Satisfy your craving for hearty, flavorful beans with this recipe for Cowboy Beans. Packed with ground beef, bacon, onion, garlic, spices, and a hint of sweetness, this dish is a crowd-pleaser perfect for any occasion.
I am in love with these mouthwatering, good cowboy beans. They are just that tasty. I made them again last night, and I thought hubby and I would have to play rock, paper, scissors for the last little spoonful in the pot. They are the ideal meal for busy families.
You can prepare them in one of three ways. You can cook them on the stovetop in a Dutch oven and simmer them as long as you like, or start them on the stovetop or in a Dutch oven and finish baking in the oven, or transfer them to a crockpot and finish cooking them there. If you like the flavors and ease of this recipe, try cowboy casserole, crock pot chili, sloppy joes, or Texas chili.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
See the complete list of ingredients below on the recipe card.
- Bacon: Thick-cut bacon is best
- Ground beef: Use ground beef with some fat, like 85/15. Fat gives the beef flavor.
- Garlic: Fresh, please
- Beans: Such as pinto beans, kidney beans, navy beans, great northern beans, or black beans
- Mustard: Prepared mustard (like the one for hot dogs)
- Barbecue sauce: Your favorite brand will work.
How to Make Cowboy Beans
This is a summary version; for the complete list of ingredients and instructions, please refer to the recipe card below.
- Brown the bacon over medium heat in a large Dutch oven. Using a slotted spoon, move the browned bacon to a layer of paper towels to drain, leaving the bacon grease in the pot.
- Add the ground beef and cook until it is about halfway browned. Add the onions and cook until they are soft. Reduce the heat to low. Add the garlic and cook for a minute.
- Add the remaining ingredients, including the cooked bacon, to the pot and simmer for a couple of hours, stirring frequently, or place the pot in the oven for a little over an hour.
Preparation Tips
- Purchase good-quality smoked nitrate-free bacon and get it crispy.
- Buy ground beef with a little bit of fat in it. The fat is what gives it flavor.
- Get the old-style pork and beans, not those ready to pour into the pot, and bake. I use Van Camp’s pork and beans.
- Drain any excess grease from the meats. No one wants a layer of grease on their cowboy beans.
- If you like a little heat, add a couple of pinches of crushed red pepper, a little siracha, or a 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Go slowly, taste it, and see if you need more.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is a hearty meal, but here are a few ideas.
- Bread: Cornbread, Corn fritters, Beer bread, Corn muffins, and Johnny cakes
- Salads: Creamy coleslaw, Southern potato salad, and Cowboy caviar
- Vegetables: Air fryer potato wedges, Roasted corn, and Roasted root vegetables
How To Cook It In A Crockpot
After cooking the ground beef, onion, and garlic in the skillet, transfer everything to a crock pot, add the remaining ingredients, including the cooked bacon, and cook on high for 3 hours or low for 6 hours.
Try These Recipes Next
Cowboy Beans
Ingredients
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon chopped
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can pork and beans do not drain
- 1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans rinsed and drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can dark red kidney beans rinsed and drained
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 2 tablespoons prepared yellow mustard the hotdog kind
- ½ cup barbecue sauce
- ¼ cup light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Kosher salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown the bacon over medium heat in a large Dutch oven. Using a slotted spoon move the browned bacon to a layer of paper towels to drain, leaving the bacon grease in the pot.
- Add the ground beef and cook until it is about halfway browned. Add the onions and cook until the onions are soft. Reduce the heat to low and add the garlic. Cook for 1 minute while stirring. Drain the excess fat from the mixture.
- Please note at this point you can transfer everything to a crock pot, add the remaining ingredients including the cooked bacon and cook on high for 2 hours or low for 4 hours. Or add the remaining ingredients including the cooked bacon to the pot and simmer for 2 hours stirring frequently. Or place the pot in the oven at 350-degrees for 1 hour. Whichever way you wish to finish cooking the beans season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper before serving.
- Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat or the microwave at reduced power.
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop over low heat or microwave at reduced power.
Nutrition
Are you on the hunt for more delicious recipes? Follow Small Town Woman on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.
https://www.smalltownwoman.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Beth-1.pdf
Hadley
These cowboy beans are so darn delicious! Thank you for sharing this simple recipe.
Beth Pierce
You are most welcome, Hadley!
Karen
This looks soooo good! I never had cowboy beans but I am addicted to crock pot especially in Fall…Soooo good….I can’t wait to try your recipe.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Karen! Enjoy!
Janey
I am making this again this week as it was such a hit with the whole family. Great flavours and I served alongside some mac and cheese.
Beth Pierce
Delicious! So glad that you liked it, Janey!
Sammy
What is there not to love about this recipe, everything that is comfort food in one dish. I am definitely going to try this recipe this week
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Sammy! Enjoy!
Albert
Yum! What a comforting and satisfying meal Perfect for busy days. I appreciate the clear steps and tips.
Kat
That cowboy beans recipe felt like the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table. Simple, hearty, and comforting.
Becki
How many will this recipe feed? Have to cook for 60 high school football players!
Beth Pierce
That recipe serves 6
DK
Oh my – these cowboy beans are so rich and hearty! This is perfect for a cold day to warm you right up! It made for a fantastic meal!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, DK! So glad that you liked them!
Ashley
These were so good, and so much better than the canned kind we usually make. Meaty, perfectly tangy and sweet. Will be making it again!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Ashley! We love them too!
Paula
This recipe for cowboy beans was utterly fantastic! I brought some to a cookout this weekend and everyone loved them!
Beth Pierce
That is awesome! I am so glad that everyone liked the cowboy beans!