Cowboy Beans Recipe: A Texas-Sized Side Dish with Bold Flavor
When it comes to Texas cookouts, you can’t just throw ribs on the smoker and call it a day. You need sides that can stand up to that bold, smoky flavor—and that’s where cowboy beans come in.
This dish is hearty, tangy, and just the right amount of spicy, with layers of flavor that’ll have everyone going back for seconds (and maybe thirds). Whether you’re firing up the grill for a backyard barbecue or throwing together a weeknight dinner, these beans bring that Lone Star spirit straight to your table.
Why Cowboy Beans Are a Texas Classic
Cowboy beans are all about big, bold flavors—just like Texas itself. They’re smoky, sweet, spicy, and downright irresistible. The addition of ground beef and bacon takes this dish from a side to a borderline main course, making it hearty enough to satisfy even the hungriest cowboy.
And here’s the best part: They’re ridiculously easy to make. With just a handful of ingredients and a little time in the oven, you’ll have a side dish that’ll steal the show at any cookout or family dinner.
Ingredients for Cowboy Beans
This recipe serves 4–5 people, but it’s easy to scale up for a crowd.
- 2 cans Bush’s Homestyle Baked Beans
- ½ pound ground beef
- ½ medium onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 large squirt mustard (about 2 tablespoons)
- 1 large squirt Sweet Baby Ray’s Sweet ‘n Spicy BBQ Sauce (about ½ cup)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2–3 slices of bacon
- 1–2 tablespoons diced jalapeños (adjust for your spice level)
How to Make Cowboy Beans
1. Brown the Beef
In a skillet, cook the ground beef with the diced onion until the beef is browned and the onion is softened. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce for a boost of savory flavor.
2. Mix the Beans
In a large mixing bowl, combine the baked beans, cooked ground beef mixture, mustard, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, and diced jalapeños. Stir until everything is well combined.
3. Assemble the Dish
Pour the bean mixture into a baking dish. Spread it out evenly, then top with a thin layer of Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce. Lay the bacon slices across the top for that perfect smoky crunch.
4. Bake to Perfection
Bake the beans at 350°F for about 45 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and the bacon is crispy. Let them cool slightly before serving—if you can wait that long!
Tips for Texas-Sized Flavor
- Turn Up the Heat: Want your cowboy beans to pack an even bigger punch? Add extra diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce.
- Smoked Bacon FTW: Use smoked bacon for an extra layer of barbecue flavor. It’ll make your beans taste like they’ve been on the smoker all day.
- Pair ‘Em Right: Cowboy beans are the ultimate sidekick for smoked ribs, brisket, or even grilled burgers. Serve with a cold glass of sweet tea, and you’re set.
Why This Cowboy Beans Recipe Is a Cookout Star
These cowboy beans are the perfect mix of sweet, smoky, and spicy, with just enough kick to remind you they’re Texas born and bred. Whether you’re whipping them up for a backyard cookout, a potluck, or just a good old-fashioned family dinner, they’re guaranteed to be the first thing gone from the table.
So next time you’re firing up the grill, don’t forget to make a big ol’ batch of cowboy beans. Trust me—your ribs may be the star, but these beans will be the real MVP.
