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Cowboy Beans are delicious! They go with just about everything. Hearty, and filling, you will want to try this recipe for sure!

Cowboy Beans in blue bowl.

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Cowboy Beans

If you ever need a frugal recipe that’ll feed a lot of people ….. Consider this as an option! I will tell ya, there’s nothing pretty about this dish. It’s very hearty and filling though! I’m not really sure what cowboys ate on the trail …. but I’m pretty sure ol’ Lucky wasn’t toting around canned beans and ketchup. I would like to think that if they could have made their life easier, they definitely would have though!

I remember eating a version of this a few times growing up – probably when money was tight. You can use different varieties of beans too, if that’s more your style. You will want approximately 50-60 ounces of beans total. If you like pintos, lima, black beans ….. mix ’em up!

I will say – personal opinion here – but you have to have some sort of cornbread with these Cowboy Beans. It’s almost sacrilegious if you don’t!

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Servings: 10 servings

Cowboy Beans

By Jamie Sherman
If you ever need a frugal recipe that’ll feed a lot of people ….. Consider this as an option! I will tell ya, there’s nothing pretty about this dish. It’s very hearty and filling though! I’m not really sure what cowboys ate on the trail …. but I’m pretty sure ol’ Lucky wasn’t toting around canned beans and ketchup. I would like to think that if they could have made their life easier, they definitely would have though!
Prep: 20 minutes
Cook: 1 hour
Total: 1 hour 20 minutes
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Ingredients 

  • 2 pounds ground beef
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 jalapenos, seeded and chopped
  • 2 cans baked beans, 28 oz. each
  • ⅔ cup brown sugar
  • ½ cup ketchup
  • ¼ cup molasses
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
  • ½ cup barbecue sauce
  • ¼ cup mustard
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 – 2 teaspoons pepper sauce, such as Tabasco, optional
  • 1 pound bacon, fried and drained (optional)

Instructions 

  • Brown and crumble the ground beef in a skillet with the onion and jalapenos. Drain if necessary.
  • Combine the beef mixture with the remaining ingredients. Put the mixture in a large casserole dish.
  • Cover and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 30 minutes or until heated through and saucy.
  • *Alternately, you could cook the beef with the onions and jalapenos, draining if necessary. Then combine all ingredients in a slow cooker coated with cooking spray and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours.

Notes

  • If you prefer a less saucy dish, drain most of the liquid off the beans and proceed as directed.

Nutrition

Calories: 716kcal, Carbohydrates: 64g, Protein: 30g, Fat: 39g, Saturated Fat: 14g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g, Monounsaturated Fat: 17g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 105mg, Sodium: 1597mg, Potassium: 1080mg, Fiber: 10g, Sugar: 29g, Vitamin A: 206IU, Vitamin C: 9mg, Calcium: 148mg, Iron: 5mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Like this? Leave a comment below!

Originally published on February 28, 2013. Updated on April 22, 2021.

Jamie

Jamie Sherman founded Love Bakes Good Cakes in February 2012. She is a self-taught home cook passionate about sharing easy, delicious, and family-friendly recipes. From comforting classics to irresistible desserts, I believe homemade food brings people together. Join me on my journey of creating and sharing meals that bring joy to every table!

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14 Comments

  1. Chandra Sirois says:

    Thanks for sharing at Show Me Your Plaid Monday's!

    Reply
  2. Cassidy Bradshaw says:

    I will have to save this for when we go camping 😉
    cass-eats.blogpsot.com

    Reply
  3. Christie Daruwalla says:

    I just love baked beans to begin with. Love this even more with your additions. Thanks for sharing on Thursdays Treasures

    Reply
  4. Walking on Sunshine says:

    I have never heard of these before, but they look and sound good! Thank you for linking up on Foodie Friends Friday! Please come back this week to join us again!

    Reply
  5. Diane says:

    My kids will get a kick out of having cowboy beans for dinner. Thanks for sharing these on foodie friday with us.

    Reply
  6. Miz Helen says:

    Hi Jamie,
    Looks like your Cowboy Beans have a lot of awesome flavor! Hope you are having a great weekend and thank you so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday.
    Come Back Soon!
    Miz Helen

    Reply
  8. itsgoodtobethecook.com says:

    Sounds delish! Stopping by from FFF this week, so glad to have found your adorable blog! <3 Beth

    Reply
  9. Jo May says:

    Jamie this is def my kinda eat'n…I gonna fix for the husband,he ain't no cowboy but he is sure gonna like "cowboy" beans,yumO

    Reply
  10. Linda@With A Blast says:

    Oh yes, exactly my thing! Must try the cornbread as well 🙂

    Reply