Name: Cowboy Baked Beans with Hamburger: Hearty and Flavorful
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 70 min
Ingredients: Beans:; 1 lb ground beef; 6 slices of bacon; 1 onion; 2 cloves of garlic; 2 15 oz cans of navy or pinto beans; 1 15 oz can of kidney beans; 1 cup barbecue sauce; 1/2 cup ketchup; 1/4 cup molasses; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 2 tbsp mustard; 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp chili powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp pepper; 1/2 cup beef broth; Optional: Parsley or green onions; Suggested Pairings: Cornbread (iced tea)

Introduction

Cowboy baked beans with hamburger is a bold, hearty dish, combining tender beans, savory ground beef, smoky bacon, and a rich, tangy sauce with a touch of sweetness. Perfect as a main course with cornbread or a side for barbecues, this recipe is ideal for feeding a crowd at potlucks or family gatherings. Its straightforward preparation makes it accessible for all cooks. This recipe delivers a classic cowboy baked beans dish, adaptable for dietary preferences, best served hot for a comforting, rustic meal.

Ingredients

For the Cowboy Baked Beans:

1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean)
6 slices thick-cut bacon, diced
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 (15 oz) cans navy or pinto beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup barbecue sauce (sweet or smoky, e.g., Kansas City-style)
1/2 cup ketchup
1/4 cup molasses
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
2 tbsp yellow mustard
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 cup beef broth or water (for consistency)

For Serving:

Optional: Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Suggested Pairings: Cornbread, coleslaw, or grilled sausages
Suggested Beverage: Iced tea, root beer, or pale ale

Step-by-Step Process

Cook Bacon: In a large Dutch oven or deep skillet, cook diced bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving bacon fat in the pot.
Brown Beef: In the same pot, add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat, leaving about 1 tbsp in the pot.
Sauté Vegetables: Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Combine Ingredients: Stir in navy beans, kidney beans, barbecue sauce, ketchup, molasses, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, salt, pepper, and beef broth. Add cooked bacon and mix well to combine.
Simmer: Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, to meld flavors. If the mixture thickens too much, add more broth or water, 1 tbsp at a time. Uncover and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes to thicken slightly.
Bake (Optional): For a deeper flavor, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the bean mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish and bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, until bubbly and slightly caramelized on top.
Serve: Remove from heat or oven. Let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with parsley or green onions if desired. Serve hot with cornbread or coleslaw, paired with a beverage like iced tea or root beer.

Tips for Better Cowboy Baked Beans

Use a mix of beans for texture; navy and pinto are tender, while kidney beans add heartiness.
Drain excess fat from beef to avoid a greasy dish; a leaner grind (85/15) works well.
Adjust sweetness by reducing brown sugar or molasses if using a sweet barbecue sauce.
Simmer low and slow to deepen flavors; rushing can result in a less cohesive dish.
Taste before serving; add more salt, pepper, or chili powder for balance.
Use a heavy-bottomed pot to prevent sticking; stir occasionally during simmering.
For a smokier flavor, add 1/2 tsp liquid smoke or use smoked paprika instead of chili powder.
Make ahead: Prepare and refrigerate up to 2 days; reheat gently, adding broth if needed.

Variations and Customization

Vegetarian Cowboy Beans: Omit beef and bacon; use 1 tbsp olive oil and add 1 cup diced mushrooms or plant-based ground meat.
Low-Sodium Version: Use low-sodium beans, broth, and barbecue sauce; reduce salt to 1/4 tsp.
Spicy Cowboy Beans: Add 1 diced jalapeño with the onions or 1 tsp cayenne pepper.
Sweet Potato Cowboy Beans: Stir in 1 cup diced roasted sweet potatoes for a sweet-savory twist.
Gluten-Free Version: Ensure Worcestershire and barbecue sauce are gluten-free; all other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Slow Cooker Version: After browning beef and bacon, combine all ingredients in a slow cooker; cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Turkey Cowboy Beans: Replace ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner option.
Cheesy Cowboy Beans: Sprinkle 1/2 cup shredded cheddar on top before baking or serving.

Storage and Serving Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days; flavors improve over time.
Reheat in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring in 1-2 tbsp broth or water to loosen, about 5-10 minutes.
Freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months; thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Serve hot for the best texture; cold beans can be thick and less appealing.
Use leftovers as a topping for nachos, filling for burritos, or a side for grilled meats.
Avoid leaving at room temperature for more than 2 hours to prevent spoilage.
Pair with cornbread to soak up the sauce; coleslaw adds a crunchy contrast.
Stir gently when reheating to maintain bean texture.

Nutritional Information

Based on 8 servings (1 cup each):

Calories: 380 kcal
Total Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 50mg
Sodium: 820mg
Total Carbohydrates: 42g
Dietary Fiber: 8g
Sugars: 18g
Protein: 19g
Vitamin A: 10% Daily Value
Vitamin C: 15% Daily Value
Calcium: 10% Daily Value
Iron: 20% Daily Value

Note: Nutritional values vary based on ingredient brands and optional add-ins. This dish is high in protein and fiber due to beans and beef. For dietary needs, try vegetarian or low-sodium variations. It’s vegetables and beans that add nutrients.

Conclusion

This cowboy baked beans with hamburger recipe delivers a hearty, flavorful dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as a comforting meal. Its simple preparation and robust flavors make it a favorite for home cooks. The smoky bacon, tender beans, and tangy sauce create a satisfying combination. This recipe is sure to become a go-to, cherished for its rustic charm and versatility.