Cowboy Beans: A Hearty and Flavorful Baked Beans With Ground Beef And Peppers 🌱🔥🌶️
1. Introduction
If you’re searching for a comforting, protein-packed dish that every crowd will love, Cowboy Beans are the perfect solution. Also known as Baked Beans With Ground Beef And Peppers or Cowboy Beefy Baked Beans, these baked beans with a savory blend of ground beef, bacon, and colorful peppers are a true culinary delight. Whether you’re hosting a potluck, a family gathering, or just craving a satisfying meal, these hearty cowboy baked beans with bacon are sure to leave everyone asking for seconds. Read on to discover how to make this delicious dish from scratch, packed with flavor and perfect for feeding a crowd.
2. Ingredients for Cowboy Baked Beans with Ground Beef and Bacon
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef (or ground hamburger)
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (red or green)
- 3 cans (15 oz each) baked beans in sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: diced jalapeños for extra spice
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
3. Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Cowboy Baked Beans with Ground Beef and Bacon
**Preparation of the ingredients**
Start by sautéing the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside on paper towels to drain. In the same pan, cook the chopped onion and diced peppers until softened, about 5 minutes. This step ensures a smoky flavor infusion into the dish.
**Cooking the ground beef**
Add the ground beef to the skillet with the vegetables, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through. Break the beef into crumbles with a spatula as it cooks. Once done, drain excess grease if necessary.
**Combining all ingredients**
In a large mixing bowl or directly in a baking dish, combine the cooked ground beef mixture, baked beans, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, chili powder, and crumbled bacon. Mix thoroughly to ensure all flavors meld together beautifully.
**Baking the cowboy beans**
Transfer everything to a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Bake uncovered for about 30 minutes, or until bubbling and heated through. For a crispy top, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes, but watch carefully to prevent burning.
4. Storage Tips for Leftover Cowboy Beans
Store any leftover cowboy baked beans with ground beef and bacon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, microwave on medium heat or warm in a skillet until hot. For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 3 months — perfect for quick, hearty meals on busy days.
5. Serving Suggestions for Cowboy Baked Beans with Ground Beef and Peppers
This hearty cowboy baked beans dish pairs wonderfully with classic sides like cornbread, coleslaw, and crispy fries. For a complete meal, serve alongside stuffed meatballs with mozzarella cheese or complement with a fresh green salad. It’s ideal for game day, outdoor barbecues, or a cozy family dinner that feeds a crowd.
6. Tips for Enhancing Your Cowboy Baked Beans with Ground Beef and Bacon
- Use thick-cut bacon for a richer flavor and extra crispiness.
- Adjust the spice level by adding jalapeños or hot sauce.
- Try adding diced tomatoes or corn for variation and extra texture.
- If you prefer a smoky taste, use smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke.
7. Variations of Cowboy Baked Beans with Ground Beef and Bacon
Feel free to customize your cowboy beans, such as swapping ground beef for turkey or chicken for a leaner version. To spice things up, include chopped jalapeños or hot sauce. For a vegetarian twist, replace meat with sautéed mushrooms and plant-based bacon alternatives. You can also add grated cheese on top before baking for a cheesy finish that everyone loves.
8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Cowboy Beans
What are Cowboy Beans?
Cowboy Beans, also called baked beans with ground beef and peppers, are a hearty dish combining baked beans in sauce with ground beef, bacon, and spices, baked to perfection for a comforting meal.
Can I prepare Cowboy Baked Beans with Ground Beef ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the dish in advance, refrigerate, and bake later. This makes it perfect for entertaining or meal prep.
How do I make Cowboy Baked Beans with Ground Beef and Bacon vegetarian?
Substitute ground beef with sautéed mushrooms or plant-based meat alternatives, and use vegetarian bacon or smoked tempeh for a meatless version.
What side dishes go well with Cowboy Beans?
Serve with cornbread, coleslaw, or a fresh green salad for a complete, satisfying meal. These beans are also excellent as a side for grilled meats or burgers.
9. Conclusion
In summary, Cowboy Beans with ground beef and bacon are the ultimate comfort food perfect for any occasion. Their rich flavors, hearty texture, and ability to feed a crowd make them a go-to recipe for gatherings, family dinners, or weekend cookouts. Don’t hesitate to experiment with variations and spice levels to tailor this dish to your taste. For more delicious ideas, check out our recipe collection, including chicken wild rice casserole and cheesy hashbrown casserole. Gather your ingredients and start cooking this irresistible cowboy baked beans for a memorable meal that everyone will love!
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Cowboy Beans
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Diet: High-Protein, Kid-Friendly
Description
Cowboy Beans is a hearty and flavorful baked bean dish loaded with ground beef, crispy bacon, colorful peppers, and savory spices. Perfect for feeding a crowd, this comforting recipe is ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, or weekend cookouts. Enjoy the rich taste and smoky aroma of these delicious cowboy baked beans with a perfect blend of protein and vegetables.
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 3 cans (15 oz each) baked beans in sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: diced jalapeños
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Start by sautéing the chopped bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- In the same skillet, cook the diced onion and bell pepper until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add ground beef to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and crumbled. Drain excess grease if necessary.
- In a large bowl or baking dish, combine cooked beef mixture, baked beans, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, chili powder, and cooked bacon. Mix thoroughly.
- Transfer to a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake uncovered for 30 minutes until bubbling. Broil for 2-3 minutes for a crispy top, if desired.
Notes
- Use thick-cut bacon for a richer flavor and extra crispiness.
- Adjust spice level by adding jalapeños or hot sauce.
- Add diced tomatoes or corn for variation and texture.
- Use smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke for a smoky flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Stove Top
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0.2g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
