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This crowd-pleasing Cowboy Baked Beans recipe has been my go-to party dish for years. Loaded with ground beef, applewood smoked bacon, and a variety of beans in a sweet and tangy sauce, it's the ultimate comfort food that always disappears fast at gatherings.
I first made these beans for a neighborhood barbecue where I needed something substantial that could feed a crowd. The empty dish and multiple recipe requests confirmed I had found a winner, and it's now expected at every summer gathering I attend.
Ingredients
- Applewood smoked bacon: Offers a delicate smoky flavor that elevates the entire dish
- Ground beef: Provides hearty texture and savory depth
- Yellow onion and garlic: Create an aromatic foundation
- Baked beans: Contain a pre-seasoned sauce that forms the base flavor
- Kidney beans: Add a firm texture and earthy flavor contrast
- Cannellini beans: Contribute a buttery smooth texture
- Black beans: Provide visual contrast and extra nutrition
- Brown sugar: Balances the acidity and enhances caramelization
- Apple cider vinegar: Cuts through the richness with necessary tang
- Ketchup: Contributes tomato sweetness and thickness to the sauce
- Yellow mustard: Adds a bright punchy note that ties everything together
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep Your Cooking Vessel:
- Select either a slow cooker for serving at parties or a large Dutch oven for oven baking. This recipe yields a large amount, so ensure your vessel has at least a 6-quart capacity to prevent overflow during cooking.
- Cook The Bacon:
- Chop uncooked bacon into small pieces and brown in a heavy cast-iron pot over medium heat. Use kitchen scissors to cut bacon directly into the pot for convenience. Cook until crispy, about 8 minutes, then remove to a bowl with a slotted spoon, leaving the flavorful drippings behind.
- Sauté Aromatics:
- Add chopped onion to the bacon drippings and cook for 5 to 6 minutes until translucent and slightly golden. Add minced garlic and stir continuously for one minute to prevent burning while releasing its aromatic oils.
- Brown The Meat:
- Add ground beef to the onion mixture, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes until no pink remains, stirring occasionally to ensure even browning and to prevent the meat from clumping together.
- Combine All Components:
- Return the crispy bacon to the pot with the beef mixture. Add all beans as directed, being careful to drain the kidney, cannellini, and black beans while keeping the liquid from the baked beans. The sauce from the baked beans provides essential flavor and moisture.
- Add Seasonings:
- Incorporate brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, and yellow mustard. Stir thoroughly to create a uniform mixture where all ingredients are evenly distributed. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
- Cook To Perfection:
- For slow cooker method, transfer the mixture and cook on low for 2 hours to allow flavors to meld. For oven method, cover your Dutch oven or casserole dish and bake at 350°F for 90 minutes until bubbling and slightly thickened.
The applewood smoked bacon is truly the secret ingredient that transforms this dish from ordinary to extraordinary. I once tried to substitute regular bacon in a pinch, and while still good, it lacked that distinctive sweet smokiness that makes everyone ask for my recipe. My father-in-law, who claims to dislike beans in any form, has been caught sneaking second and third helpings of this dish at our family barbecues.
Bean Varieties and Substitutions
While this recipe specifies certain bean types, there's flexibility to use what you have on hand. Lima beans are traditional in Cowboy Beans and add a buttery texture. Navy beans or pinto beans work beautifully as substitutes for cannellini. The visual appeal comes from using different colors and sizes of beans, creating an interesting texture in every bite.
Making Ahead and Storage
These beans taste even better the next day after flavors have had time to develop. Refrigerate leftovers in airtight containers for up to 5 days. For reheating, place in a covered casserole dish at 375°F for about 20 minutes until heated through. Add a splash of broth or water if the mixture seems too thick after storage.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these beans alongside smoked brisket, pulled pork, or grilled chicken for a complete meal. For casual gatherings, offer individual portions in small paper cups with spoons for easy eating. They make an excellent topping for baked potatoes or can be served over cornbread for a hearty meal. The sweet and savory profile pairs particularly well with tangy coleslaw or a crisp green salad.
Adjusting Sweetness and Heat
The recipe balances sweetness from brown sugar, ketchup, and baked beans with acidity from apple cider vinegar. If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the brown sugar by half. For those who enjoy heat, add a diced jalapeño with the onions or incorporate a tablespoon of your favorite hot sauce. Chipotle powder makes a wonderful addition for those who enjoy smoky heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use different types of beans?
Yes, you can substitute the beans with others such as lima, navy, or pinto beans. Just ensure the texture is soft and consistent.
- → How do I make these beans less sweet?
Reduce the amount of brown sugar or use a bit less ketchup to balance the sweetness. The vinegar also helps balance flavors naturally.
- → Can these beans be made ahead of time?
Yes! Make the beans ahead, store them in an airtight container, and reheat them in the oven at 375°F for 15-20 minutes covered with aluminum foil.
- → What’s the best way to serve these beans at a party?
Serve them in small paper bowls or cups with spoons for easy individual portions. Keep them warm using a slow cooker.
- → Can I make these beans vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, omit the ground beef and bacon. Add smoked paprika to maintain a smoky flavor.