Cowboy Baked Beans are a hearty and delicious dish that pairs well with any meal. This recipe combines savory ground beef with sweet and tangy baked beans, making it a favorite for gatherings and family dinners. The blend of flavors is comforting and fulfilling, perfect for those chilly evenings or summer barbecues.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is not only simple and quick, but it also offers a great way to enjoy a filling meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Cowboy Baked Beans are packed with protein and flavor, making them an excellent choice for feeding a crowd. They are easily customizable to suit different tastes, and leftovers make for a perfect meal the next day.
How to Make Cowboy Baked Beans
Making Cowboy Baked Beans is easy and straightforward. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a warm, satisfying dish ready in no time!
Ingredients:
- 1 can (28 oz) of Bush’s Baked Beans
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon onion & herb seasoning
- 1/4 cup minced onions
- 1/2 cup chopped onions
- 1/2 cup chopped green bell peppers
Directions:
- Start by heating a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it into tiny pieces as it cooks.
- Once the beef is browned, stir in the Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, onion & herb seasoning, and minced onions. Cook for about 5 minutes until well combined and the onions are translucent.
- In a large baking dish, combine the cooked beef mixture with the canned baked beans. Mix in the chopped onions and green bell peppers.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the baking dish and place it in the oven. Bake for about 30 minutes, or until the beans are bubbly and the bell peppers have softened.
- Once done, remove from the oven, let it sit for a couple of minutes, and serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs or shredded cheese if desired.
How to Serve Cowboy Baked Beans
Cowboy Baked Beans can be served as a main dish or a side dish. They pair well with cornbread, grilled meats, or even as a filling for burritos. You can also sprinkle some shredded cheese on top before serving for added flavor.
How to Store Cowboy Baked Beans
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for about 3-5 days. You can also freeze the beans for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw them in the fridge before reheating.
Tips to Make Cowboy Baked Beans
- Feel free to add extra spices or hot sauce for a kick of heat.
- You can use turkey or chicken instead of ground beef for a lighter option.
- If you like your beans sweeter, add more brown sugar to taste.
- For added texture, throw in some cooked bacon or sausage.
Variation
Try adding other vegetables like diced tomatoes or jalapeños for different flavors. You can also substitute Bush’s Baked Beans for other brands or homemade beans if you prefer.
FAQs
1. Can I make Cowboy Baked Beans ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dish a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.
2. How do I reheat leftovers?
To reheat, simply put the beans in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or heat them in the microwave, stirring occasionally.
3. Can I use vegetarian options?
Absolutely! You can replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat substitute and use vegetarian beans to make it fully vegetarian.
Cowboy Baked Beans
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 can (28 oz) Bush’s Baked Beans You can substitute with other brands or homemade beans.
- ½ pound ground beef Feel free to substitute with turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar Adjust to taste for sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon onion & herb seasoning
- ¼ cup minced onions
- ½ cup chopped onions
- ½ cup chopped green bell peppers
Instructions
Cooking
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef, breaking it into tiny pieces as it cooks.
- Once the beef is browned, stir in Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, onion & herb seasoning, and minced onions. Cook for about 5 minutes until well combined and onions are translucent.
- In a large baking dish, combine the cooked beef mixture with the canned baked beans. Mix in chopped onions and green bell peppers.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the baking dish and place it in the oven. Bake for about 30 minutes, or until the beans are bubbly and bell peppers have softened.
- Remove from oven and let it sit for a couple of minutes before serving warm, garnished with fresh herbs or shredded cheese if desired.
