Cowboy Baked Beans

There is nothing quite like the savory taste of cowboy baked beans, especially when you get that perfect hint of smoky flavor combined with simple, hearty ingredients. Every year I look forward to making these for family gatherings and cookouts because I just know they will be gobbled up. If you are looking for the ultimate delicious side dish, this old fashioned recipe for cowboy baked beans is an absolute must-try.

What Exactly Are Cowboy Beans?

There are so many reasons you’ll love cowboy beans over a regular slow cooker baked beans recipe. The crispy applewood smoked bacon adds that rich smoky flavor that is essential for any BBQ. The ground beef turns these beans into a hearty side dish and whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or a family dinner, this recipe for cowboy beans bring an authentic, old-fashioned vibe to your meal.

It is a recipe I have perfected over the year and its not that difficult to get right.

Ingredients

• Ground beef
• Veggies: small white onion (sweet onion is fine too) and green bell pepper
• Seasonings: garlic powder, onion powder, dry BBQ rub like Weber seasoning
• Canned Baked beans
• Barbecue sauce
• Honey mustard
• Brown sugar
• Bacon cooked crispy and crumbled

How to Make Old Fashioned Cowboy Beans

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Combine ground beef, onion, and green bell pepper in a large skillet. Cook over medium heat until the meat is browned and the vegetables are tender. I use a napkin (held by tongs) to soak up any excess grease.

Mix in garlic powder, onion powder, and your choice of dry BBQ rub (I recommend Weber Cowboy Seasoning– see on amazon what it is).

In a 9 by 13 casserole baking dish, pour two cans of baked beans. Add the beef mixture, then stir in the BBQ sauce, honey mustard, and brown sugar until combined.

Toss in the cooked bacon pieces and ensure the mixture is evenly spread in the dish.Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour.

While I prefer them hot, these beans can be served hot or cold.

Tips, Tricks, and Seasoning Secrets

• The Secret Ingredient: I swear by Weber Cowboy Seasoning for that authentic smoky flavor.
• Adjusting the Flavor: If you prefer extra heat, add a dash of hot sauce.
• Toppings: Try adding a spoonful of melted cheddar cheese, fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions, some sour cream, or even crispy onions or breadcrumbs for added crunch.
• Canned Beans keep it easy: Baked beans are generally made from navy beans or haricot beans. For this recipe, I use canned beans for convenience.

Storing Leftover Cowboy Beans

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Often, because the seasonings have time to really mix together, they taste even better the next day.

What to Serve with Cowboy Beans

These cowboy beans pair wonderfully with just about any grilled meat, veggies like green bean salad, a side of cornbread, or a simple potato salad.