This Best Ever Easy Cowboy Baked Beans recipe is a hearty dish made with tender beans, smoky bacon, and sweet barbecue sauce. It’s perfect for family dinners or backyard barbecues!
These beans are so good; they might just steal the show at your next cookout! 😂 I love serving them with cornbread for a cozy meal that everyone enjoys!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bacon: This adds a wonderful smoky flavor to the beans. If you prefer a healthier option, turkey bacon or diced ham works well too.
Onion: A medium onion is ideal for sweetness. If you want a milder taste, consider using shallots or green onions instead.
Baked Beans: Any brand of baked beans works, but I recommend choosing ones that aren’t too sweet. You can use homemade beans for a fresher flavor!
Barbecue Sauce: Pick your favorite barbecue sauce. For a spicy kick, go for a smoky or spicy variant. You can substitute with ketchup mixed with some vinegar and spices for a simple alternative.
Chili Powder: This is optional but can give a nice depth to the flavor. You can swap it with smoked paprika for a different twist.
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Cooked Beans?
Cooking the beans well is essential for creating a great texture and flavor. Here are some helpful tips:
- Cook the bacon until crispy for the best flavor. Don’t rush this step!
- Sauté the onions until they are soft and translucent; this mellows their sharpness and sweetens them up.
- Mix the ingredients well before transferring to a baking dish to ensure every bean is coated in the delicious sauce.
- Bake uncovered for the last part of the cooking process to thicken the sauce nicely.
- Let the dish rest for a few minutes after baking—this makes serving easier.
Best Ever Easy Cowboy Baked Beans
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 slices bacon, diced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cans (28 oz each) baked beans (such as Bush’s or similar)
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley or chopped green onions, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish will take about 15 minutes to prepare and about 45 to 60 minutes to bake, with a total of around 1 hour and 15 minutes. Perfect for prepping ahead of your gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready for the beans once you mix everything together.
2. Cook the Bacon:
In a large skillet, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until it’s nice and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to take the bacon out and let it drain on paper towels, but remember to keep the tasty drippings in the skillet!
3. Sauté the Onions:
Add the finely chopped onion into the skillet with the bacon drippings. Sauté it for about 5 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. The onion will soak up all that delicious bacon flavor!
4. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the crispy bacon, sautéed onions, baked beans, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder (if you’re using it), and black pepper. Stir everything well until combined—you want all those flavors to come together!
5. Bake the Beans:
Transfer the bean mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and spread it out evenly. Pop it into your preheated oven and let it bake for 45 to 60 minutes, until the beans are bubbly and the sauce has thickened to perfection.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Once your cowboy baked beans are done baking, take them out of the oven and let them cool slightly. For a nice touch, sprinkle some fresh parsley or chopped green onions on top before serving.
Enjoy these savory, slightly sweet cowboy baked beans as a hearty side dish or even as the main meal. They’re perfect for gatherings, barbecues, or family dinners!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can omit the bacon and instead use olive oil or avocado oil to sauté the onions. For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding smoked paprika or liquid smoke to mimic the smokiness of bacon.
What If I Don’t Have Barbecue Sauce on Hand?
No worries! You can create a quick substitute by mixing ketchup with a bit of vinegar, brown sugar, and some spices like garlic powder and onion powder. This will mimic the sweetness and tanginess of barbecue sauce.
How Should I Store Leftover Baked Beans?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Can I Freeze Cowboy Baked Beans?
Yes, these baked beans freeze well! Place cooled beans in a freezer-safe container and store for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
