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

Description

A hearty and flavorful dish perfect for gatherings, BBQs, or potlucks. Cowboy Beans bring together savory ground beef, crispy bacon, and tender baked beans in a rich and smoky barbecue sauce. It’s comfort food with a bold kick that’s sure to please any crowd.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Main Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
1 medium yellow onion, diced (approximately 1 cup)
1 green bell pepper, diced (approximately 1 cup)
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Add-ins

8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
1/4 cup brown sugar (optional)
2 cans (28 ounces each) baked beans (e.g., Bush’s Original Baked Beans)
1/2 cup barbecue sauce
2 tablespoons dijon mustard

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Instructions

Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F. This ensures that it’s ready for baking while you prepare the dish.
Cook the ground beef and vegetables
In a 4-quart, oven-safe pot or Dutch oven, heat over medium heat and add ground beef, diced onion, diced green bell pepper, garlic salt, and onion powder. Cook until the ground beef is no longer pink, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Once done, drain any excess liquid to remove extra grease.
Combine ingredients
Add the cooked bacon crumbles, brown sugar (if using), baked beans, barbecue sauce, and dijon mustard to the pot. Stir everything together thoroughly, ensuring the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Bake
Cover the pot with a lid and transfer it to the preheated oven. Bake for 1 hour, or until the beans are hot, bubbly, and thickened.
Serve
Remove the dish from the oven and serve the Cowboy Beans warm. It’s perfect as a main dish or a hearty side.

Notes

Alternative Ingredients: Try swapping the barbecue sauce with a spicier or smokier variant to alter the flavor profile.
Vegetarian Option: Replace ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives and use vegetarian bacon substitutes.
Baking Tip: If you do not have an oven-safe pot, cook everything on the stovetop, transfer to a casserole dish, and then bake.
Make Ahead: Cowboy Beans can be prepared a day in advance and reheated, which helps the flavors meld together even more.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 Serving
Calories: 345kcal
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 735mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 37g
Fiber: 6g
Protein: 14g
Cholesterol: 45mg