Description
Cowboy Beans are a hearty and flavorful classic dish perfect for family dinners, cookouts, and large gatherings. Combining tender baked beans with savory ground beef, crispy bacon, peppers, and smoky spices, this versatile recipe is ideal for meat lovers and barbecue enthusiasts. Easy to prepare and perfect for serving a crowd, Cowboy Beans offer smoky flavors and hearty satisfaction in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cans (15 oz each) of baked beans, drained
- 1 pound ground beef or hamburger
- 4 strips of bacon, chopped
- 1 large bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
- Optional: chopped jalapeños or hot sauce for spice
Instructions
- Start by cooking the chopped bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside on paper towels.
- In the same skillet, sauté diced bell pepper, onion, and minced garlic until soft and fragrant.
- Add ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spatula. Season with smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Combine the drained baked beans with the cooked beef mixture, sautéed vegetables, and crispy bacon in a large bowl or skillet. Mix thoroughly.
- Transfer the mixture into a baking dish. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until heated through and flavors meld.
Notes
- For extra smoky flavor, add a splash of liquid smoke or barbecue sauce.
- Adjust spice levels with chopped jalapeños or hot sauce as desired.
- This dish can be prepared ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking/Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 9 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg