Cowboy Baked Beans Instructions (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Proteins and Meat Products

01 - 1 lb applewood smoked bacon
02 - 1 lb ground beef

→ Vegetables and Aromatics

03 - 1 large yellow onion, chopped
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Legumes

05 - 48 ounces canned baked beans, not drained
06 - 32 ounces canned kidney beans, drained
07 - 16 ounces canned cannellini beans, drained
08 - 32 ounces canned black beans, drained

→ Seasonings and Sauces

09 - ¼ cup brown sugar
10 - ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
11 - 1 cup ketchup
12 - 2 tablespoons yellow mustard

# Instructions:

01 - Choose either a slow cooker or an oven-safe deep casserole dish or dutch oven for cooking. Ensure all tools are clean and ready to use.
02 - Chop the uncooked bacon into small pieces. Using medium heat, brown the bacon in a heavy cast-iron skillet or dutch oven, stirring with a wooden spoon. Transfer crispy bacon to a small bowl using a slotted spoon, leaving the bacon drippings in the pan.
03 - Add the chopped onion to the pan and cook in the bacon drippings for 5-6 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and stir for an additional minute.
04 - Add the ground beef to the pan with the onion and garlic. Cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and fully cooked.
05 - Return the cooked bacon to the pan with the ground beef, onions, and garlic. Stir in the baked beans (not drained), kidney beans (drained), cannellini beans (drained), and black beans (drained).
06 - Add brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, and yellow mustard to the pan. Stir until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
07 - Transfer the mixture to a slow cooker or an oven-safe casserole dish. Slow cook on low heat for 2 hours or bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 ½ hours with the dish covered.
08 - Serve the prepared baked beans hot. Ideal for picnics, parties, or as a side dish.

# Notes:

01 - For an extra smoky flavor, consider adding a small amount of liquid smoke.
02 - Apple cider vinegar balances the recipe's sweetness; reduce brown sugar for less sweet beans.
03 - Canned beans are used for ease and consistency. Avoid using dry beans unless pre-soaked and softened.
04 - Applewood smoked bacon adds depth, but any good-quality bacon works.

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