If you’re craving a hearty, soul-warming dish that bursts with smoky, savory goodness, you have to try this Cowboy Beans Recipe. It’s a delightful blend of tender ground beef, crispy bacon, and rich baked beans, all laced with just the right touch of barbecue sauce and a hint of sweetness from brown sugar. This dish captures the spirit of camping and cozy family dinners in one satisfying pot, making it a perfect comfort food that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.

A close-up image showing a large silver ladle scooping thick baked beans mixed with small bits of ground meat and chopped green peppers from a black pot. The beans are light brown with a shiny, saucy texture, and the sauce is reddish-brown, coating the beans and meat well. The background surface beneath the pot is white with a marbled texture, adding a clean and bright contrast to the earthy colors of the dish. The photo was taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

These simple but essential ingredients come together to create a beautiful balance of flavors, textures, and colors. Each one plays a crucial role in delivering that classic Cowboy Beans taste that you’ll want to come back to again and again.

1 pound ground beef: Provides a rich, meaty foundation that makes the dish hearty and filling.
1 medium yellow onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth to the flavor base.
1 green bell pepper, diced: Brings a fresh crunch and vibrant color to the mix.
½ teaspoon garlic salt: Infuses the dish with subtle garlicky undertones that enhance every bite.
½ teaspoon onion powder: Boosts the savory aroma and taste without overpowering the other ingredients.
8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled: Adds smoky crispiness that perfectly complements the beans and beef.
¼ cup brown sugar (optional): Introduces a gentle sweetness that balances the savory, tangy components beautifully.
2 cans (28 ounces each) baked beans: The heart of the dish, delivering that classic saucy bean texture and flavor.
½ cup barbecue sauce: Brings tangy, smoky notes that tie all the ingredients together.
2 tablespoons dijon mustard: Adds a subtle sharpness that lifts the entire dish.

How to Make Cowboy Beans Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Having an oven-ready pot is important here—using a heavy-bottomed, oven-safe pot like a Dutch oven makes the cooking process smoother and ensures even heat distribution for perfect bubbling beans.

Step 2: Brown the Meat and Veggies

In your Dutch oven, combine the ground beef, diced onion, diced green bell pepper, garlic salt, and onion powder. Cook over medium heat until the beef is no longer pink, stirring occasionally to break up the meat and mix all flavors together beautifully. This step fills your kitchen with that mouth-watering savory aroma you know means comfort food is on the way!

Step 3: Drain Excess Liquid

Once the beef and veggies are cooked through, drain any excess liquid. This not only concentrates the flavors but also prevents the dish from becoming too watery, ensuring that your Cowboy Beans Recipe comes out thick and hearty.

Step 4: Add the Flavor Boosters

Stir in the cooked and crumbled bacon, brown sugar (if using), baked beans, barbecue sauce, and dijon mustard. Mixing these ingredients thoroughly lets all the sweet, smoky, and tangy flavors meld together, creating a vibrant taste profile that defines Cowboy Beans.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover your pot with the lid and place it in the preheated oven. Let the beans bake for one full hour. This slow, gentle heat allows the flavors to deepen and thicken the sauce beautifully, resulting in a dish that’s rich, bubbly, and downright irresistible.

How to Serve Cowboy Beans Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a black spoon scooping a thick mix of cooked beans, small pieces of brown ground meat, and reddish-brown strips of bacon, all coated in a shiny, rich sauce. The background is filled with the same bean and meat mix, showing a hot, hearty texture with small bits of green herbs sprinkled throughout. The shallow depth of field focuses sharply on the spoon's contents, making the colors of brown, tan, and hints of green stand out against the blurred warm background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your Cowboy Beans Recipe, try topping it with shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or freshly chopped green onions. These simple garnishes add creaminess, sharpness, and a pop of color, making every spoonful more exciting.

Side Dishes

This dish shines next to classic barbecue favorites like cornbread, coleslaw, or grilled corn on the cob. Their crisp textures and complementary flavors offer balance and keep your meal varied and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your cowboy beans straight from the Dutch oven family-style, or ladle them into rustic bread bowls for a fun, edible twist. You could even use them as a hearty topping for baked potatoes or nachos, turning your Cowboy Beans Recipe into a versatile meal perfect for casual gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer your leftover cowboy beans to an airtight container. They keep wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to four days, making them a great option for quick lunches or weeknight dinners.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy this Cowboy Beans Recipe later, it’s freezer-friendly too. Place cooled beans in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag and freeze for up to three months. Just be sure to leave some space for expansion.

Reheating

For reheating, gently warm the beans in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. You can add a splash of water or broth if it has thickened too much, ensuring it stays nice and saucy without drying out.

FAQs

Can I make Cowboy Beans Recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can omit the ground beef and bacon and add smoked paprika or liquid smoke to keep that smoky flavor. Using vegetarian baked beans will still give you a satisfying, tasty dish.

Is it possible to cook Cowboy Beans Recipe on the stovetop only?

Yes, you can simmer the mixture on the stove with the lid on for about an hour until thickened and bubbly. Just make sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

What can I substitute for the barbecue sauce?

If you don’t have barbecue sauce on hand, you can mix ketchup with a little Worcestershire sauce and a touch of smoked paprika for a similar tangy and smoky flavor.

How spicy is this Cowboy Beans Recipe?

This recipe is mild by default, but you can easily add a kick by including cayenne pepper, smoked chipotle, or hot sauce to taste during the cooking process.

Can I use different types of beans?

While baked beans are traditional and give the perfect texture and flavor, you could experiment with pinto or black beans. Just note that the sauce and seasoning might need adjusting to suit the bean’s texture and taste.

Final Thoughts

This Cowboy Beans Recipe is one of those classic dishes that feels like a warm hug after a long day. It’s simple enough to whip up on a weekday but special enough to serve at weekend get-togethers. Give it a try soon—you might find yourself making it your new favorite comfort recipe that friends and family beg for again and again.

Cowboy Beans Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★

4 from 257 reviews

This hearty Cowboy Beans recipe combines ground beef, smoky bacon, bell peppers, and baked beans in a rich, flavorful sauce with barbecue and Dijon mustard. Slow-baked until hot and bubbly, these beans make a perfect comforting dish for family dinners or gatherings, delivering a sweet and savory taste with a satisfying texture.

Author: Cara
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F to prepare for baking the beans.
Cook Ground Beef and Vegetables: In a heavy-bottom, oven-safe pot (like a Dutch oven) over medium heat, add ground beef, diced onion, diced green bell pepper, garlic salt, and onion powder. Cook and stir until the ground beef is no longer pink and the vegetables are softened.
Drain Excess Liquid: Once the meat and vegetables are cooked through, drain any excess liquid or grease from the pot to avoid a soupy texture.
Add Remaining Ingredients: Add the cooked crumbled bacon, brown sugar (if using), baked beans, barbecue sauce, and Dijon mustard into the pot. Stir well to combine all the ingredients evenly.
Cover and Bake: Cover the pot with a lid and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 1 hour. During this time, the flavors will meld together, and the beans will thicken.
Serve Warm: After baking, the beans should be hot, bubbly, and thickened. Serve the Cowboy Beans warm as a hearty side or main dish.

Notes

The ¼ cup of brown sugar is optional and can be omitted for a less sweet dish.
Use an oven-safe pot such as a Dutch oven for best results and ease of transferring from stovetop to oven.
If you prefer spicier beans, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder.
Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 4 days and reheat nicely on the stovetop or microwave.

Keywords: cowboy beans, baked beans recipe, ground beef beans, BBQ beans, comfort food, baked bean casserole, bacon baked beans