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Cowboy Beans

Savory Cowboy Beans: A Hearty Barbecue Delight

Savory Cowboy Beans, a hearty side dish, offer a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors, ideal for barbecues.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Beans
  • 1 medium yellow onion Adds sweetness and depth; a shallot can be a milder alternative.
  • 1 medium green bell pepper Provides freshness and crunch; red or yellow peppers offer a sweeter taste.
  • 3 cloves garlic Enhances aroma and flavor; fresh minced garlic delivers the best results.
  • 1 15-ounce can pinto beans Main protein source with creamy texture; swap for kidney or black beans if desired.
  • 1 15-ounce can kidney beans Offers color and texture; any preferred bean variety works well.
  • 1 15-ounce can cannellini beans Mild and creamy, great for texture; replace with great northern beans if needed.
For the Meat and Flavoring
  • 1 pound lean ground beef (85% lean) Provides heartiness; ground turkey is a lighter option.
  • 8 ounces sliced bacon Introduces smoky richness; turkey bacon gives a lighter twist.
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder Adds warmth and depth; adjust with extra for more heat.
  • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional; adds a spicy kick; omit for a milder flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt Enhances flavors; adjust to taste.
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper Adds seasoning; feel free to increase if preferred.
For the Sauce
  • 1/4 cup tomato-based barbecue sauce Brings sweetness and tang; any favorite brand or homemade version will do.
  • 1/4 cup packed light or dark brown sugar Balances the dish with sweetness; can swap for maple syrup.
  • 1/4 cup ketchup Adds tangy sweetness; reduce for less sweetness or use tomato puree.
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard Imparts a hint of zing; yellow mustard is a viable substitute.
  • 1 cup water Helps simmer the beans; using beef broth enhances flavor.
For Garnish and Serving
  • Sour cream for serving; adds creaminess; Greek yogurt makes for a great alternative.
  • Thinly sliced scallions for garnish; provides a fresh finish; green onions are a lovely substitute.

Equipment

  • Dutch oven

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Cowboy Beans
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large Dutch oven, cook the sliced bacon over medium heat for about 8-10 minutes or until crispy. Transfer bacon to a paper towel to drain, leaving 1 tablespoon of fat in the pot.
  3. Add the diced yellow onion and green bell pepper to the Dutch oven and sauté over medium heat for 5-7 minutes or until softened. Then add minced garlic, chili powder, and cayenne pepper, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
  4. Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it up. Cook until browned, about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally and seasoning with kosher salt and black pepper.
  5. Stir in the rinsed pinto, kidney, and cannellini beans, along with the crispy bacon. Pour in water, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, and Dijon mustard, mixing everything well.
  6. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  7. Cover the Dutch oven and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes or until the sauce thickens and flavors meld together.
  8. Serve the Cowboy Beans topped with sour cream and scallions. Pair with grilled meats or cornbread.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 22gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 950mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 10gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 60mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Adjust sweetness by varying the brown sugar or using maple syrup. Always rinse canned beans before adding. Use a Dutch oven for even heating.

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