Cowboy Baked Beans, also known as Calico Beans or Hamburger Baked Beans, are a hearty and flavorful side dish perfect for any gathering. This robust recipe, reminiscent of the hearty meals celebrated by the Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond, takes classic baked beans to the next level with the addition of browned ground beef and crispy applewood smoked bacon. It’s a dish that’s substantial enough to be a meal on its own, yet versatile enough to complement a wide array of main courses.
These aren’t your average baked beans. This recipe elevates the traditional side dish into something truly special, packed with layers of flavor and texture. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a holiday feast, or a summer cookout, these cowboy baked beans are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. The combination of sweet, smoky, and savory notes makes them irresistible, and the ease of preparation, whether in a slow cooker or oven, makes them a convenient choice for any cook.
Cowboy beans in a white cast iron pot with a spoon, showcasing the texture of the dish
Crafting the Perfect Cowboy Beans: Ingredients and Flavor Profile
The key to these exceptional cowboy baked beans lies in the quality of ingredients and the balance of flavors. Let’s delve into what makes this recipe stand out:
- Bacon: Applewood smoked bacon is highly recommended for its distinct smoky sweetness that permeates the entire dish. Feel free to be generous – more bacon means more flavor!
- Ground Beef: Adding ground beef transforms these from a simple side to a hearty component of any meal. 85/15 ground beef provides a good balance of flavor and texture, but leaner options can be substituted if preferred.
- Beans: A medley of beans creates a complex texture and flavor profile. This recipe calls for a combination of baked beans, kidney beans, cannellini beans, and black beans. The variety ensures a delightful mix in every bite. Traditionally, lima beans are used, but this recipe broadens the bean selection for enhanced taste and appeal.
- Sweet and Tangy Sauce: The sauce is a harmonious blend of brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, and yellow mustard. Apple cider vinegar is crucial for cutting through the sweetness and adding a tangy counterpoint. Adjusting the brown sugar can customize the level of sweetness to your preference.
Close-up shot of stirring cowboy beans in a cast iron pot, highlighting the rich sauce and ingredients
Step-by-Step Guide to Pioneer Woman Style Cowboy Baked Beans
This recipe offers flexibility with both slow cooker and oven baking methods, making it adaptable to your schedule and equipment.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb applewood smoked bacon, sliced
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 lb ground beef (85/15 recommended)
- 48 ounces baked beans (undrained)
- 32 ounces kidney beans, drained
- 16 ounces cannellini beans, drained
- 32 ounces black beans, drained
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
Instructions:
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Prepare the Bacon and Beef: In a large cast iron skillet or Dutch oven, cook bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, reserving bacon drippings in the pan. Add chopped onion to the pan with bacon drippings and sauté for 5-6 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Add ground beef to the pan and brown for 6-8 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease.
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Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked bacon to the pan with the ground beef and vegetables. Add baked beans (undrained), kidney beans (drained), cannellini beans (drained), and black beans (drained).
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Stir in Sauce Ingredients: Add brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, and yellow mustard to the bean mixture. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the beans are coated in the sauce.
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Choose Your Cooking Method:
- Slow Cooker Method: Transfer the bean mixture to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 2 hours, or until heated through and flavors have melded. Slow cookers are ideal for keeping the beans warm for potlucks or parties.
- Oven Method: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Transfer the bean mixture to a large, deep oven-safe casserole dish or Dutch oven. Cover and bake for 1 ½ hours, or until bubbly and heated through.
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Serve: Serve hot and enjoy the hearty flavors of your homemade cowboy baked beans.
Side-by-side images showing cowboy beans in a white pot on the stovetop and in a slow cooker, illustrating cooking options
Tips for Exceptional Cowboy Baked Beans
- Bacon Variations: While applewood smoked bacon is highly recommended, feel free to experiment with other bacon flavors like hickory smoked or maple bacon to customize the smoky notes. For an even smokier flavor, a touch of liquid smoke can be added sparingly.
- Bean Customization: Don’t hesitate to adjust the bean mix based on your preferences. Pinto beans, navy beans, or butter beans (mature lima beans) can also be included.
- Spice it Up: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of chili powder or a dash of hot sauce to the recipe.
- Make Ahead: Cowboy baked beans are excellent for making ahead of time. Prepare them a day in advance and reheat before serving, allowing the flavors to deepen even further.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve these cowboy beans as a hearty side dish with grilled meats like cheeseburgers, hot dogs, or BBQ sandwiches. They are also fantastic with cornbread for a comforting and complete meal. For outdoor gatherings, consider serving individual portions in paper bowls or cups for easy handling.
Cowboy beans served in a paper cup with a spoon, suggesting a serving idea for outdoor events
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Leftover cowboy baked beans can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To reheat, place them in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. Microwaving is also an option for quicker reheating.
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Cowboy Beans
Cowboy baked beans are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of dishes, making them a fantastic addition to any menu:
- Main Courses: Cheeseburgers, hot dogs, pulled pork sandwiches, grilled chicken, pork chops, cheeseburger sliders.
- Side Dishes: Coleslaw, macaroni salad, potato salad, grilled corn, seven-layer salad, fresh fruit salad, mashed potatoes.
This Pioneer Woman-inspired Cowboy Baked Beans recipe is more than just a side dish; it’s a flavorful, hearty, and satisfying addition to any meal. Whether you opt for the slow cooker or oven method, you’re guaranteed to create a dish that will be devoured and requested again and again. Enjoy the rich, smoky, and slightly sweet flavors of these ultimate cowboy beans!
