Remaining Ingredients. Next, add all of the beans and the reserved bacon. If you’d like a kicked up version, stir in some hot sauce as well. I enjoy making a version with ground beef and bacon, and a mixture of beans, which you’ll see below.
What Are Cowboy Beans?
In texture and appearance, Cowboy Beans is very much like a pot of chili, being primarily a big pot of beans and meat with sauce. Flavor-wise, I’d almost call it a BBQ Chili because of the tangy sauce and overall ingredients. It goes by other names, like Campfire Beans, Texas Cowboy Beans or Chuck Wagon Beans. Cowboy beans are quite hearty and filling. Total comfort food. It’s a great side dish to pass around your backyard barbecue or summer cookout. Personally, we think it is hugely delicious. It’s easy to spice up with other peppers and seasonings, too. Let’s talk about how to make Cowboy Beans! Pepper and Onions. Next, add the chopped onion and peppers. Cook them down 5 minutes to soften. Ground Beef. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook it down about 5 minutes to brown it all over, stirring, until it is no longer pink in color. Get Ready to Bake. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Stir in the Sauces and Seasonings. Add the bbq sauce, ketchup, mustard, molasses, vinegar, brown sugar, chili powder, and salt and pepper into the mix. Stir to Combine. Stir it all together, like so. Get it nicely mixed together for better flavor development. Got any questions? Ask away! I’m happy to help. If you enjoy this recipe, I hope you’ll leave a comment with some STARS. Also, please share it on social media. Don’t forget to tag us at #ChiliPepperMadness. I’ll be sure to share! Thanks! — Mike H. Remove from Heat. Remove from heat when it is nice and bubbly. Looks great, doesn’t it? BOOM! DONE! It is an easy recipe for sure.
Best Meats for Cowboy Beans
Most recipes call for ground beef, though you can (and should!) incorporate other meats. Consider ground turkey for a lighter version. Italian sausage or brats (ground pork) work great here. Feel free to use your favorites. Try adding in sliced hot dogs. I love it with Mexican chorizo. Use a combination of meats for your preferred flavor.
Black beans Pinto beans Baked beans White beans Lima beans Butter beans
The list goes on. Try making a smoked version in your smoker. Smoked Cowboy Beans! Yes! Or use liquid smoke for a smoky flavor. NOTE: This recipe was updated on 5/28/21 to include new information and video. It was originally published on 3/27/19.
