How to Make Cowboy Beans: A Hearty Texan Side Dish

Cowboy Beans, a hearty side dish deeply rooted in Texan tradition, combines a variety of beans, ground beef, and bacon, all simmered in a rich, tangy sauce. This recipe has become a staple at barbecues and family gatherings across the state. Here’s how you can recreate this savory delight at home.

Photo byCharles - Dalle 3

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound bacon, diced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 (16-ounce) cans baked beans with pork
• 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained
• 1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, drained
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• ½ cup ketchup
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside, leaving the bacon grease in the pot.
2. Cook the Meat and Vegetables: Add the diced onion to the pot and cook until it begins to soften. Add the minced garlic and ground beef, cooking until the beef is browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat from the pot.
3. Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked bacon to the pot. Stir in the baked beans, kidney beans, and cannellini beans. Add the barbecue sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, chili powder, and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Bake: Cover the pot and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes to an hour, or until the sauce is thick and bubbly. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.

Serving Suggestions

Cowboy Beans are versatile and can be served as a side dish alongside grilled meats, burgers, or hot dogs. They also make a great main course when paired with cornbread or a simple green salad.

Storage

Leftover cowboy beans can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. For longer storage, they can be frozen for up to 4 months. Reheat in the microwave for individual portions or on the stovetop for larger servings​ (Allrecipes)​​ (Pillsbury.com)​​ (Serious Eats)​​ (The Recipe Critic)​​ (Yellow Bliss Road)​.