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Cowboy Baked Beans

Smoky, sweet, and savory baked beans loaded with bacon, ground beef, and three kinds of beans in a tangy sauce that’s perfect for barbecues or weeknight dinners.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American Barbecue
Calories: 280

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 6 slices bacon chopped
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 medium onion finely diced
  • One 15-ounce can pinto beans drained and rinsed
  • One 15-ounce can black beans drained and rinsed
  • One 15-ounce can kidney beans drained and rinsed
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon mustard powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for heat

Equipment

  • Large skillet or heavy-bottomed pot
  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Can opener
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • colander
  • Sharp knife
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • oven

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the chopped bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until crisp and browned.
  3. Add the ground beef to the skillet; break it up with a spoon and cook for 5–6 minutes until no pink remains.
  4. Stir in the diced onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent.
  5. In a medium bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper to make the sauce.
  6. Drain and rinse the pinto, black, and kidney beans; add them to the skillet and stir gently to combine.
  7. Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet; stir until the meat and beans are evenly coated.
  8. Transfer the mixture to a 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer.
  9. Bake uncovered at 350°F for 30–35 minutes, or until the beans are bubbling and the sauce has thickened slightly.
  10. Remove from the oven and let the beans rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For deeper flavor, prepare the beans a day in advance and reheat before serving; the sauce will thicken and the taste will intensify overnight.