Cowboy Baked Beans

This hearty, sweet-and-smoky baked bean dish is loaded with bacon and beef—perfect for cookouts, potlucks, or as a comforting side.

Ingredients

• 1 lb thick-cut bacon, chopped
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 (28 oz) cans pork and beans (do not drain)
• 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• ¾ cup barbecue sauce (your favorite smoky or sweet variety)
• ½ cup ketchup
• ⅓ cup packed brown sugar
• 2 tbsp yellow mustard
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp chili powder
• Optional: 1-2 chopped jalapeños for heat
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook bacon until crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving about 2 tbsp drippings in the pot.
3. Add ground beef to the pot and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
4. Add onion and bell pepper; cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute more.
5. Add all remaining ingredients (including cooked bacon) and stir well to combine. Bring to a simmer.
6. Cover and transfer to the preheated oven. Bake for 45 minutes.
7. Uncover and bake an additional 15–20 minutes, until thickened and bubbly.
8. Let cool slightly before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Stovetop & Slow Cooker Variations

Stovetop: Simmer covered on low heat for 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Slow Cooker: After browning meat and vegetables, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 4–6 hours or high for 2–3 hours.

Tips for Success

• Use quality, smoky bacon for deeper flavor.
• For a tangier taste, add an extra tablespoon of vinegar.
• For a thicker consistency, mash some of the beans before baking.
• Let the beans rest 10–15 minutes after baking—they’ll thicken further and flavors will meld.

Serve these robust baked beans alongside grilled meats, cornbread, or as a satisfying main dish with a side of coleslaw.