Nothing beats cowboy baked beans when it comes to a savory, hearty side dish. This recipe is simple, quick, and perfect for family gatherings or potlucks. Packed with flavors from smoky bacon and tender beans, it’s sure to be a hit at your table!
Table of Contents
The Best Cowboy Baked Beans Recipe
Why This Cowboy Baked Beans Recipe Works
This cowboy baked beans recipe stands out because it combines a delightful mix of flavors and textures. The crispy applewood smoked bacon adds a savory crunch, while the variety of beans provides a creamy, satisfying mouthfeel. The balance of sweetness and tanginess from the brown sugar and apple cider vinegar makes this dish irresistible!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb applewood smoked bacon
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb ground beef (85/15 recommended)
- 48 oz canned baked beans (do not drain)
- 32 oz canned kidney beans (drain)
- 16 oz canned cannellini beans (drain)
- 32 oz canned black beans (drain)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
Equipment for Making Cowboy Baked Beans
To whip up these cowboy baked beans, you’ll need a few essential tools. A slow cooker, large Dutch oven, or deep casserole dish works best. Make sure your vessel is deeper than a standard 9×13 inch pan to hold all those delicious beans and flavors!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Cowboy Baked Beans
Preparing the Bacon and Vegetables
Start by chopping the applewood smoked bacon into small pieces. In a heavy skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, brown the bacon until crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon, leaving the delicious drippings behind. Next, add the chopped onion to the drippings and sauté for about 5-6 minutes until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for an additional minute, releasing its fragrant aroma.
Browning the Ground Beef
Now, it’s time to brown the ground beef. Add it to the pan and cook for 6-8 minutes until it’s nicely browned. Once cooked, return the crispy bacon to the pan, mixing it with the beef, onion, and garlic for maximum flavor.
Combining All the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add the undrained baked beans along with the drained kidney, cannellini, and black beans. Stir in the brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, and yellow mustard. Mix everything together until well combined, ensuring each bean is coated in that rich, savory sauce.
Cooking Methods: Slow Cooker vs. Oven
Transfer the bean mixture into your slow cooker or Dutch oven. Cook in a slow cooker on Low for 2 hours, or for a quicker option, bake in a covered dish at 350°F for 1.5 hours. Serve the beans hot, and watch them disappear from the table!
Tips for Perfect Cowboy Baked Beans
Bean Variations and Substitutions
You can customize your cowboy baked beans by using different types of beans. While this recipe features kidney, cannellini, and black beans, feel free to mix in some traditional lima beans or even pork and beans for variety.
Adjusting Sweetness and Tanginess
If you prefer a less sweet flavor, adjust the amount of brown sugar to your taste. The apple cider vinegar complements the sweetness beautifully, so you can balance the flavors to suit your palate.
Achieving Smoky Flavor
For an extra smoky kick, consider using additional bacon or even a splash of liquid smoke. The applewood smoked bacon already adds a wonderful depth, but layering flavors can take it to the next level!
Using Dry Beans vs. Canned Beans
This recipe uses convenient canned beans, which save time and deliver a soft, creamy texture. If you choose to use dry beans, remember they require soaking and longer cooking times, and may not reach the same tenderness as canned varieties.
Serving and Storing Cowboy Baked Beans
How to Serve Cowboy Baked Beans
Cowboy baked beans are perfect for picnics or family dinners. Serve them in paper bowls or cups for a casual touch. They pair beautifully with cornbread, sweet tea, coleslaw, grilled corn, and more!
Storing Leftover Cowboy Baked Beans
To store any leftovers, simply refrigerate them in an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat covered with foil in an oven at 375°F for about 20 minutes to bring back the comforting warmth and flavors.
FAQs
What ingredients do I need for cowboy baked beans?
You need applewood smoked bacon, onion, garlic, ground beef, and various canned beans along with brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, and mustard.
How do I make cowboy baked beans step by step?
Start by cooking bacon, then sauté onion and garlic. Brown ground beef, add beans and seasonings, and cook in a slow cooker or oven.
Can I make cowboy baked beans ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare them ahead and simply reheat when ready to serve.
How should I store leftover cowboy baked beans?
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat covered in the oven for best results.
Related Recipes to try
Conclusion
In summary, cowboy baked beans are a delightful, hearty dish that everyone will love. They’re easy to make and perfect for any occasion. For more delicious ideas, check out Pinterest for creative meal inspiration. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Cowboy Baked Beans: A Hearty and Delicious Treat
Equipment
- slow cooker
- large Dutch oven
- deep casserole dish
- heavy skillet
- slotted spoon
Ingredients
- 1 lb applewood smoked bacon
- 1 large yellow onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 lb ground beef 85/15 recommended
- 48 oz canned baked beans do not drain
- 32 oz canned kidney beans drain
- 16 oz canned cannellini beans drain
- 32 oz canned black beans drain
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
Instructions
- Chop bacon into small pieces and brown in a skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon, reserving the drippings.
- Add chopped onion to the bacon drippings and cook until translucent, about 5-6 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Brown ground beef for 6-8 minutes. Return the cooked bacon to the pan with the beef, onion, and garlic.
- Add undrained baked beans and drained kidney, cannellini, and black beans. Stir in brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, and yellow mustard. Mix well.
- Transfer the mixture to a slow cooker or a deep Dutch oven/casserole dish. Cook on Low in a slow cooker for 2 hours, or bake covered at 350°F for 1.5 hours. Serve hot.
