Here’s a hearty and flavorful Cowboy Beans recipe 🌾🥫 — sweet, smoky, and perfect as a side for BBQs, burgers, or even on their own.
Cowboy Beans
Servings: 4–6
Time: ~45 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp bacon fat or oil (optional, for flavor)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) baked beans
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- ½ cup barbecue sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Optional: cooked bacon bits for topping
Instructions
- Cook aromatics:
In a large skillet or saucepan, heat oil or bacon fat. Sauté onion and garlic 2–3 minutes until softened. - Combine beans & sauce:
Add baked beans, kidney beans, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine. - Simmer:
Reduce heat to low and simmer 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens and flavors meld. - Serve:
Top with cooked bacon bits if desired. Serve warm as a side or main dish.
Tips & Variations
- For extra smoky flavor, use liquid smoke (½ tsp).
- Add diced bell peppers or jalapeños for more texture and spice.
- Make it vegetarian by skipping bacon and using olive oil.
I can also give you a slow-cooker Cowboy Beans version that’s rich, saucy, and ready for a BBQ gathering with minimal effort.
Do you want me to do that?
