The aroma of smoky bacon mingling with rich, savory beans wafts through the air, tempting everyone to gather around the table. This Cowboy Baked Beans Recipe, whether made in the oven or in a slow cooker, takes around 2 hours to prepare and cook. The combination of flavors—from the applewood-smoked bacon to the various types of beans—makes this dish a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
This recipe is perfect for family barbecues, potlucks, or game days when you want to serve a hearty side that everyone will love. You can prepare it ahead of time and either store it in the fridge to reheat or cook it in a slow cooker that keeps it warm throughout the event.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- The blend of beans creates a delightful variety of textures.
- Bacon adds a crispy richness that complements every bite.
- Cooking options allow flexibility for any occasion.
- It’s ideal for feeding a crowd with minimal effort.
What You’ll Need
Gather these ingredients to create your Cowboy Baked Beans masterpiece.
For the Meat
- 1 lb bacon, applewood smoked, chopped
- 1 lb ground beef
For the Vegetables
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
For the Beans
- 48 ounces baked beans (don’t drain)
- 32 ounces kidney beans (drain)
- 16 ounces cannellini beans (drain)
- 32 ounces black beans (drain)
For the Sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
Bacon can be substituted with turkey bacon for a leaner option.
Substitutions & Swaps
- Ground beef can be replaced with ground turkey.
- Use maple syrup instead of brown sugar.
- Any canned beans may be used based on preference.
- Apple cider vinegar can be swapped with white vinegar.
How to Make It
Follow these easy steps to create delicious Cowboy Baked Beans.
Brown the bacon
Chop the sliced uncooked bacon into small pieces and, over medium heat, brown the bacon in a heavy cast-iron skillet or large dutch oven until crispy, using a wooden spoon to stir. Tip: You can cut the bacon directly into the pot with clean kitchen scissors for quicker prep!
Remove and prep
Remove the crispy cooked bacon to a small bowl with a slotted spoon. Leave the bacon drippings in the pan. Add the chopped onion and brown for 5-6 minutes until translucent. Then add the minced garlic and stir for one minute.
Cook the beef
Brown the ground beef in the same pot, cooking for 6-8 minutes until fully browned. This maintains the flavor infused by the bacon and onions.
Combine ingredients
Add the cooked bacon back into the pot with the ground beef, onion, and garlic. Then incorporate the baked beans (don’t drain), kidney beans (drain), cannellini beans (drain), and black beans (drain).
Mix in sauces
Add the remaining ingredients: brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, and yellow mustard. Stir all the ingredients well until fully combined.
Cook or bake
Place the mixture into the slow cooker or a large deep casserole dish. Cook in the slow cooker on low for 2 hours OR bake in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 1.5 hours with a covered dish to lock in the moisture. Serve hot.
How to Store It
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezer: Yes, suitable for freezing if stored properly.
Reheat: Microwave for 2-3 minutes or heat on the stove until warmed through.
Tips for Best Results
- Use a heavy pot to ensure even cooking and caramelization.
- Don’t skip browning the bacon; it enhances the overall flavor.
- Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of brown sugar.
- Consider adding cooked jalapeños for a spicy kick.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve alongside grilled meats at your next barbecue.
- Pair with cornbread for a classic comfort meal.
- Great as a side dish for game day celebrations.
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