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Cowboy beans are the kind of hearty side dish I’m looking for during backyard barbecues or for a weeknight comfort meal. This version has smoky bacon, savory ground beef, and tender beans simmered in a sweet-and-tangy sauce that’s loaded with flavor. It’s an easy but still impressive side I like to make to wow a crowd.
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Pin ItThe mix of textures is really what sells this dish for me. Soft beans, juicy beef, and crisp bits of bacon make every bite satisfying. I used a mixture of pinto, kidney, and cannellini beans, but it’s totally up to you. They’re called “cowboy beans” because versions of this hearty, protein-packed dish were cooked over open fires by cowboys on the trail. Simple, filling, and made with whatever was on hand. It’s one of those recipes that gets even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or taking along to gatherings.
Cowboy Beans
Ingredients
- ½ lb bacon chopped. Turkey bacon can be used as a lighter option
- ½ onion chopped
- 1 lb. ground beef I used lean ground beef to reduce the grease. You can also use ground turkey, chicken, or pork
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 15 oz. pinto beans 1 can, drained
- 15 oz. kidney beans 1 can, drained
- 15 oz. cannellini beans 1 can, drained
- ½ cup BBQ sauce use your favorite
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp mustard
- 2 tbsp brown sugar honey or maple syrup works as a natural sweetener
- 1½ tbsp apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Add the chopped bacon to an oven safe Dutch oven over medium heat, and cook until crispy. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towel. Pour out most of the grease from the pot.
- Add in the onion, ground beef, garlic, chili powder, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is soft.
- Stir in the pinto beans, kidney beans, and baked beans. Then, add in the BBQ sauce, ketchup, mustard, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and bacon bits, and give everything a good stir.
- Cover the pot. Then, transfer to the oven and bake for 40 minutes.
Becky’s Tips
- Slow cooker option: Brown the bacon, beef, and onions first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours.
- Best beans to use: Pinto and baked beans are classic, but kidney, navy, or black beans work just as well. Mix a few varieties for extra texture.
- Vegetarian version: Skip the bacon and beef, and add extra beans or sautéed mushrooms for a hearty, meaty texture without the meat.
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Did you make this? Leave a comment!
How to Make Cowboy Beans Step by Step
Gather all the ingredients together.
Cook the bacon: In a large skillet, cook 6 slices of bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving about 1 tbsp bacon grease.
Brown the beef and onions: In the same skillet, add 1 lb. ground beef and 1 diced onion. Cook until beef is browned and onions are softened, about 5–6 minutes. Drain excess grease if needed. Stir in 2 cloves minced garlic and 1 tbsp chili powder, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
Combine the beans and sauce: In a large pot or Dutch oven, add the beef mixture, cooked bacon, 2 cans pinto beans (drained), 1 can baked beans, 1 cup barbecue sauce, ½ cup ketchup, ¼ cup brown sugar, and 1 tbsp mustard. Stir well.
Simmer and serve: Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook over low heat for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Serve hot.
How to Store and Reheat
Cowboy beans are perfect for making ahead since the flavors only get better with time. You can prepare the full recipe up to 1–2 days in advance, then let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge.
When ready to serve, reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen the sauce. For longer storage, freeze cooled beans in portioned freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat until hot.
What Else Can I Add to Cowboy Beans
- Corn kernels: Add sweetness and a little texture.
- Diced bell peppers: Bring color and crunch.
- Chopped jalapeños: Give it a spicy kick.
- Smoked sausage or chorizo: Boost protein and smoky flavor.
- Fresh herbs: Parsley or cilantro brighten the finished dish.
- Hot sauce or Worcestershire: Deepen the savory, tangy notes.
Serving Suggestions
I love that this recipe works just as well today as a one-pan meal you can serve with bread or cornbread, or as a flavorful side at barbecues and potlucks. It’s hearty enough to serve as a main dish with fluffy buttermilk biscuits or spooned over a baked potato. They’re also a delicious side for barbecue favorites like St. Louis ribs, burgers, or grilled chicken.
