Mr. Food’S Cowboy Beans

Servings: 6 Difficulty: Intermediate
Savory slow-cooked beans with smoky bacon, sweet barbecue sauce, and crisp bell peppers
Mr. Food's Cowboy Beans recipe image

This hearty side dish combines tender kidney and pinto beans with crispy bacon, sweet brown sugar, and tangy barbecue sauce. The addition of sautéed onions and green bell peppers provides a fresh, crunchy contrast to the rich, slow-cooked beans. Perfect for backyard barbecues, potlucks, or a cozy weeknight dinner, these cowboy beans offer a satisfying blend of sweet and savory flavors. The dish is easy to prepare, requiring minimal active cooking time while the flavors meld together beautifully. Serve warm alongside grilled meats or as a standalone vegetarian option for a comforting meal.

Mr. Food’S Cowboy Beans

Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 6 Calories: 577.0

Description

This hearty side dish combines tender kidney and pinto beans with crispy bacon, sweet brown sugar, and tangy barbecue sauce. The addition of saut&# 195;©ed onions and green bell peppers provides a fresh, crunchy contrast to the rich, slow-cooked beans. Perfect for backyard barbecues, potlucks, or a cozy weeknight dinner, these cowboy beans offer a satisfying blend of sweet and savory flavors. The dish is easy to prepare, requiring minimal active cooking time while the flavors meld together beautifully. Serve warm alongside grilled meats or as a standalone vegetarian option for a comforting meal.

Ingredients

Directions

  1. In a large skillet over medium-low heat, cook the bacon until crisp, turning occasionally.
  2. Remove the cooked bacon from the skillet and drain on paper towels. Crumble into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
  3. Remove and discard all but 2 tablespoons of the bacon drippings from the skillet.
  4. Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the skillet with the remaining bacon fat. Sauté over medium heat until softened, about 5 minutes.
  5. Stir in the crushed garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  6. Add the rinsed kidney beans, pinto beans, barbecue sauce, and brown sugar to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
  7. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beans are heated through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
  8. Stir the crumbled bacon back into the beans before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6


Amount Per Serving
Calories 577.0kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 42.2g65%
Saturated Fat 14.0g70%
Cholesterol 46.0mg16%
Sodium 1721.8mg72%
Total Carbohydrate 9.7g4%
Dietary Fiber 2.2g9%
Sugars 4.5g
Protein 38.2g77%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

These beans can be made ahead and reheated gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. They taste even better the next day as the flavors meld.

For a smokier flavor, you can use smoked bacon or add a dash of liquid smoke to the sauce.

If you prefer a thicker consistency, let the beans simmer uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes.

To make this dish vegetarian, omit the bacon and use vegetable oil for sautéing the vegetables. Add a tablespoon of smoked paprika for depth of flavor.

Serve these cowboy beans alongside grilled burgers, hot dogs, or barbecue chicken for a complete meal.

Keywords: cowboy beans, bacon, kidney beans, pinto beans, barbecue sauce, side dish, bbq, slow cooker, vegetarian option, comfort food, american cuisine, potluck, grilling, onion, bell pepper, brown sugar, garlic, hearty, savory, sweet, smoky
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