Name: Cowboy Beans
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 lb bacon; 1 lb ground beef; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (15 oz) pork and beans; 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed; 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup ketchup; 1/2 cup BBQ sauce; 1 tablespoon yellow mustard; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; Salt and pepper to taste

Cowboy Beans are the ultimate comfort food with a kick. This hearty, smoky, and slightly sweet bean dish is perfect for potlucks, backyard BBQs, or lazy Sundays when you need something cozy and filling. Packed with ground beef, bacon, and a medley of beans simmered in a rich, tangy sauce, it has everything you want in a rustic, satisfying meal.

You’ll love how easily it comes together with pantry staples, yet delivers bold flavor that tastes like it cooked for hours. Whether served as a main dish or hearty side, Cowboy Beans are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings a little western charm to your table.

Why You’ll Love This Cowboy Beans Recipe

This recipe hits the sweet spot of being simple yet wildly flavorful. It’s perfect for meal prepping since the flavors deepen as it sits, making leftovers even better. The combo of savory bacon, tender ground beef, and just a hint of brown sugar makes every bite addictively delicious. It’s also a flexible dish—swap in your favorite beans or add a jalapeño for a spicy twist.

What Kind of Beans Should I Use?

You can really play around with the beans here, but a good mix is key to texture and flavor. Traditional cowboy beans often include pork and beans, kidney beans, and pinto or black beans. The variety adds color and richness, with each type soaking up the smoky, sweet, and tangy sauce in its own way. Canned beans make this recipe super convenient, but feel free to use home-cooked ones if you prefer.

Ingredients for the Cowboy Beans Recipe

Cowboy Beans are all about layering bold ingredients that create a perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and savory. Here’s what you’ll need to bring this dish to life:

Bacon
Ground beef
Onion
Garlic
Pork and beans
Kidney beans
Pinto beans
Brown sugar
Ketchup
BBQ sauce
Yellow mustard
Worcestershire sauce
Salt and pepper

Each ingredient plays a role—the bacon and beef add richness, onion and garlic build the aromatic base, and the beans bring heartiness. The brown sugar, ketchup, and BBQ sauce make the perfect sweet-tangy glaze, while mustard and Worcestershire give it a punch of depth.

How To Make the Cowboy Beans Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Meats

Start by cooking chopped bacon in a large skillet until crispy. Remove it with a slotted spoon and set aside. In the same skillet, add the ground beef and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat, then toss in diced onion and garlic. Sauté until fragrant.

Step 2: Combine the Sauce

In a large pot or Dutch oven, stir together the ketchup, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, yellow mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix until smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Add the Beans and Meats

Drain and rinse the kidney and pinto beans, but leave the pork and beans with their sauce. Add all beans into the pot, followed by the beef mixture and cooked bacon. Stir to coat everything in the sauce.

Step 4: Simmer to Perfection

Let the cowboy beans simmer over low heat for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer they cook, the deeper the flavor gets. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

How to Serve and Store Cowboy Beans

Cowboy Beans are incredibly versatile. They can be served piping hot as a main dish with cornbread, or as a savory side alongside grilled meats. This recipe makes enough to feed 6 to 8 people, making it ideal for gatherings and potlucks.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave—add a splash of water or broth to loosen up the sauce if needed.

What to Serve With Cowboy Beans?

H3: Jalapeño Cornbread

A slightly spicy, crumbly cornbread is the classic partner to smoky beans.

H3: Grilled Sausages

Smoked sausages are a great pairing for the rich, tangy flavor of cowboy beans.

H3: Coleslaw

A crisp and tangy slaw adds cool contrast to the warm, hearty beans.

H3: Fried Potatoes

Rustic and golden, they balance out the sweet-savory vibe perfectly.

H3: BBQ Ribs

Take your BBQ game up a notch by serving these beans next to sticky ribs.

H3: Green Salad

Keep things fresh and light with a simple green salad tossed in vinaigrette.

H3: Deviled Eggs

Perfect for potlucks, they add a creamy, spiced bite to the mix.

H3: Corn on the Cob

Grilled or boiled, corn pairs beautifully with the saucy beans.

Want More Bean-Based Ideas?

If this recipe for Cowboy Beans left you feeling warm and satisfied, here are a few more hearty dishes you might love:

Try this Hearty Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet for a one-pan dinner full of comfort.
For something with a twist, the Mexican White Trash Casserole brings Tex-Mex flavor in every bite.
Make a big batch of No Peek Chicken Casserole when you need a hands-off weeknight meal.
Or explore the cozy layers of the Tasty Deconstructed Skillet Stuffed Cabbage Rolls for a cabbage lover’s dream.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

Let me know in the comments if you put your own spin on these cowboy beans. Did you toss in some heat? Did you serve them over rice? I’d love to hear!

Explore beautifully curated hearty comfort meals on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for family favorites!

Conclusion

Cowboy Beans aren’t just a side dish—they’re a meal that brings people together with rich flavor and rustic charm. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or making leftovers to last all week, this recipe is one you’ll keep coming back to. It’s simple, customizable, and tastes like home. Enjoy every bite!