Description: A hearty and flavorful twist on classic baked beans, perfect for barbecues, potlucks, or a comforting family dinner. This recipe elevates simple canned baked beans with savory ground beef, sweet and tangy seasonings, and a medley of aromatic vegetables, creating a dish that’s both satisfying and crowd-pleasing.
Ingredients:
- 1 can (28 oz) of Bush’s Baked Beans (or your favorite brand)
- 1/2 pound ground beef (lean or regular)
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1 tablespoon onion & herb seasoning (such as Mrs. Dash or your preferred blend)
- 1/4 cup minced onions (dried or fresh)
- 1/2 cup chopped onions (yellow or white)
- 1/2 cup chopped green bell peppers
Preparation:
Step 1: Preparing the Beef: Begin by placing a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef to the skillet. As the beef cooks, use a spatula to break it into small, evenly sized pieces. This ensures that the beef cooks thoroughly and each bite is infused with the flavors of the seasonings you’ll add later. Continue cooking the beef until it is nicely browned and no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease to prevent the baked beans from becoming overly greasy.
Step 2: Adding Flavor: Once the beef is browned and drained, reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, onion & herb seasoning, and minced onions to the skillet. Stir well to combine all the ingredients, ensuring that the beef is coated evenly with the sauce and seasonings. Continue to cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the brown sugar is melted and the onions are translucent. This step is essential for building the savory base of the baked beans.
Step 3: Combining Ingredients: In a large baking dish (approximately 9×13 inches), combine the cooked beef mixture with the canned baked beans. Stir gently to ensure that the beef and beans are well mixed.
Step 4: Adding Vegetables: Add the chopped onions and green bell peppers to the baking dish. Mix well, making sure that the vegetables are distributed evenly throughout the dish. The onions and bell peppers add a delightful texture and a touch of freshness to the baked beans.
Step 5: Baking to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the baking dish with a lid or aluminum foil. Place the covered dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the beans are bubbly and the bell peppers have softened. The baking process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a deep, rich taste profile. If you want a slightly thicker consistency, you can remove the lid or foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
This Cowboy Baked Beans recipe is more than just a side dish; it’s a comforting, flavorful experience. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with it:
- Hearty and Satisfying: The addition of ground beef transforms simple baked beans into a substantial and filling dish. It’s perfect for a main course or a hearty side at a barbecue.
- Versatile: This recipe is easily customizable to suit your taste preferences. You can add different types of beans, vegetables, or spices to create your own unique version.
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps and readily available ingredients, this recipe comes together quickly and easily. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.
- Crowd-Pleasing: The combination of savory beef, sweet and tangy seasonings, and tender vegetables makes this dish a hit with both kids and adults. It’s perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or any occasion where you need to feed a crowd.
- Perfect for Leftovers: Cowboy Baked Beans taste even better the next day, as the flavors continue to meld together. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve warm as a side dish alongside grilled meats such as burgers, hot dogs, or ribs.
- Pair with cornbread or crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
- Top with shredded cheese, chopped green onions, or a dollop of sour cream for added flavor and texture.
- Serve as a hearty topping for baked potatoes or nachos.
- Add a side of coleslaw or a simple green salad for a balanced meal.
Tips:
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the beef mixture.
- If you prefer a sweeter taste, add an extra tablespoon of brown sugar or a drizzle of molasses to the baked beans.
- To save time, use pre-chopped onions and bell peppers.
- For a richer flavor, use a combination of different types of beans, such as kidney beans, pinto beans, and navy beans.
- If you don’t have onion & herb seasoning, you can substitute with a combination of onion powder, garlic powder, dried oregano, and dried basil.
- For a smoky flavor, add a tablespoon of smoked paprika to the beef mixture.
- If you want a thicker consistency, simmer the baked beans on the stovetop for a few minutes before serving, stirring occasionally.
- You can also prepare this recipe in a slow cooker. Simply combine all the ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Approximate values per serving, based on a serving size of 1 cup)
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 20g
- Sodium: 800mg
Conclusion:
Cowboy Baked Beans are a delightful and versatile dish that will quickly become a family favorite. With their hearty flavor, easy preparation, and crowd-pleasing appeal, they’re perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, bringing a dish to a potluck, or simply looking for a comforting meal, this recipe is sure to deliver. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the oven, and get ready to enjoy a taste of the Wild West!
Questions and Answers about the Recipe:
- Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground beef? Absolutely! While ground beef is the traditional choice for Cowboy Baked Beans, you can easily substitute it with other types of meat to suit your preferences. Ground turkey or ground sausage are excellent alternatives. You can also use chopped bacon or even shredded pulled pork for a different flavor profile. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly and drain off any excess grease.
- I don’t have Bush’s Baked Beans. Can I use another brand? Yes, you can use any brand of baked beans that you prefer. Bush’s Baked Beans are a popular choice, but there are many other brands available that will work just as well. Look for baked beans that are already seasoned and flavored, as this will save you time and effort. You can also use homemade baked beans if you have a favorite recipe.
- Can I make this recipe vegetarian? Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegetarian by omitting the ground beef. To add some extra protein and texture, you can substitute the beef with a can of drained and rinsed black beans or kidney beans. You can also add some chopped vegetables, such as carrots, celery, or zucchini, to make the dish more substantial.
- Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time? Yes, Cowboy Baked Beans are a great dish to prepare ahead of time. You can assemble the entire dish in the baking dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, simply remove the dish from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking as directed. This will allow the dish to heat evenly and prevent it from cracking.
- How can I store leftovers? Leftover Cowboy Baked Beans should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave the beans until heated through, or warm them up in a saucepan on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You can also add a splash of water or broth to prevent them from drying out. The flavors will meld even further overnight, making the leftovers even more delicious!
