Description
Smoky, hearty, and saucy — these Cowboy Baked Beans are the ultimate one-pot wonder. Packed with ground beef, tender white beans, and a sweet-spicy barbecue sauce, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any gathering or cozy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
2 cans (15 oz each) white beans, drained and rinsed
6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (optional)
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
2 tbsp tomato paste
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup barbecue sauce
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp chili powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
1. In a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef. Drain excess fat.
2. Add chopped onion and garlic. Cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
3. Stir in tomato paste, diced tomatoes, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
4. Fold in the beans and crumbled bacon, if using. Stir to coat everything evenly.
5. Simmer on the stovetop for 20–30 minutes, or bake uncovered at 350°F for 30–40 minutes until thick and bubbly.
6. Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving. Enjoy hot.
Notes
For extra smokiness, use fire-roasted tomatoes and smoked bacon.
Make ahead and refrigerate overnight — the flavors intensify beautifully.
For a spicy kick, add a dash of cayenne or chipotle powder to the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop or Baked
- Cuisine: American Comfort
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approx.)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 730mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: cowboy baked beans, hearty dinner, one pot meals