These Cowboy Baked Beans are the ultimate side dish for barbecues, potlucks, or cozy family dinners. Packed with bold flavors like smoky bacon, tangy barbecue sauce, and a touch of sweetness from brown sugar, this hearty dish is a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you're serving them alongside grilled meats, burgers, or hot dogs, these beans bring a taste of the Wild West to your table. Slow-cooked to perfection (or baked for convenience), they’re sticky, savory, and absolutely irresistible. Let’s whip up this cowboy-inspired classic and enjoy every spoonful!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Smoky & Savory: Bacon and barbecue sauce add a rich, smoky depth of flavor.
- Sweet & Tangy: A perfect balance of brown sugar and tangy ingredients makes these beans unforgettable.
- Easy to Make: Just mix, bake, and let the oven do the work!
- Perfect for Crowds: Great for parties, picnics, or meal prep—it tastes even better the next day!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Beans:
- 1 lb bacon, diced
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 4 cans (15 oz each) baked beans (or homemade cooked beans)
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1/2 cup dark brown sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup molasses (optional, for extra richness)
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Ingredients
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a large baking dish or Dutch oven for easy cleanup.
- Dice the bacon, chop the onion and bell pepper, and measure out all other ingredients.
2. Cook the Bacon and Veggies
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the diced bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the grease in the pan.
- In the same skillet with the bacon grease, sauté the chopped onion and bell pepper for 5–7 minutes, or until softened and slightly caramelized.
3. Combine Everything
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the baked beans, cooked bacon, sautéed veggies, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, molasses (if using), apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well mixed.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning—add more brown sugar for sweetness or vinegar for tanginess if desired.
4. Bake Until Thick and Flavorful