You know those recipes that totally steal the show? These cowboy beans are it. I started making them as a hearty side for cookouts, and now they’ve kind of become the main event. They’re sweet, smoky, a little spicy, and loaded with meat—like, not your average baked beans. And the best part? They’re easy enough for a weeknight but taste like you slow-cooked them all day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

First off, it’s so easy to throw together—especially if you’ve got canned beans and some ground beef or bacon on hand. It’s got the perfect combo of sweet brown sugar, tangy mustard, savory meat, and just a bit of heat. Everyone—from picky eaters to your friend who “doesn’t really like beans”—ends up going back for seconds. You can make it on the stovetop, in the oven, or even toss it in the slow cooker.

Ingredients

You’ll need ground beef, bacon, onion, canned beans (like pinto, kidney, or baked beans), brown sugar, ketchup, mustard, and a few pantry staples.
Full list of ingredients is down in the recipe card below!

Start with the Meat

Brown your ground beef and bacon in a big skillet or Dutch oven. Get that bacon nice and crispy and make sure the beef is fully cooked through. Drain the excess grease if needed.

Add the Onions and Let Them Soften

Toss in your diced onions and cook until they’re soft and fragrant. They’ll pick up all that flavor from the meat and really round things out.

Stir in the Sauce and Beans

Now the good stuff: mix in ketchup, mustard, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and maybe a splash of barbecue sauce if you like it smoky. Then dump in all those beans and stir everything together until it’s bubbling.

Simmer or Bake It Low and Slow

Let it simmer on the stove for 20–30 minutes, or pop it in the oven at 350°F for about an hour if you’ve got the time. You want it thick and bubbly with those edges getting a little caramelized.

Serve It Up Hot

Spoon it into a bowl, serve alongside grilled chicken, burgers, or cornbread, and just watch it disappear.

Expert Tips and Tricks

Use a mix of beans—kidney, butter beans, baked beans—for the best texture and flavor
Add a splash of apple cider vinegar for tang, or hot sauce if you want to kick it up
Double the recipe for potlucks—it always gets devoured
Make it ahead of time and let the flavors meld overnight in the fridge

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Swap the ground beef for sausage, ground turkey, or even chopped brisket
Make it vegetarian by skipping the meat and using meatless crumbles
Add jalapeños, bell peppers, or chili powder for a spicier version
Use molasses instead of brown sugar for deeper sweetness

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Cowboy beans go with just about everything—grilled meats, fried chicken, hot dogs, or pulled pork sandwiches. I also love serving them with a slice of cornbread or even scooping them up with tortilla chips. For drinks, sweet tea, beer, or lemonade are always a win.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days
Reheat in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much
They also freeze well—just cool completely and pack into freezer-safe containers
Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy

FAQs

Can I make cowboy beans in a slow cooker?
Totally! Brown the meat first, then toss everything in the slow cooker and cook on low for 4–6 hours.

Do I have to use bacon?
Nope, but it adds great flavor. You can skip it or swap it for diced ham or smoked sausage.

What kind of beans work best?
A mix! Baked beans for sweetness, kidney beans for heartiness, and maybe a can of butter beans for creaminess.

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes—and they taste even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld.

Conclusion

These cowboy beans are warm, cozy, and just the right mix of sweet and savory. They’re the kind of dish that makes people linger at the table a little longer. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving something hearty, this recipe is always a good idea.

These Cowboy Beans Are the Only Side Dish You’ll Ever Need (Seriously)

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These Cowboy Beans are the ultimate crowd-pleasing side dish—sweet, smoky, hearty, and just a little spicy. Packed with ground beef, crispy bacon, and a medley of beans, they’re perfect for BBQs, potlucks, or any night you want a comforting and flavorful meal that tastes like it simmered all day.

Author: Touria Elkoudssi
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 10–12 servings 1x
Category: Side Dish
Method: Stovetop, Oven, or Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American

Instructions

In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook ground beef and chopped bacon over medium heat until bacon is crispy and beef is browned. Drain excess grease.
Add diced onions and cook until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
Stir in ketchup, mustard, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and optional BBQ sauce or vinegar.
Add all the beans and stir well.
Simmer on low for 20–30 minutes until thick and bubbly, or transfer to a baking dish and bake at 350°F for 1 hour.
Serve hot with your favorite grilled meats or cornbread.