Yeehaw! 🤠Cowboy Beans are a hearty, smoky, slightly sweet bean dish that’s perfect for BBQs, chili nights, or just about any comfort-food craving. Here’s a classic, crowd-pleasing recipe:
Cowboy Beans
Ingredients
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 lb ground beef (optional for a meatier version)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans (15 oz each) pinto beans, drained & rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained & rinsed
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- ½ cup barbecue sauce
- 2 Tbsp brown sugar
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Optional: diced jalapeño for heat
Instructions
- Cook the bacon: In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook bacon until crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- Cook the beef (if using): In the same pan, brown ground beef until cooked through. Drain excess fat.
- Sauté veggies: Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the pan. Cook 4–5 minutes until softened.
- Combine beans & sauce: Stir in pinto beans, black beans, tomato sauce, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, smoked paprika, and bacon. Mix well.
- Simmer: Reduce heat to low and simmer 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Optional: Add jalapeño for extra kick before serving.
Serving Ideas
- Serve as a side for grilled meats or burgers
- Spoon over rice or baked potatoes for a hearty meal
- Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, and green onions
If you want, I can also give you a quick 30-minute version that’s just as flavorful but faster for weeknights. Do you want me to do that?
