Cowboy Baked Beans

4.75 from 4 votes
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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.

Wooden spoon with baked beans.


 

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
Ground beef, can of beans, bowl of onions, mustard, ketchup, and brown sugar.

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.

Skillet with ground beef, beans, brown sugar, ketuchp.

Step three: Stir in brown sugar, mustard, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder. Pour the mixture into prepared baking dish.

Casserole dish with baked beans.

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:

FAQ’s for this Baked Bean Recipe With Ground Beef

What does cowboy beans mean?

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.
Wooden spoon with baked beans.
4.75 from 4 votes

Cowboy Baked Bean Recipe with Ground Beef

By Heather
Cowboy Baked Beans are a staple at our house during the summer. Adding in some ground beef, onion and even brown sugar set them apart from original baked beans. 
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 45 minutes
Total: 1 hour
Servings: 12

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

Calories: 133kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 26mg | Sodium: 160mg | Potassium: 173mg | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 50IU | Vitamin C: 1.6mg | Calcium: 18mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
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4.75 from 4 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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5 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    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!!

  2. 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