Ingredients:
• 1 lb ground beef
• 6 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 small green bell pepper, diced
• 2 (15 oz) cans pork and beans
• 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• ½ cup ketchup
• ⅓ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup barbecue sauce
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp yellow mustard
• 1 tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat & Cook Bacon:
• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• In a large skillet, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
2. Cook Ground Beef & Veggies:
• In the same skillet, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease.
• Add diced onion and green bell pepper to the skillet and sauté until soft, about 3-5 minutes.
3. Mix Ingredients:
• In a large mixing bowl, combine all the beans (pork and beans, kidney beans, and black beans).
• Add cooked ground beef, bacon, ketchup, brown sugar, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well mixed.
4. Bake:
• Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
• Bake uncovered for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until thickened and bubbling.
5. Serve & Enjoy:
• Let the baked beans cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them as a side dish for barbecues, picnics, or family dinners!
Tips & Variations:
• For extra smokiness, add a dash of liquid smoke or use smoked bacon.
• Make it spicy by adding diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Slow Cooker Method: Cook the bacon and beef, then add everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours.
• Vegetarian Version: Skip the bacon and ground beef, and add an extra can of beans instead.
Cowboy Baked Beans are hearty, flavorful, and packed with protein, making them the perfect dish for potlucks, BBQs, or a comforting family meal. Enjoy! 🤠