Description
Cowboy Beans is a hearty, flavorful dish combining ground beef, bacon, baked beans, and a savory blend of spices. This classic comfort food is cooked in the oven until bubbly and thickened, perfect for gatherings or a satisfying 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
Spices and Flavorings
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ cup brown sugar (optional)
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
Beans and Sauces
- 2 cans (28 ounces each) baked beans (such as Bush’s Original Baked Beans)
- ½ cup barbecue sauce
Instructions
- Brown the Meat and Vegetables: Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a 4-quart, oven-safe pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, brown the ground beef along with the diced onion and green bell pepper. Season with garlic salt and onion powder. Cook until the beef is no longer pink and the vegetables are softened. Drain any excess grease from the pot.
- 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 combined.
- Bake the Beans: Cover the pot with a lid and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 1 hour until the beans are heated through, bubbly, and the mixture has thickened to your desired consistency.
- Serve Warm: Remove the pot from the oven, give the beans a gentle stir, and serve the Cowboy Beans warm as a hearty side or main dish.
Notes
- Using bacon adds smoky flavor, but you can omit it for a leaner dish.
- Brown sugar is optional and can be adjusted based on your preferred sweetness level.
- For thicker beans, you can bake uncovered for the last 10-15 minutes.
- This dish reheats well and flavors deepen after resting overnight.
- Serve with cornbread or over rice for a complete meal.
