BBQ sauce, ground beef, bacon, onion, peppers, brown sugar, baked beans, and peppers are all mixed together to make Cowboy Beans. Try my Simple Country Baked Beans for another sweet and savory baked beans side dish.
What are cowboy beans? The name probably comes from the time when pioneers were traveling along the trails and needed quick, easy, and filling meals. Because they can be made with just water and last a long time, beans were the perfect food for long trips. By adding the ground beef to this recipe, it makes the dish even more filling!.
Ground Beef: For this recipe, I like ground beef best, but you could use ground turkey instead.
Bacon: Cook and crumble the bacon before adding it to the pot. Bake the bacon ahead of time on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil for 18 to 20 minutes at 415°F. This will make it easy and leave little cleanup.
Baked Beans: Choose two 28-ounce cans of your favorite brands of baked beans. We used Bush’s Original Baked Beans.
Barbecue Sauce: As with baked beans, choose your favorite kind of barbecue sauce. Or, use this homemade BBQ sauce.
The Secret Ingredients That Make Cowboy Beans So Delicious
Cowboy beans are a beloved comfort food in the American Southwest and beyond. This hearty bean dish is a flavorful blend of beans, meat spices and sauce that creates a satisfying and crave-worthy meal. But what exactly goes into making a pot of authentic cowboy beans? Let’s explore the key ingredients that give this dish its signature taste and texture.
Beans
Obviously, beans are the star of the show when it comes to cowboy beans. Traditional recipes call for pinto beans, but you can also use an assortment of bean varieties. A mix of pinto, kidney, black, and cannellini beans adds pleasant colors and contrasts in texture. Canned beans offer convenience, but you can also soak and cook dried beans if you prefer. Just be sure to use at least 4 (15 oz) cans or around 3 cups of cooked dried beans. The beans provide protein, fiber, and hearty satisfaction.
Bacon
No pot of cowboy beans is complete without bacon! Thick, smoky bacon adds a touch of indulgence and tons of flavor. Chopping up around 1/2 pound of bacon and cooking it until crispy creates rendered fat for cooking the veggies and makes irresistibly tasty bacon bits to stir back in later. The smokiness of the bacon complements the blend of spices perfectly.
Ground Beef
In addition to the beans, ground beef adds another protein-packed element and beefy flavor. Browning about a pound of lean ground beef also contributes texture from the meaty crumbles. Be sure to cook the beef thoroughly before assembling the beans.
Onion and Bell Pepper
For aromatic flavor and pleasant chunks of veggie goodness, onion and bell peppers are key. A diced yellow or sweet onion and a couple of chopped green bell peppers add a tasty base. Cook them in the rendered bacon fat before adding the ground beef. Their bright yet mellow flavor balances the spice.
Garlic
To round out the savory flavor profile, minced garlic is a must. Four large cloves add pungent aroma without being overpowering. Garlic pairs perfectly with meat, beans, and smoky spices.
Spices
No cowboy bean dish would be complete without a blend of spices inspired by the cuisine of the Southwest. Chili powder, cumin, paprika, and black pepper create a mouthwatering blend of heat and smokiness. One tablespoon of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of paprika and black pepper each, and a teaspoon of salt optimize the bold flavors.
Barbecue Sauce
What sets cowboy beans apart is the addition of a homemade barbecue-style sauce. Ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and hot sauce get stirred in for sweet, tangy and spicy flavor. The sauce coats each bean and veggie bite in finger-licking barbecue deliciousness.
Bringing all these ingredients together and letting them mingle results in a pot of cowboy beans that is so much more than just beans. The mixture of textures from tender beans, crispy bacon, spicy ground beef, and crunchy onions and peppers ensures every bite is dynamic. And the medley of smoky, sweet, tangy and spicy flavors is simply sublime. Now that you know the secrets behind real-deal cowboy beans, you can confidently recreate this satisfying specialty.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cowboy Beans
What kind of beans are used in cowboy beans?
Traditionally, pinto beans are used as the base for cowboy beans. However, many recipes call for a mix of beans, like pinto, kidney, black, and cannellini beans for added color and texture.
Do you have to soak beans for cowboy beans?
If using canned beans, there is no need to soak them. However, dried beans will need to be soaked before cooking. Soak dried beans in water for at least 8 hours or overnight prior to cooking.
How long do you cook cowboy beans?
Cook the ground beef and veggies until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Then add beans and sauce and bake at 350°F for 45 minutes to 1 hour until thickened and heated through. Check beans for doneness and add more time if needed.
What meat goes in cowboy beans?
Ground beef is traditionally used in cowboy beans. Browning lean ground beef adds texture and hearty flavor that complements the beans and sauce. Bacon or ham can also be used.
What spices are in cowboy beans?
Common spices include chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, pepper and other Southwest-inspired seasonings. Adjust amounts to your desired spice level.
Do you drain the beans for cowboy beans?
It’s best to drain and rinse canned beans before using to remove excess sodium and liquid. If using cooked dried beans, you can add the cooking liquid to the pot for extra flavor.
Can you make cowboy beans in a slow cooker?
Yes, cowboy beans can easily be adapted for the slow cooker. Cook ground beef and veggies first, then add beans and sauce and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours.
Should cowboy beans be baked or simmered?
Most recipes call for baking cowboy beans in the oven, which helps thicken the sauce. You can also simmer them on the stovetop over low heat for 1-2 hours until thick.
How can I customize my cowboy beans?
Some ideas are: add different spices like cayenne or cumin; use spicy sausage instead of beef; stir in veggies like corn, spinach or mushrooms; top with shredded cheese, sour cream or scallions.
What sides go well with cowboy beans?
Great accompaniments include cornbread, rice, tortillas, chips, coleslaw, potato salad and bread. Pair with smoked brisket or pulled pork for a hearty meal.
Cowboy beans draw from simple yet spectacular ingredients that meld together into one mighty satisfying pot of beans. Beans, bacon, ground beef, peppers, onions, garlic, tomatoes and spices create a dish loaded with comfort, smoky flavor, and Southwestern flair. Once you know the secrets behind real deal cowboy beans, you can whip up this favorite anytime.
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How to Store Cowboy Beans
To store cowboy beans, first, let them cool to room temperature. Then, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Traditional Cowboy Beans
FAQ
What did cowboys put in their beans?
What kind of canned beans did cowboys eat?
What kind of beans are ranch style beans made from?
How long can you keep cowboy beans in the refrigerator?
What are Cowboy beans?
A popular dish in the southwestern United States, cowboy beans are a big pot of comfort. Not quite baked beans and not quite chili, this dish is a marriage of beans, bacon, and beef in a sweet and tangy barbecue sauce. What could be better?
What makes Cowboy beans stand out?
What really makes cowboy beans stand out is the savory, tangy flavor that it has, plus it’s filled with ground beef and bacon. You can’t go wrong with bacon! See the recipe card below for exact measurements. Bacon: I used thick-cut applewood bacon.
How do you make cowboy beans in a slow cooker?
Follow these steps to make cowboy beans: Gather your ingredients. Brown the ground beef and bacon. Toss the ground beef and diced bacon into a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook them until the beef turns golden (about 7 to 10 minutes). Add everything to the slow cooker. Transfer the beef and bacon to your trusty slow cooker.
What kind of beans do Cowboys eat?
• Beans: I went with a combination of pinto, black, and red beans for this recipe. The oldest recipes for cowboy beans almost always include pinto beans but ultimately, the combination of beans is totally up to your taste. Starchy beans like red kidney, great northern, cannellini, and navy are all great options for this recipe.