Description
These Cowboy Baked Beans are a smoky, sweet, and savory side dish packed with flavors from bacon, onions, brown sugar, and BBQ sauce. Whether you’re grilling or hosting a party, these beans are sure to be a hit!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cans (15 oz each) baked beans (such as Bush’s Best or your preferred brand)
- 1/2 lb (about 8 oz) bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for extra smokiness)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 cup water (or more if needed)
Instructions
- Cook the Bacon:
- In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy (about 5-7 minutes). Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside. Leave the bacon grease in the skillet.
- Cook the Onion:
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion to the bacon grease and sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened and lightly golden.
- Combine the Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the baked beans (with their liquid), cooked bacon, sautéed onion, brown sugar, BBQ sauce, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika (if using), black pepper, and garlic powder. Stir everything until well combined.
- Simmer the Beans:
- Transfer the bean mixture to a large saucepan or a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add 1/4 cup water and stir. Bring to a simmer, and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beans are heated through and the sauce has thickened. If the beans are too thick, add a little more water, a tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
- Serve:
- Once the beans are hot and flavorful, taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve the Cowboy Baked Beans as a side dish with BBQ, burgers, or grilled meats!
Notes
- You can add a little chopped bell pepper or green onions for extra flavor if you like.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, you can add some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
- These beans can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Simmering, Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the recipe
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 20mg