Smoky, meaty, and just the right amount of sweet, these Cowboy Baked Beans are the hearty side dish that always steals the spotlight! A trio of beans, crispy bacon, and ground beef are baked in a thick barbecue-style sauce.

They’re perfect for summer cookouts, potlucks, or even a cozy fall dinner at home. Simple ingredients, bold flavor, just the way cowboy cooking should be!

If you’re looking for more Cowboy themed foods, check out our Cowboy Soup.

A white bowl filled with baked beans in thick sauce, with a spoon scooping some out. The bowl is placed on a wooden surface next to a striped cloth.

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Maybe this is the first time you’ve had pork and beans baked beans, or maybe it brings back memories of classic family dinners. Either way, this is a hearty recipe that’s full of smoky, savory flavor and pure comfort food!

If you prefer something a little less smoky or sweet, I also have a great baked beans with ground beef recipe that’s more traditional but just as satisfying.

What you’ll love about this Cowboy Baked Beans Recipe:

QUICK & EASY– Perfect for busy weeknights, this easy recipe comes together in no time with simple ingredients.
BUDGET FRIENDLY – Uses basic, affordable ingredients, making this great recipe easy on your wallet.
FAMILY-FRIENDLY – The sweet and smoky flavors make this a family favorite for family dinner or family gatherings.

Recipe Ingredients

You’ll need the following ingredients to make this amazing recipe for Cowboy Beans:

Bacon
Ground beef
Yellow Onion
Green bell pepper
Garlic
Pork and beans
Pinto beans
Great northern beans
Barbecue sauce- I used Kraft, but use your favorite BBQ sauce.
Ketchup
Molasses
Brown sugar
Worcestershire sauce
Yellow mustard
Chili powder
Smoked paprika

An assortment of ingredients for Cowboy Baked Beans in bowls and containers includes pork and beans, bacon, onions, ground beef, pinto and great northern beans, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, spices, ketchup, green bell peppers, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and molasses.

INGREDIENT NOTES:

Ground Beef: A classic addition to ground beef recipes, this adds protein and makes the beans hearty enough to serve as a main dish.
Pinto Beans & Great Northern Beans: This variety of beans creates the perfect texture in this beans recipe.
Barbecue Sauce: A sweet and tangy barbecue sauce blends with molasses and brown sugar for that irresistible flavor.
Bacon: Half a pound of bacon brings that smoky, savory finish you want in baked beans.

HOW TO MAKE COWBOY BAKED BEANS STEP-BY-STEP:

Check out the quick visual guides below. For full instructions and ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the end.

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Step 2: In a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, cook the chopped bacon until crisp. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the bacon grease in the pot.

Step 3: Add the onion, green peppers, and garlic to the bacon drippings. Cook for 5 minutes or until the vegetables are softened.

Step 4: Add the ground beef and cook for 5–7 minutes, or until browned.

Step 5: Stir in the pork and beans, pinto beans, and great northern beans.

Step 6: Add the reserved bacon, BBQ sauce, ketchup, molasses, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, chili powder, and smoked paprika. Stir until the sauce ingredients are well combined.

Collage of six images showing stages of cooking chili in a pot: sautéing onions and peppers, browning beef, adding tomatoes and spices, and mixing ingredients, resulting in a thick, hearty chili.

Step 7: Cover the pot with a lid or aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.

Step 8: Uncover and bake for an additional 30 to 45 minutes, until bubbly and slightly thickened.

Step 9: Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Close-up of a pot filled with baked beans in a rich, tomato-based sauce. The beans are plump and coated with the sauce, showing a hearty, savory dish. A small part of the pots rim is visible on the bottom right.

PRO TIP:

If serving as a main dish, pair these cowboy beans with potato salad or anything with a creamy dressing for balance.

For the best baked beans, let them rest for 10 minutes before serving so the sauce thickens up. And yes, these are even better the next day!

A white bowl filled with baked beans in a thick, rich sauce, with a spoon resting inside. The bowl is placed on a wooden surface, and a striped cloth napkin lies beside it. A blurred bowl is in the background.

Storage and Reheating

Storage: Let cool completely, then place in an airtight container or freezer-safe container. Refrigerate for 3–4 days.

Reheating: When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to loosen if dry. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until thoroughly warmed.

Freezing: Freeze for up to 1–2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

Additions & Substitutions

ADDITIONS:

Add apple cider vinegar for more tang.
Swap one can of beans with lima beans, navy beans, cannellini beans, or butter beans for that calico beans effect.

SUBSTITUTIONS:

Ground Beef: Try ground turkey for a leaner option.
Pork and Beans: Use other types of beans like calico beans or any variety you prefer.
Dutch Oven: You can use a casserole dish or transfer to a Crock pot or Slow Cooker to finish.

FAQs about this Cowboy Beans Recipe:

Yes, after browning the meat and softening the veggies, transfer all remaining ingredients to a slow cooker or crock pot and cook on low for 4–6 hours.

Yes. Use what you have on hand: butter beans, navy beans, lima beans, black beans, or cannellini beans all work well in calico beans style dishes.

Use a larger casserole dish or Dutch oven and extend the bake time slightly. It’s a great choice for family gatherings, this one’s a true crowd pleaser!

Close-up of a pot filled with savory baked beans in a rich, reddish-brown sauce. A ladle is scooping up the beans, showing their thick texture and hearty appearance.

What Can I Serve with these Cowboy Beans?

These pork & beans baked beans go great at any cookout, family reunion, or casual get-together. Serve them as a main dish with potato salad, coleslaw, mac and cheese, or honey butter corn for a perfect side dish combination. You can even add a slice of jalapeño cornbread on the side for extra flavor.

DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?

I’m excited for you to try these Cowboy Baked Beans! After you make it, please leave a rating to let me know your thoughts on it – I’m eager to hear if you loved it as much as we do!