Description
This hearty Cowboy Beans recipe features a flavorful blend of ground beef, baked beans, and a rich combination of barbecue sauce, mustard, molasses, and spices. Slow-cooked or baked to perfection, these beans make a perfect side dish or main course for gatherings or family dinners, delivering classic smoky and sweet flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 jalapenos, seeded and chopped
- 1 pound bacon, fried and drained (optional)
Beans and Sauces
- 2 cans baked beans (28 oz each)
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/4 cup mustard
Sweeteners and Seasonings
- 2/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1-2 teaspoons pepper sauce (such as Tabasco, optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Meat and Vegetables: In a skillet over medium heat, brown and crumble the ground beef along with the chopped onion and seeded jalapenos. Cook until the beef is no longer pink and the onions are tender. Drain excess fat if necessary to prevent greasiness.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooked beef mixture with baked beans, brown sugar, ketchup, molasses, chili powder, pepper, barbecue sauce, mustard, salt, and optional pepper sauce. Stir until all ingredients are evenly combined.
- Prepare for Baking: Transfer the combined mixture into a large casserole dish. If using, sprinkle the fried and drained bacon over the top or mix it in for added smokiness and texture.
- Bake Covered: Cover the casserole dish with a lid or foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes. This step allows the flavors to meld and the beans to heat thoroughly.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the cover and continue baking an additional 30 minutes until the dish is saucy and bubbling, with slightly caramelized edges.
- Slow Cooker Alternative: Optionally, after browning the beef, onions, and jalapenos and draining excess fat, combine all ingredients in a slow cooker coated with cooking spray. Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours until flavorful and heated through.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of jalapenos and pepper sauce to control the spiciness according to your taste.
- Use lean ground beef to reduce fat content if preferred.
- Including bacon adds extra smoky flavor but can be omitted for a leaner dish.
- Serve cowboy beans as a hearty side dish with grilled meats or as a main course with cornbread.
- This recipe can be doubled or halved easily to accommodate crowd size.
