Cowboy Baked Beans

Kickin&#039 Cowboy Baked Beans: Best BBQ Side EVER!
By Lucas KimUpdated:

Wranglin' up the best Cowboy Baked Beans! Smoky, sweet, and loaded with bacon & beef, this crowd-pleaser recipe is perfect for your next BBQ. Get the secret! ... Grilled - Barbecued

Alright, y'all ready for some seriously good grub? let's dive into these cowboy baked beans . honestly, is there anything more comforting than a big ol' pot of beans simmered to perfection? these ain't your average tin of bush's, that's for sure.

They're packed with flavour, smokiness, and just the right amount of sweetness.

The Best Dang Cowboy Baked Beans You'll Ever Eat!

These cowboy baked beans are a celebration of slow cooking and big flavours. they're inspired by the kind of hearty fare that kept cowboys going on long cattle drives.

They're packed with smoky bacon, savory ground beef, and a medley of beans simmered in a tangy, sweet, and smoky sauce.

This baked beans recipe for large crowd is great. it is a medium-difficulty recipe that takes about 4- 5 hours, including soaking the beans.

It serves 8-10 hungry cowboys (or your family and friends!).

What Makes 'Em Special

One of the top benefits? all that fiber! plus, these beans on stove top (or baked in the oven!) are the perfect side dish for a barbecue, potluck, or any time you want to impress.

What makes these extra special? it's the depth of flavor from the molasses, smoked paprika, and the combo of bacon and ground beef.

Honestly, the bacon really elevates it. speaking of which...

Ingredients You'll Need

For the beans, we're starting with 1 pound of dried great northern beans, some water, and a teaspoon of salt.

For that cowboy flair, grab 8 ounces of diced bacon, 1 pound of ground beef, a medium onion, 2 cloves of garlic, and a green bell pepper.

And for that killer sauce, you'll need ketchup, molasses, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt.

 

This recipe is a bit of a labour of love, but trust me, the payoff is huge. get ready for some seriously addictive cowboy beans with baked beans that everyone will rave about.

Next time we will discuss the steps for cooking the recipe. you know?

Alright, partners, let's talk about what we need to whip up these amazing cowboy baked beans ! honestly, half the fun is gathering your supplies, right? think of it like prepping your gear before a big trail ride.

 

Cowboy Baked Beans Recipe Card

Kickin' Cowboy Baked Beans: Best BBQ Side EVER! Recipe Card
0.0 / 5 (0 Review)
Preparation time:85 Mins
Cooking time:240 Mins
Servings:8-10 servings

Ingredients:

Instructions:

Nutrition Facts

Calories:425
Fat:17.5g
Fiber:11g

Recipe Info

Category:Side Dish
Cuisine:American

Ingredients & Equipment

Main Ingredients

Okay, first things first, the heart and soul of our Cowboy Baked Beans :

  • 1 pound (450g) dried Great Northern beans. Quality check: They should be creamy white and not look shriveled. Soak them overnight!
  • 8 ounces (225g) thick-cut bacon, diced. Get the good stuff; it makes all the difference. I sometimes use pancetta if I'm feeling fancy, haha.
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef (80/20). Don’t go too lean, we need that flavor!
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped (about 1 cup).
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced.
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped (about 1 cup).
  • 1 cup (240ml) ketchup
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) molasses
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) brown sugar, packed
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) yellow mustard
  • 1 teaspoon (5ml) smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) black pepper
  • Salt to taste
  • 6 cups (1.4 liters) water (plus extra for soaking those beans)

This is one of those baked beans recipes for large crowd, but you can totally halve it if you're just cooking for yourself.

I make the full batch because the leftovers are amazing. especially the three meat cowboy beans , it's just great the next day.

 

Seasoning Notes

Now, for the magic touch. We want that classic flavor, right?

  • Essential spice combo : Smoked paprika + black pepper is key . Honestly, the smoked paprika gives it that campfire vibe.
  • Flavor enhancers : Worcestershire sauce and molasses are non-negotiable. They add depth and richness.
  • Quick subs : Don't have apple cider vinegar? White vinegar works in a pinch. But try and get the apple cider vinegar, it's better !

Seriously, don't skimp on the seasoning. That's what makes these cowboy baked beans with hamburger bacon sing! And speaking of variations, for Kardea Brown Spicy Sausage Baked Beans all you have to do is add chorizo!

Equipment Needed

Keep it simple, folks!

  • Dutch oven or oven-safe pot with a lid. Essential! If you don't have one, a big stockpot works, but the Dutch oven is best.
  • Big bowl for soaking.
  • Cutting board, knife, measuring cups and spoons. You know, the usual suspects.

Honestly, you don't need fancy gadgets for this cowboy baked beans recipe. just a good pot and a can-do attitude.

Remember to use what you have on hand. if you use a crockpot or a pot on the stove top you can still have a great experience with this recipe.

If you ever tried cosmic beans, or calico beans , just know that this one is even better!

Okay, let's do this! Here's the article section on cooking cowboy baked beans , just like we were chatting over a cuppa:

Cowboy Baked Beans presentation

Cooking Method: Gettin' Down with Cowboy Baked Beans

Honestly, there's nothin' quite like a good batch of cowboy baked beans . it's proper comfort food, innit? something about that smoky flavour just hits the spot.

I remember my nan used to make something similar. these days they are known as calico beans . now, i'm gonna walk you through my version of cowboy beans with baked beans , so even a beginner can nail it.

 

Prep Steps: "Mise en Place," My Arse!

Right, let's not get too fancy with the French, shall we? "Mise en place" just means get your stuff sorted before you start.

  • Essential mise en place: Chop your onion, pepper, mince your garlic, and dice that glorious bacon.
  • Time-saving organization tips: Get those dried beans soaking the night before. Honestly, it makes a world of difference. It saves time and reduces stomach rumbles.
  • Safety reminders: Don't be a numpty with knives. And please, wash your hands after handling raw meat. Mum's the word.

Step-by-Step: Cowboy Beans For A Crowd

Okay, here's where the magic happens. This recipe's perfect when you're cooking Cowboy Beans For A Crowd .

  1. Soak your dried Great Northern beans overnight. Drain and rinse, mind! This will save you from getting all the indigestion after eating these Cosmic Beans .
  2. Fry up that bacon in your Dutch oven until it's nice and crispy. Take it out, but leave the fat.
  3. Brown your 1 pound of ground beef in the bacon fat. Drain off any extra grease. No one wants greasy beans!
  4. Chuck in your onion and bell pepper until they soften. Then, add the garlic for the last minute. Smells amazing, doesn't it?
  5. Add the beans, bacon, everything else: ketchup, molasses, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and paprika. Stir it all together.
  6. Pour in your 6 cups of water . Bring it to a boil, then turn it down to a simmer, pop the lid on, and let it bubble away for 3- 4 hours.
  7. Check on it now and again. Give it a stir to stop it sticking. You might need to add a bit more water if it's getting too dry.
  8. Give it a taste and add salt if needed. I like mine just right! You can bake at 325° F ( 160° C) for 30 minutes.

Pro Tips: Don't Be a Wally!

Alright, here are some things I've learned the hard way:

  • Don't skimp on the molasses . It gives that proper Southern Style Baked Beans With Bacon flavour. I have seen recipes using Maple Syrup instead of brown sugar that also give a good result.
  • Common mistakes to avoid: Forgetting to soak the beans, not browning the beef enough, and rushing the cooking time. Honestly, patience is key.
  • Make-ahead options: These Crockpot Cowboy Beans actually taste even better the next day! Make them a day ahead and reheat. Simple as that. You can even make them in the Cowboy Beans Crockpot .

So there you have it. give these three meat cowboy beans a go and let me know what you think! you might even find the slow cooker steakhouse cowboy baked beans recipe is for you.

Happy cooking!

Alright, let's dive deeper into these amazing cowboy baked beans ! because, honestly, the recipe itself is just the starting point.

There's so much more you can do to make them your own .

Recipe Notes

Think of this section as the "choose your own adventure" part of our Cowboy Baked Beans journey!

Serving Suggestions: Let's Plate These Beans!

Okay, picture this: a big scoop of these Cowboy Beans For A Crowd nestled next to some perfectly grilled ribs. Boom! Instant barbecue bliss.

For a more rustic vibe, serve them straight from the dutch oven. garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. or, you know, some extra crispy bacon bits never hurt anyone.

Honestly, even just a dollop of sour cream works wonders. we love to pair with corn bread for southern style baked beans with bacon .

 

Complementary sides? Coleslaw is a must! And a cold beer, of course!

Storage Tips: Keeping the Goodness Going

These Cowboy Beans are even better the next day! That's because all the flavors meld together. Oh my gosh , just thinking about it makes my mouth water.

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Easy peasy.

Freezing: yep, you can freeze 'em! just let them cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. they'll keep for up to 2-3 months.

When you're ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the fridge. perfect for those baked beans recipe for large crowd .

 

Reheating: reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. you might need to add a splash of water if they seem too thick.

I love the beans on stove top , it reminds me of my childhood, honestly.

Variations: Remixing the Cosmic Beans

Feeling adventurous? Let's shake things up!

Dietary adaptations: For a vegetarian version, swap out the ground beef for plant based meats or mushrooms. Easy!

Seasonal swaps: In the fall, try adding diced butternut squash or pumpkin for a hint of sweetness. In the summer, fresh corn kernels would be amazing. These Calico Beans are really versatile.

Nutrition Basics: Goodness Inside!

Okay, i'm not a nutritionist, but here's the gist: these cowboy baked beans are packed with protein and fiber. that's because of the beans and the meat.

They are also a good source of iron and other essential nutrients. key health benefits come from a lot of recipes using pork and beans , or recipes with pork and beans .

 

Simplified info: They are hearty and delicious. Perfect for a comforting meal.

Seriously, folks, these three meat cowboy beans are a winner. don't be intimidated by the long cook time. it's mostly hands-off.

You know? just let them simmer away, and your house will smell amazing. now go forth and make some crockpot cowboy beans ! and if you are on the go, remember to make them with a cowboy beans crockpot

Happy cooking!

Ultimate Three Meat Cowboy Beans: BBQ Crowd Pleaser

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these cowboy baked beans ahead of time? Like, Mary Berry style?

Absolutely! In fact, cowboy baked beans are even better the next day. The flavors have more time to meld together. Just store them in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the oven until warmed through.

What's the best way to store leftover cowboy baked beans?

Leftover cowboy baked beans should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They'll keep well for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage – just thaw them completely before reheating.

I don't have Great Northern beans; can I use other beans for these cowboy baked beans?

Yes, you can! While Great Northern beans are traditionally used, other white beans like cannellini or navy beans are perfectly acceptable substitutes. Just be aware that the cooking time might vary slightly depending on the type of bean you use.

Can I make these cowboy baked beans vegetarian or vegan?

Definitely! To make these vegetarian or vegan, simply omit the bacon and ground beef. You can add some smoked tofu or tempeh for a similar smoky flavor profile. Also, double check your Worcestershire sauce is vegan-friendly or use soy sauce as a substitute.

What's the secret to getting that really deep, smoky flavor in these cowboy baked beans?

The key is the smoked paprika! Don't skimp on it. Also, using bacon (or even better, pancetta!) rendered down at the beginning adds a wonderful smoky depth. If you want to go the extra mile, consider adding a splash of liquid smoke, but use it sparingly – a little goes a long way.

Are cowboy baked beans healthy? What's the nutritional lowdown?

Cowboy baked beans are a hearty and satisfying dish, offering protein and fiber from the beans. However, they can be higher in sugar and sodium, so keep that in mind. Using leaner ground beef, reducing the amount of added sugar, and watching your portion sizes can help make them a healthier option. Remember, everything in moderation, my friend!

Share, Rating and Comments:

Submit Review:

Rating Breakdown

5
(0)
4
(0)
3
(0)
2
(0)
1
(0)

Recipe Comments: