Description

Cowboy Beans is a hearty, flavor-packed dish featuring tender beans simmered in a smoky, savory sauce with ground beef, bacon, and a touch of sweetness. This classic recipe is perfect for gatherings, cookouts, or as a comforting main course. It brings together rich flavors and textures, making it a satisfying dish for any occasion.

Ingredients

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Main Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
6 slices bacon, chopped
1 medium yellow onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
2 (15-ounce) cans pinto beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed

Sauce & Seasonings

3/4 cup barbecue sauce
1/2 cup ketchup
1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
2 tablespoons yellow mustard
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Salt, to taste

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Instructions

Brown the Bacon & Beef: In a large Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until it begins to render fat and turn crisp. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain any excess grease.
Sauté the Vegetables: Add the diced onion and green bell pepper to the pot. Sauté for 4–5 minutes, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
Add the Beans: Stir in the drained pinto, kidney, and black beans. Combine well with the meat and vegetables so everything is evenly distributed.
Mix in the Sauce: Pour in the barbecue sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Stir thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well combined.
Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and simmer the mixture for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will meld the flavors and thicken the sauce. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Serve: Spoon hot cowboy beans into bowls. Serve as a main dish with cornbread or as a side for your favorite barbecue fare.

Notes

Swap ground beef for ground turkey or leave out for a vegetarian version (add extra beans).
For spicier beans, add diced jalapeño with the vegetables or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
This dish can be made in advance and reheats well—the flavors deepen over time.
Make it in the slow cooker: brown the meats first, then combine all ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 generous cup
Calories: 390
Sugar: 19g
Sodium: 780mg
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 49g
Fiber: 10g
Protein: 20g
Cholesterol: 44mg