Cowboy Beans

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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.

Prep Time15

Cook Time1

Total Time1 15

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Servings: servings

Author: Krista Teigen

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.

Video

Notes

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