Smoky Cowboy Beans with Bacon & Beef

Cowboy Beans can easily be served as a Side Dish but hearty enough to be served as a Main Dish Recipe. They are packed with sweet, smoky, and meaty goodness! They will become a staple at your next backyard BBQ, campfire cookout, or weeknight dinner.

If you make these Cowboy Beans with your grilled meats, you may also love Parmesan Grilled Zucchini and Grilled Broccoli for a complete meal idea.

Why do they Call Them Cowboy Beans?

This hearty side dish gets its name because Cowboys and Pioneers could prepare a nutritious meal that can be easily stored for a tasty food source while on the trail.

This recipe is easy to prepare and budget friendly. The ingredients are versatile allowing you to use what you prefer.

Ingredients

• Bacon  – Use any type of strips of bacon such as thick-cut bacon or classic cut. You can also use already cooked bacon.
• Small Yellow Onion – Chop onions ahead of time. Learn How to Freeze Onions. You can also substitute with onion powder
• Cloves Garlic – Learn How to Mince Garlic Cloves
• Ground Beef – We like using lean ground beef
• Chili Powder – If you are out see The Best Chili Powder Substitute
• Pork and Beans – No need to drain
• Cannellini Beans and Kidney Beans – Drain beans
• Barbecue Sauce – You can use store bought BBQ Sauce or make Homemade Barbecue Sauce
• Ketchup – Learn How to Make Easy Homemade Ketchup Recipe
• Brown Sugar – If you are out, see The Best Brown Sugar Substitutes
• Dijon Mustard – You can use regular yellow mustard
• Worcestershire Sauce – See The Best Worcestershire Sauce Substitutes if you are out.

Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe in the recipe card.

How to Make Cowboy Beans

• Step 1 – Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. 

Step 2 – Heat a large dutch oven or large skillet over medium high heat on the stove top. Add the bacon to the pan and cook until crispy. Remove bacon from the pan and chop.

Step 3 – Add in the diced onion and cook over medium heat until tender.

Step 4 – Add in the ground beef and minced garlic.  Cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking up the beef as it cooks, until the beef is no longer pink and cooked through. Drain off any excess grease.  Turn off the heat.  

Step 5 – Stir in the chopped bacon, chili powder, salt, pepper, all the 15-ounce beans, tangy barbecue sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, dijon mustard and worcestershire sauce until combined. A dash of apple cider vinegar can also be added for tangy flavor.  

• Step 6 – Transfer the dutch oven to the oven and bake, uncovered, for 45 minutes. 
• Step 7 – Remove from heat, serve warm and enjoy! 

Expert Tips

• Type of Pan – We recommend using a Dutch Oven to make this dish. You can easily prepare the ingredients on the stovetop and then place in the oven without using several dishes.
• Baking – Cooking time will vary. Our Cowboy Beans were ready after baking for 45 minutes but your beans could be ready earlier. Make sure to bake uncovered.

How to Make Cowboy Beans in the Crockpot

If you prefer you can make these Cowboy Beans in the Slow Cooker. I like to make in the slow cooker when I am making for a family gathering as it keeps the beans warm.

• Cook the bacon, onions, ground beef and garlic based on the instructions.
• Add these cooked items and all other ingredients to a crock pot.
• Cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until thickened.

Variations Ideas

• Spicy – We love to make these Cowboy Beans a little spicy by adding in chopped jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce.
• Tex-Mex Flavor – Add in 1 tablespoon of taco seasoning, corn and black beans for a fun twist on a classic recipe.
• Omit Meat – If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can leave out the meat and add in more beans and veggies such as bell pepper.

Serving Suggestions

Make Cowboy Beans for your next Summertime Barbecue with these delicious meats:

• Smash Burger Recipe
• Grilled Hot Dogs
• Crock Pot Pulled Pork
• Grilled Hawaiian BBQ Chicken
• Grilled Ribs

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Storing – Store the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
• Freezing – The beans freeze great after they have cooled to room temperature. We like to freeze in individual servings in freezer safe containers. If stored properly these beans will stay fresh for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight when ready to serve. For even more tips, see Can you Freeze Baked Beans
• Reheating – Reheat the leftovers in the microwave or on the stovetop in a saucepan over low heat until heated through.