Dive into the heartiness of Cowboy Baked Beans, a robust and flavorful dish that’s as filling as it is satisfying. Loaded with browned hamburger meat and crispy applewood smoked bacon, this dish elevates traditional baked beans to a whole new level. Often referred to as calico beans or hamburger baked beans, this recipe is almost a meal in itself. Whether it’s served as a family favorite for dinner, during holidays like Christmas and Easter, or as a staple at summer cookouts and picnics, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy the rich blend of beans, meat, and a slightly sweet, tangy sauce that makes these cowboy beans a must-have at any gathering.
Ingredients:
Bacon (applewood smoked): 1 lb
Large yellow onion (chopped): 1
Fresh garlic (minced): 2 cloves
Ground beef: 1 lb
Baked beans: 48 oz (don’t drain)
Kidney beans: 32 oz (drain)
Cannellini beans: 16 oz (drain)
Black beans: 32 oz (drain)
Brown sugar: ¼ cup
Apple cider vinegar: ¼ cup
Ketchup: 1 cup
Yellow mustard: 2 tablespoons
Directions:
Choose between slow cooking or baking. Use a deep casserole dish, large pot, or a dutch oven.
Brown the bacon in a skillet or dutch oven, then remove and set aside. In the same pan, sauté the onion until translucent, add garlic, and then brown the ground beef.
Return the bacon to the pan, adding the ground beef, onion, and garlic mixture.
Stir in the baked beans (with liquid), drained kidney, cannellini, and black beans.
Mix in brown sugar, cider vinegar, ketchup, and mustard. Combine well.
Transfer to a slow cooker or bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 1 ½ hours.
Cooking Options:
Slow Cooker: Cook on low for 2 hours.
Oven: Bake at 350 degrees for 1 ½ hours in a large covered dish.
Serving Suggestion: Serve hot in small paper bowls or cups for easy enjoyment at picnics and cookouts.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate. Reheat in the oven at 375°F for 20 minutes when ready to enjoy again.
Cowboy Baked Beans are more than just a side dish; they’re a hearty, flavorful meal that’s perfect for feeding a large, hungry crowd. With a combination of savory meats and a variety of beans in a rich sauce, this dish is sure to become a requested recipe at your family gatherings and social events.