Ad
There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of Cowboy Beans. Whenever I prepare this dish, it takes me back to my childhood, filled with family gatherings and the rich aroma of home-cooked delights wafting through the house. It’s a simple yet hearty meal that’s perfect for any occasion, and I just know you’re going to love it as much as I do. With its blend of ground beef, bacon, and beans, this dish is sure to bring smiles around the dinner table. Let’s dive in together!
Total time: 35-40 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20-30 minutes
Cost: Approximately $12
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: About 350 per serving
Ingredients for preparing Cowboy Beans:
- 1 pound ground beef: The heart of this dish, giving it that rich, meaty flavor.
- 4 slices bacon, chopped: Adds a delicious smoky flavor and extra texture.
- 1 onion, diced: A sweet and savory base that enhances all the other ingredients.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings aromatic warmth to the mix.
- 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed: Packed with protein and fiber, they make the beans hearty.
- 1 can (15 ounces) pinto beans, drained and rinsed: These add a creamy texture that complements the dish beautifully.
- 1 cup barbecue sauce: Provides the sweet and tangy kick that ties everything together.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness for that perfect balance.
- 1 tablespoon mustard: A surprising ingredient that adds zest.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder: Gives it a warm, spicy flavor that excites your taste buds.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance the flavors.
Personal note: I always use a mix of BBQ sauces that I have at home; it gives a unique twist every time!
Steps to prepare Cowboy Beans:
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove it from the skillet and set aside, but don’t discard those delicious drippings!
Ads
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until it’s nicely browned. Make sure to drain any excess fat to keep the dish wholesome.
Step 3: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Stir in the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion turns soft and fragrant. This step truly elevates the overall flavor!
Step 4: Add the Beans
Now, toss in the kidney and pinto beans, stirring well to incorporate everything.
Step 5: Mix in the Goodness
Add the barbecue sauce, brown sugar, mustard, chili powder, and the bacon you set aside earlier. Mix everything until well blended.
Step 6: Season to Perfection
Season generously with salt and pepper to taste. Don’t be afraid to adjust to your preference!
Step 7: Simmer Away
Allow the mixture to simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps all those yummy flavors meld beautifully.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Serve hot and enjoy a bowlful of warmth and comfort!
Ads
Why I love making this dish
Cowboy Beans has a special place in my heart. It reminds me of family gatherings where we’d all sit around, sharing stories and laughter over delicious food. The blend of flavors brings everyone together, sparking joy and creating fond memories.
What you’ll need:
- Large skillet: You’ll want something big enough to accommodate all those delicious ingredients.
- Wooden spoon: Great for stirring everything together.
- Measuring cups and spoons: To ensure you get those ingredients just right.
- Ladle: Perfect for serving your Cowboy Beans!
Step-by-step guide to preparing Cowboy Beans:
- First, cook the bacon until crispy. Trust me, that flavor will be unbeatable!
- Then, brown the ground beef and drain excess fat.
- Next, sauté the onion and garlic until soft.
- After that, add kidney and pinto beans.
- Mix in all the other ingredients for a glorious medley.
- Finally, let it simmer, and then serve hot.
Tips for the best results:
- For a different flavor profile, try using different types of barbecue sauce with varying sweetness levels.
- Don’t rush the simmering process; it’s where the magic happens.
Serving suggestions:
I love to serve Cowboy Beans with cornbread or a fresh green salad. It complements the richness perfectly!
What to pair Cowboy Beans with:
You can enjoy these delightful beans with a side of rice or some homemade tortillas for a full experience.
What to do with leftovers:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll last a few days, and I recommend reheating them on the stove for the best flavor. You can add a splash of water or extra BBQ sauce to keep it moist.
Ads
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes! It actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld.
- What’s a good vegetarian alternative? You can substitute the beef and bacon with plant-based ground meat and smoked tofu for that extra flavor.
- Can I freeze Cowboy Beans? Absolutely! Just let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to three months.
To wrap it up, I hope you’ll give this Cowboy Beans recipe a try. It’s simple, delicious, and perfect for gathering friends and family around the dinner table. There’s something so heartwarming about sharing a meal together, and I can’t wait for you to experience it. Enjoy!
Cowboy Beans
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef The heart of this dish, giving it that rich, meaty flavor.
- 4 slices bacon, chopped Adds a delicious smoky flavor and extra texture.
- 1 onion, diced A sweet and savory base that enhances all the other ingredients.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Brings aromatic warmth to the mix.
- 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed Packed with protein and fiber, they make the beans hearty.
- 1 can (15 ounces) pinto beans, drained and rinsed These add a creamy texture that complements the dish beautifully.
- 1 cup barbecue sauce Provides the sweet and tangy kick that ties everything together.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar Adds a touch of sweetness for that perfect balance.
- 1 tablespoon mustard A surprising ingredient that adds zest.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder Gives it a warm, spicy flavor that excites your taste buds.
- Salt and pepper to taste Essential seasonings to enhance the flavors.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove it from the skillet and set aside, but don’t discard the delicious drippings.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until it’s nicely browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion turns soft and fragrant.
- Toss in the kidney and pinto beans, stirring well to incorporate everything.
- Add the barbecue sauce, brown sugar, mustard, chili powder, and the bacon, mixing until well blended.
- Season generously with salt and pepper to taste.
- Allow the mixture to simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve hot and enjoy your Cowboy Beans!