Cowboy Beans (The Ultimate Hearty Side Dish Everyone Loves)
Cowboy Beans are a rich, hearty comfort-food side dish packed with ground beef, smoky bacon, tender beans, and a sweet-savory barbecue sauce. Perfect for cookouts, potlucks, family dinners, or holiday gatherings, this classic recipe bakes into a thick, flavorful dish everyone loves.
Ingredients
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1 lb ground beef
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1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
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1 green bell pepper, diced (about 1 cup)
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½ tsp garlic salt
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½ tsp onion powder
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8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
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¼ cup brown sugar (optional, for sweetness)
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2 cans (28 oz each) baked beans (Bush’s Original recommended)
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½ cup barbecue sauce
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2 tbsp Dijon mustard
Instructions
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Preheat the oven:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). -
Cook the beef and vegetables:
In a 4-quart oven-safe pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, add the ground beef, onion, bell pepper, garlic salt, and onion powder. Cook until the beef is no longer pink and the vegetables are softened. Drain excess grease. -
Add remaining ingredients:
Stir in the cooked bacon, brown sugar (if using), baked beans, barbecue sauce, and Dijon mustard. Mix until well combined. -
Bake:
Cover the pot and bake for 1 hour, or until the beans are hot, bubbly, and thickened. -
Serve:
Serve warm as a side dish or enjoy as a hearty main.
Notes
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Adjust sweetness: Reduce or omit brown sugar if you prefer a less sweet dish.
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Add heat: A pinch of cayenne or diced jalapeños adds a spicy kick.
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Make ahead: Cowboy beans taste even better the next day as flavors deepen.
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Slow cooker option: After browning the beef, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours.
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Storage: Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days in an airtight container.