Hearty Cowboy Beans Recipe

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Loaded with bold flavors and rich, smoky undertones, this Hearty Cowboy Beans recipe is the ultimate comfort food. It’s a robust, one-pot meal that combines ground beef, crispy bacon, tender beans, and tangy tomatoes in a savory sauce that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd, prepping a cozy campfire dinner, or just want a simple, protein-packed dish for a chilly night, this cowboy-style bean stew hits every mark.

This dish brings the essence of the American West to your kitchen—rustic, filling, and easy to make. With its satisfying texture and delicious blend of sweet, salty, and spicy notes, it’s the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Plus, it’s made with affordable pantry staples and is great for meal prep. You can serve it solo, with cornbread, over rice, or even stuffed in a baked potato for an extra kick of indulgence.

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Ingredients for this Hearty Cowboy Beans Recipe

• 1 lb ground beef
• 6 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 (15 oz) cans of pork and beans, undrained
• 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp yellow mustard
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
• Salt to taste

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Step 1: Cook the Bacon and Ground Beef

In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until it begins to crisp and release its fat. Add the ground beef to the pan and cook until it’s browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Drain off the excess grease to avoid a greasy finish.

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Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

To the same pan, add the diced onion and green bell pepper. Cook for about 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft and slightly caramelized. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

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Step 3: Add Beans and Tomatoes

Stir in the pork and beans (undrained), along with the kidney beans, pinto beans, and diced tomatoes. These create the hearty, fiber-rich base of your cowboy beans.

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Step 4: Build the Flavor

Add the barbecue sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, yellow mustard, chili powder, black pepper, and salt. Mix everything thoroughly to make sure all the flavors are distributed evenly. This combination gives the dish its signature sweet, smoky, tangy punch.

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Step 5: Simmer to Perfection

Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer uncovered for 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken beautifully.

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Step 6: Taste and Adjust

Before serving, give it a final taste. Adjust seasoning as needed—add more chili powder for heat, a touch of vinegar for tang, or extra sugar for sweetness, depending on your preference.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per serving (based on 6 servings):

• Calories: ~430
• Protein: ~26g
• Carbohydrates: ~35g
• Dietary Fiber: ~9g
• Sugars: ~12g
• Fat: ~22g
• Saturated Fat: ~7g
• Cholesterol: ~60mg
• Sodium: ~950mg

Note: Nutrition may vary based on specific ingredients used.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make Cowboy Beans vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the bacon and ground beef and replace them with plant-based meat alternatives or add extra beans and chopped mushrooms for a meaty texture.

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2. What kind of beans work best in this recipe?

A mix of pork and beans, kidney beans, and pinto beans creates great flavor and texture, but you can substitute with black beans or navy beans if preferred.

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3. Is this recipe spicy?

It’s mildly spiced. For more heat, add diced jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce.

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4. Can I use leftover meat?

Absolutely! Leftover ground beef, pulled pork, or even chopped sausage can be stirred in for an easy upgrade.

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5. How can I make this in a slow cooker?

Brown the meat and sauté the veggies first, then combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 4–6 hours or high for 2–3 hours.

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6. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, this recipe scales easily. Just be sure to use a pot or Dutch oven large enough to hold the extra volume.

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7. What sides go well with Cowboy Beans?

Cornbread, baked potatoes, or a fresh green salad are classic and delicious accompaniments.

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8. Are Cowboy Beans suitable for camping?

Definitely. Prepare ahead of time and reheat over the campfire or a portable stove—just store it safely in a cooler until ready to use.

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