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Cowboy Baked Beans

Hearty and smoky cowboy baked beans made with ground beef, bacon, and a mix of beans simmered in a sweet and tangy barbecue-style sauce. A perfect side or main dish for barbecues and potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 6 slices bacon, chopped
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (28 oz) can baked beans
  • 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp yellow mustard
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large skillet, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving drippings in the pan.
  3. Add ground beef and onion to the skillet. Cook until beef is browned and onion is soft, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
  4. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine all beans, cooked beef mixture, bacon, barbecue sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
  6. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
  7. Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes, or until bubbly and slightly caramelized on top.
  8. Let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Can be made ahead and reheated—flavors improve over time.
  • Use any combination of beans based on preference or availability.
  • For extra heat, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
  • Serve as a side or main dish with cornbread or rice.

Nutrition

Keywords: cowboy beans, baked beans with meat, barbecue beans, potluck side, hearty baked beans