Description
This Cowboy Baked Beans recipe combines smoky bacon, hearty ground beef, and rich barbecue flavors for a deliciously satisfying side dish perfect for potlucks and barbecues. Slow-baked in the oven until bubbly and thickened, these beans pack a flavorful punch with a hint of sweetness and a touch of spice.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat & Bacon
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 pound ground beef
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Beans & Sauces
- 2 cans (16 ounces each) pork and beans
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Spices
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the beans evenly and thoroughly.
- Cook bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crisp. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving the flavorful drippings in the pan.
- Brown beef and onions: Add the ground beef and diced onion to the skillet. Cook over medium heat until the beef is browned and the onion is softened, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess grease as needed to prevent sogginess.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Mix beans and sauces: Transfer the beef mixture to a large mixing bowl. Add the pork and beans, barbecue sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, black pepper, and the cooked bacon. Stir well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Prepare for baking: Pour the combined mixture into a greased baking dish and spread evenly. Cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
- Bake covered: Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the beans to cook through.
- Bake uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the beans are bubbly and thickened to your liking.
- Serve: Carefully remove from the oven, let cool slightly, and serve warm as a hearty side dish for your barbecue or potluck meal.
Notes
- For extra heat, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mixture before baking.
- These baked beans can be made ahead of time and reheated, making them a convenient option for gatherings and potlucks.
