels, diced bell peppers, chopped jalapeños, smoked sausage or chorizo, fresh herbs, hot sauce, or Worcestershire sauce.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Oven Baked
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 495 kcal
  • Sugar: 16 g
  • Sodium: 1733 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 58 g
  • Fiber: 14 g
  • Protein: 37 g
  • Cholesterol: 51 mg

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Find it online: https://www.recipesmollybaz.com/cowboy-beans-recipe/