Short Description

Cowboy Baked Beans with Ground Beef is a hearty, flavor-packed dish that blends smoky, savory, and slightly sweet flavors into a single satisfying meal. Loaded with protein-rich beans, seasoned ground beef, and a delicious blend of spices, this dish is perfect for cookouts, family gatherings, or a comforting weeknight dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hearty and Filling: This dish is packed with protein and fiber, making it incredibly satisfying.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether for a backyard barbecue, potluck, or simple family dinner, this recipe fits any event.
Easy to Make: With minimal prep and a straightforward cooking process, even beginners can nail this recipe.
Rich, Smoky Flavor: A combination of ground beef, beans, and a smoky sauce gives these baked beans an irresistible depth of flavor.
Versatile: It pairs well with cornbread, rice, or simply on its own as a main dish.

Ingredients

Ground beef
Onion
Garlic
Canned baked beans
Kidney beans
Black beans
Barbecue sauce
Ketchup
Brown sugar
Worcestershire sauce
Mustard
Apple cider vinegar
Bacon
Smoked paprika
Chili powder
Salt
Black pepper

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove from the skillet and set aside, leaving some bacon grease in the pan.
Sauté the aromatics by adding chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until softened and fragrant.
Brown the ground beef in the same skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
Combine ingredients by transferring the cooked beef mixture to a large mixing bowl. Stir in the baked beans, kidney beans, black beans, barbecue sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper.
Transfer to a baking dish and spread the mixture evenly.
Top with crumbled bacon for extra flavor and crunch.
Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the beans are bubbling and the flavors are well combined.
Serve warm and enjoy!

Variations

Make it Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce for an extra kick.
Vegetarian Option: Swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles and use vegetarian-friendly baked beans.
Different Bean Mix: Substitute or add pinto beans, navy beans, or Great Northern beans for variety.
Extra Smokiness: Stir in a teaspoon of liquid smoke for an even deeper flavor.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6-8 servings

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Warm in a microwave or oven at 350°F until heated through.

FAQs

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes! Cook the beef and onions beforehand, then combine everything in a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours.

What can I serve with cowboy baked beans?

They pair well with cornbread, rice, grilled meats, or a fresh green salad.

Can I use canned chili beans instead of baked beans?

Yes, but adjust the seasonings since chili beans are already flavored.

How do I make this dish less sweet?

Reduce or omit the brown sugar and use a tangy barbecue sauce.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works well as a leaner option.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the ingredients, store in the fridge, and bake when ready.

Can I cook this on the stovetop instead of baking?

Yes, simmer on low heat for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes! Bell peppers, carrots, or celery can add extra texture and nutrients.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, it’s naturally dairy-free as long as your barbecue sauce is dairy-free.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheat in the microwave in 1-minute intervals or in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.

Conclusion

Cowboy Baked Beans with Ground Beef is the ultimate comfort food—hearty, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. Whether served as a side dish or a main course, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Try it today and enjoy a rich, smoky, and satisfying meal!

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