Cowboy Baked Beans
Jul 29, 2016, Updated Mar 19, 2024
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Cowboy baked beans are a staple at our house during the summer. Adding in ground beef, onion, and brown sugar set them apart from original baked beans. These cowboy beans are a great addition to potlucks, BBQ’s and more.
A few summers ago I was introduced to cowboy beans at a BBQ. They are baked beans with ground beef and a few secret ingredients. These beans have a delicious meatiness along with sweet, salty, and tangy combination of flavors. A hearty side dish that is great to bring to your next cookout or potluck.
What you’ll need
- Ground beef – Lean ground beef is used for this recipe. You can also substitute with ground chicken or ground turkey.
- Onion – Diced onions add flavor to the dish.
- Baked beans – You will need a can of baked beans. I am using Bushes Original Baked Beans.
- Mustard – Spicy mustard or yellow mustard work well.
- Ketchup – This adds a little extra sweetness.
- Brown sugar – Light brown sugar is used to add a hint of sweetness to the beans. It really adds so much flavor to these beans.
- Worcestershire sauce – Helps to balance out the sweetness.
- Garlic powder – Used for extra flavor.
- Salt & Pepper
How to make Cowboy Baked Beans
Step one: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 9 x 13 casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray.
Step two: Brown ground beef in a large skillet. Be sure to break up the beef while cooking. Drain any extra grease. Stir in diced onions and cook another 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
Step three: Stir in brown sugar, mustard, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder. Pour the mixture into prepared baking dish.
Step four: Bake for 25-30 minutes. Serve hot.
How to store
Store: Store leftover cowboy beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure to let the beans cool before packaging them in the container.
Freeze: These can also be stored in the freezer. Let the beans cool and then store in a freezer safe container or bag. They will stay good for up to 6 months.
What do you eat Cowboy Baked Beans with?
These baked beans make a delicious side dish or even a main dish. Some of our favorite ways to serve these beans are:
- As a side dish for things like BBQ chicken, pork, and hamburgers.
- On top of a hot dog.
- On top of a baked potato.
- To make loaded french fries.
FAQ’s for this Baked Bean Recipe With Ground Beef
Cowboy beans usually refers to pinto beans with ground beef and sauce. Adding cowboy to the name probably originates from the pioneer days when they needed filling food.
More BBQ side dishes
There are so many delicious BBQ side dishes like this bean recipe. Here are a few of our other favorites:
- Slaw – Creamy, crunchy coleslaw.
- Pea salad – A cool salad full of crispy peas.
- Mac and cheese – Classic side dish that goes with everything.
Cowboy Baked Bean Recipe with Ground Beef
Ingredients
- 1 cup diced onion about 1 medium onion
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 28 oz can of Bush’s Original Baked Beans
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons spicy brown mustard
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Spray a 9×13 casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a skillet, brown ground beef and onion over medium heat.
- Once browned, drain any excess liquid out of the pan. Season the beef with salt and pepper.
- Add garlic powder, beans, mustard, ketchup, brown sugar and Worcestershire sauce.
- Pour into prepared casserole dish and bake for 25-30 minutes.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Can you use a different flavor of mustard? What would you recommend
I made this for dinner and put it over spagetti noodles! And made cornbread to go with it. It was good
I made this but I didn’t have the spicy mustard and worcestershire sauce(went to the grocery store and now I have them). It still turned excellent!! But I definitely want to make with everything it calls for. My dad hasn’t stopped raving about it!!
I might have a good recipe for you to try I got from a woman in Houston Tx. says it’s an old southern recipe, anyway don’t know if you’ve tried it but if you haven’t give it a try and let me know what U think…Great for Bar B Que’s, Hungry Jacque.
2 cans Baked beans
one bell pepper
Jimmy Dean sausage (sage)
½. chopped onion
Saute sausage, onion, bell pepper, till done add two cans beans allow to simmer 10- 15 mins. enjoy
Is there a different flavor of mustard that you can use in the cowboy beans?