Cowboy Beans

Ingredients

The Meat & Savory Base

• 1 pound (16 oz) thick-cut bacon, diced into bite-sized pieces
• 1 pound (16 oz) lean ground beef (85/15)
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
• 1 green bell pepper , cored and diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

The Bean Blend

• 2 cans (15 oz each) pinto beans, rinsed and drained
• 2 cans (15 oz each) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 2 cans (28 oz total) pork and beans in tomato sauce (do not drain)

The Bold Sauce & Seasonings

• 1 cup your favorite smoky barbecue sauce
• ½ cup packed dark brown sugar
• ¼ cup yellow mustard
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon coarse salt (kosher salt)
• ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for an extra kick)

Instructions

Step 1: Crisp the Bacon

1. Place a large, heavy-bottomed Dutch oven or a well-seasoned 12-inch cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the diced bacon and cook, stirring frequently, until the fat renders out and the bacon pieces turn crispy and golden brown (about 8 to 10 minutes).
3. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the crispy bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the flavorful bacon grease in the pot.

Step 2: Brown the Beef and Aromatics

1. Keep the pot with the bacon grease over medium-high heat.
2. Add the ground beef, diced yellow onion, and diced green bell pepper to the skillet.
3. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until the beef is completely browned and the vegetables have softened.
4. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Carefully drain any excess grease if desired.

Step 3: Combine the Beans and Sauce

1. Reduce the heat to medium-low.
2. Pour in the rinsed pinto beans, rinsed kidney beans, and the undrained cans of pork and beans.
3. Add the cooked, crispy bacon back into the pot.
4. Pour in the smoky barbecue sauce, dark brown sugar, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and apple cider vinegar.
5. Sprinkle the smoked paprika, ground cumin, kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper evenly over the mixture.

Step 4: Simmer to Perfection

1. Stir everything thoroughly to ensure all the beans, meats, and spices are fully incorporated.
2. Bring the mixture to a gentle bubble, then reduce the heat to low.
3. Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer for 30 to 35 minutes , stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. This allows the rich flavors to meld together and thickens the sauce into a glossy, decadent glaze.
4. Remove from heat, let it rest for 5 minutes before serving, and enjoy warm!

Nutrition

Calories: 485 kcal · Protein: 26g · Fat: 18g Saturated Fat: 6g · Carbohydrates: 58g Dietary · Saturated Fat: 6g Cholesterol: 55mg · Fiber: * 11g · Sugar: 22g · Sodium: 980mg