Description
This hearty Cowboy Beans recipe features a rich blend of ground beef, smoky bacon, flavorful vegetables, and baked beans simmered together and baked until bubbly and thickened. Perfect as a comforting side dish or a protein-packed main course, these beans deliver a satisfying Southern-inspired flavor with a touch of sweetness and tang from barbecue sauce and Dijon mustard.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced (approximately 1 cup)
- 1 green bell pepper, diced (approximately 1 cup)
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 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). Place a 4-quart oven-safe pot or Dutch oven over medium heat and add the ground beef, diced yellow onion, diced green bell pepper, garlic salt, and onion powder. Cook until the beef is browned and the vegetables are softened, stirring occasionally to combine flavors. Drain off any excess grease to keep the dish from becoming too fatty.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in the cooked and crumbled bacon, brown sugar if using, baked beans, barbecue sauce, and Dijon mustard into the browned beef mixture. Mix thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well incorporated and evenly distributed.
- Bake: Cover the pot with its lid and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for about 1 hour or until the beans are heated through, the sauce is bubbly, and the mixture has thickened to a rich consistency. This baking step melds the flavors beautifully and enhances the texture of the beans.
- Serve: Carefully remove the pot from the oven. Serve the Cowboy Beans warm as a delicious side dish for barbecues or as a satisfying main course.
Notes
- You can omit the brown sugar if you prefer a less sweet dish.
- Using a cast-iron Dutch oven is ideal for even heat distribution while baking.
- For an extra smoky flavor, try adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- This recipe can be doubled easily if cooking for a larger crowd.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
