A hearty Cowboy Beans Recipe by Little House Big Barn. If you’re looking for a meal that’s hearty, satisfying, and full of bold, comforting flavors, this Cowboy Beans Recipe is just what you need.

Packed with protein and a touch of sweetness, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or any time you’re craving something warm and filling. Plus, it’s easy to make with simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.

Let’s get started!

A bowl full of hearty cowboy beans made from Little House Big Barn Recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Packed with Flavor: Smoky and slightly sweet, these beans are a flavor explosion.
Budget-Friendly: Made with affordable pantry staples like beans, condiments, and seasonings.
Versatile: Serve it as a main dish with cornbread, or use it as a side for BBQ or grilled meats.
Make-Ahead Friendly: It tastes even better the next day, making it great for meal prep.

Ingredients For Cowboy Beans

1 lb. ground beef
1 onion
1 cup ketchup
1 cup BBQ sauce
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 can pork and beans
1 can green beans (drained)
2 cans baked beans
2 cans kidney beans or black beans (drained)
1 tsp each of salt & pepper
3 cloves of minced garlic
2 TBSP yellow mustard

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Delicious Cowboy Beans

Cook the ground beef with the chopped onion. Season the scrambled meat with salt, pepper, and minced garlic. Drain off grease once it is cooked.
Add drained meat to Dutch oven or large pot
Add all of the other ingredients to the pot.
Cook on low to medium heat for 15 to 20 minutes.
This meal is perfect as a crockpot meal!

A big pot of Little House Big Barn's Cowboy Beans on the stove.

Serving Suggestions

Cowboy beans are a meal on their own, but they also pair beautifully with:

Fresh cornbread or biscuits
A side of coleslaw
Grilled meats or a hearty steak

Make It Your Own

Spice It Up: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne for some heat.
Go Vegetarian: Skip the bacon and use smoked paprika or liquid smoke for that smoky flavor.
Add More Veggies: Toss in bell peppers or diced carrots for extra texture and nutrients.

More Mix-Ins

Cowboy beans make an ideal side dish year-round. They’re warm and comforting during the winter months, yet equally perfect for summer cookouts! Here are some extra flavor options to make your beans uniquely delicious.

Add in Beans: The more kinds of beans, the merrier! Feel free to add in white beans, black beans, pinto beans, or garbanzo beans. They add such a great texture!
Make it Sweeter: Cowboy beans are absolutely delicious with a little sweetness. Feel free to add in brown sugar, honey, or molasses to taste!
Add Smoky Flavor: If you want your cowboy beans to have smoky flavor, try adding in a tablespoon of liquid smoke.

A Hearty Cowboy Bean Recipe by Little House Big Barn

Little House Big Barn

If you’re looking for a meal that’s hearty, satisfying, and full of bold, comforting flavors, this Cowboy Bean Recipe is just what you need. Packed with protein and a touch of sweetness, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or any time you’re craving something warm and filling. Plus, it’s easy to make with simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.

Print Recipe

Course Main Course

Equipment

1 large pot

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion
1 cups ketchup
1 cups BBQ sauce
½ cup brown sugar
1 can pork and beans
1 can green beans (drained)
2 cans baked beans
2 cans kidney beans or black beans (drained)
1 tsp salt & pepper (to taste)
3 cloves minced garlic
2 TBSP yellow mustard

Instructions

Cook the ground beef with the chopped onion. Season the scrambled meat with salt, pepper, and minced garlic. Drain off grease once it is cooked.
Add drained meat to Dutch oven or large pot.
Add all of the other ingredients to the pot.
Cook on low to medium heat (simmer) for 15 to 20 minutes.

How To Store Your Cowboy Beans

Cowboy Beans should be stored properly to maintain their flavor and freshness. Here’s how you can store them:

Short-Term Storage (Up to 4 Days):

Refrigerate: Allow the beans to cool completely after cooking, then transfer them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat Safely: Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until steaming hot before serving.

Long-Term Storage (Up to 3 Months):

Freeze: Let the beans cool completely. Portion them into freezer-safe containers or resealable freezer bags. Leave some room at the top for expansion.
Label and Date: Clearly label the container or bag with the date so you can keep track of storage time.
Thaw and Reheat: Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop or microwave for the best texture and flavor.

Tips for Best Results:

Avoid storing in the pot or pan they were cooked in; transfer to a proper container to maintain flavor and texture.
If adding toppings like cheese or sour cream, add them after reheating to avoid a soggy or separated texture.

Proper storage ensures your Cowboy Beans remain delicious and ready to enjoy!

Why It’s Called Cowboy Beans

Cowboy beans were a staple on the trail for ranch hands and cowboys. With minimal ingredients that travel well—like beans, cured meat, and seasonings—this dish became a go-to. Today, it’s a nostalgic comfort food that’s just as satisfying around your kitchen table as it was around a campfire.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or just want a hearty meal for yourself, this Cowboy Bean Recipe will hit the spot. Try it out, and don’t forget to grab a hunk of cornbread to soak up all that delicious sauce!

Let us know how you like it in the comments below—happy cooking!

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