How to Make Cowboy Beans
Choose your cooking method: Oven-baked or slow-cooked — both are delicious.
Cook the bacon: Chop it (scissors make it quick!) and fry until crispy in a large cast-iron pot. Remove and set aside.
Sauté aromatics: In the same pot, add chopped onion and cook 5–6 minutes until soft. Add garlic and stir for another minute.
Brown the beef: Add ground beef to the pot and cook until no longer pink.
Combine everything: Add all the beans, brown sugar, vinegar, ketchup, and mustard. Stir to blend.
Bake or slow cook:
Oven: Bake covered at 350°F for 1½ hours.
Slow cooker: Cook on LOW for about 2 hours.
Serve hot and enjoy!
What to Serve with Cowboy Beans
These beans are fantastic with:
Grilled ribs or smoked brisket
BBQ chicken
Cornbread or dinner rolls
Coleslaw or a crisp garden salad
Or simply enjoy them solo in a bowl — they’re hearty enough to be dinner all on their own!
Tips for Perfect Cowboy Beans
Use a heavy-bottomed pot to evenly cook your bacon and beef.
Taste as you go — adjust sweetness or tang with more sugar or vinegar.
Make a day ahead for even deeper, richer flavor.
Freeze leftovers in small portions for quick weeknight sides.
How to Store & Reheat
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To reheat, bake covered at 375°F for 20 minutes or warm gently on the stove. These also freeze beautifully for up to 3 months.
FAQ About Cowboy Beans
Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely! Skip the beef and bacon, add a little liquid smoke, and you’ve got a delicious meatless version.
Can I use dry beans?
Yes, but it’ll take extra soaking and cooking time. Canned beans make this dish weeknight-friendly.
Can I double the recipe?
Definitely — it’s perfect for parties. Just use a bigger pot or two baking dishes.
Final Thoughts
These Cowboy Beans are the definition of comfort food — smoky, hearty, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just craving something soul-satisfying, this recipe delivers every time. It’s rustic, easy, and downright irresistible.
If you love this one, you’ll also adore:
Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl
Spicy Italian Crescent Ring
Apple Pie Biscuits
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Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)
Calories: 420
Protein: 25g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fat: 18g
Fiber: 7g
Sugar: 14g
