Can I make Cowboy Beans in a slow cooker instead of the oven?

Absolutely! Brown the meat, onions, and peppers as directed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours until bubbly and thickened. This method is perfect for summer when you don't want to heat up the kitchen.

What if I don't have a Dutch oven?

No problem! You can use any large oven-safe pot with a lid. Alternatively, transfer the mixture to a casserole dish, cover with foil, and bake as directed. Just make sure your dish is large enough to allow for some bubbling without overflowing.

Can I use different types of beans in this recipe?

While Bush's Original Baked Beans provide the perfect sauce and flavor, you can experiment with different varieties. Try using one can of original and one can of honey baked beans, or mix in some pinto or kidney beans (drained) for texture variation.

My beans seem too runny. How can I thicken them?

If your beans are too soupy at the end of cooking time, remove the lid and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes. You can also mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water and stir this slurry into the hot beans, then continue cooking for 5-10 minutes until thickened.

Cowboy Beans Recipe

Name: Cowboy Beans Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 medium yellow onion, diced (approximately 1 cup); 1 green bell pepper, diced (approximately 1 cup); ½ teaspoon garlic salt; ½ teaspoon onion powder; 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled; ¼ cup brown sugar (optional); 2 cans (28 ounces each) baked beans (e.g., Bush’s Original Baked Beans); ½ cup barbecue sauce; 2 tablespoons dijon mustard

This hearty Cowboy Beans recipe transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering, stick-to-your-ribs dish that’s perfect for your next family dinner or backyard barbecue. Packed with savory ground beef, smoky bacon, and a perfectly balanced sweet-tangy sauce, these beans simmer to thick, flavorful perfection in just an hour. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser that brings together classic comfort food flavors with minimal hands-on effort!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crowd-Pleaser: These beans have that magical combination of flavors that everyone from kids to grandparents will devour.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings since you can prepare it earlier in the day and simply heat it up when needed.
One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks in a single Dutch oven, meaning less cleanup and more time enjoying your meal.
Budget-Friendly: Uses accessible ingredients that won’t break the bank while feeding a crowd.
Versatile: Works beautifully as a main dish with cornbread or as a side with your favorite grilled meats.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ground Beef: Provides hearty texture and rich flavor as the protein foundation of this dish.
Yellow Onion: Adds sweetness and depth as it cooks down with the beef.
Green Bell Pepper: Contributes fresh flavor and a pop of color to balance the rich ingredients.
Garlic Salt & Onion Powder: These seasonings pack in flavor without requiring fresh garlic chopping.
Bacon: Brings irresistible smokiness and texture that elevates the entire dish.
Brown Sugar: Creates that classic sweet undertone that makes baked beans so craveable. Skip it if you prefer a less sweet version.
Baked Beans: The star of the show! Bush’s Original works perfectly here as they already have a nice sauce and flavor base.
Barbecue Sauce: Adds tanginess, complexity, and thickens the sauce beautifully as it bakes.
Dijon Mustard: Provides a subtle bite that cuts through the richness of the other ingredients.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Spicy Cowboy Beans

Add a diced jalapeño or two with the bell pepper and a teaspoon of chili powder for beans with a kick.

Meaty Supreme Version

Add a cup of diced ham or smoked sausage along with the bacon for an even heartier version.

Vegetarian Option

Skip the ground beef and bacon, double the beans, and add a tablespoon of liquid smoke for that smoky flavor.

Southwestern Twist

Add a can of drained corn and a can of diced green chiles during the final mix for a southwestern flair.

How to Make Cowboy Beans

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Base

Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a 4-quart Dutch oven over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the diced onion and bell pepper. Add the garlic salt and onion powder while cooking. Once the beef is no longer pink, drain off any excess fat. This creates the perfect savory foundation for your beans.

Step 2: Combine All Ingredients

Add the crumbled bacon (already cooked), brown sugar, baked beans (with their sauce), barbecue sauce, and dijon mustard to the pot with the beef mixture. Stir everything thoroughly to combine all the flavors. You’ll notice how the barbecue sauce and mustard create a rich, tangy backdrop for the beans.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Cover your Dutch oven with its lid and transfer to the preheated oven. Bake for a full hour, which allows all the flavors to meld together while the sauce thickens into that perfect consistency. When done, the beans should be hot and bubbly with a slightly thickened sauce that coats everything beautifully.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from the oven and let the beans rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This brief rest allows the sauce to thicken slightly more and the flavors to settle.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Bacon Preparation: Cook the bacon until crispy before adding it to the beans. This ensures better texture in the finished dish.
Dutch Oven Magic: Using a heavy-bottomed Dutch oven provides even cooking and prevents burning on the bottom.
Balance the Sweet: If you prefer less sweetness, start with half the brown sugar and adjust to taste.
Make it Thicker: If you like thicker beans, leave the pot uncovered for the last 15 minutes of baking.
Taste Before Baking: Always taste your mixture before it goes into the oven – this is your chance to adjust seasonings to your preference.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

Serve these hearty beans with cast iron cornbread, warm flour tortillas, or a crusty loaf of bread for sopping up the delicious sauce.

Barbecue Feast

These beans make the perfect side dish for smoked brisket, pulled pork, or grilled chicken at your next backyard barbecue.

Loaded Baked Potato

Spoon these beans over a split baked potato and top with cheese and sour cream for a complete meal.

Casual Gatherings

Set out a pot of these beans with a topping bar (shredded cheese, diced onions, jalapeños, sour cream) and let everyone customize their own bowl.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavor actually improves after a day as the ingredients continue to meld.

Freezing

These beans freeze beautifully! Portion them into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. This makes for easy weeknight dinners when you’re short on time.

Reheating

Reheat refrigerated beans in a saucepan over medium heat until bubbling, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce. For frozen beans, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, or reheat from frozen on low heat with occasional stirring.

FAQs

Can I make Cowboy Beans in a slow cooker instead of the oven?

Absolutely! Brown the meat, onions, and peppers as directed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours until bubbly and thickened. This method is perfect for summer when you don’t want to heat up the kitchen.
What if I don’t have a Dutch oven?

No problem! You can use any large oven-safe pot with a lid. Alternatively, transfer the mixture to a casserole dish, cover with foil, and bake as directed. Just make sure your dish is large enough to allow for some bubbling without overflowing.
Can I use different types of beans in this recipe?

While Bush’s Original Baked Beans provide the perfect sauce and flavor, you can experiment with different varieties. Try using one can of original and one can of honey baked beans, or mix in some pinto or kidney beans (drained) for texture variation.
My beans seem too runny. How can I thicken them?

If your beans are too soupy at the end of cooking time, remove the lid and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes. You can also mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water and stir this slurry into the hot beans, then continue cooking for 5-10 minutes until thickened.

Final Thoughts

These Cowboy Beans aren’t just a side dish – they’re a meal-worthy comfort food that brings together the best of savory, sweet, and smoky flavors. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family on a weeknight or looking for the perfect dish to bring to a potluck, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal fuss. The way the sauce thickens and coats each bite makes these beans absolutely irresistible. Give them a try this week – I guarantee they’ll become a regular request at your table!