Description
Cowboy baked beans are a smoky, savory-sweet blend of beans, bacon, ground beef, and spices baked to perfection. This hearty side dish is ideal for BBQs, family gatherings, or potlucks, bringing bold flavors and rustic comfort to any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cans (15 oz each) baked beans
- 1 lb ground beef
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 cup onion, diced
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Optional Add-Ins:
- Chopped jalapeños
- Barbecue sauce
- Diced bell peppers
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a large baking dish.
- In a skillet, cook chopped bacon until crispy; remove and set aside, leaving drippings in the pan.
- Brown ground beef with onions in the skillet; drain excess fat.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine baked beans, cooked beef, half the bacon, brown sugar, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish and top with remaining bacon.
- Bake uncovered 45–60 minutes, or until bubbly and slightly caramelized.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Use high-quality bacon for maximum smoky flavor.
- Simmer the sauce for 10–15 minutes before baking to deepen flavors.
- Stir halfway through baking for even cooking and caramelization.
- Vegetarian option: replace beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking, Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 820 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 38 mg