Cowboy Baked Beans
A hearty and flavorful side dish perfect for gatherings, combining beans with ham, bacon, and spices.
Equipment
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 large saucepan or Dutch oven
- 1 wooden spoon
- 1 measuring cups
- 1 measuring spoons
- 1 baking dish optional for a crispy top
Ingredients
- 4 cups canned baked beans 28 oz can.
- 1 cup cooked ham Diced.
- ½ cup bacon Chopped.
- ½ cup onion Chopped.
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup barbecue sauce
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika Optional.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) if using a baking dish for a crispy top.
- In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside, but leave a little bacon grease in the pan for flavor.
- Add the chopped onion to the remaining grease and sauté until soft, about 5 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the canned baked beans, cooked ham, sautéed onions, brown sugar, barbecue sauce, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, black pepper, and smoked paprika (if using). Stir well to combine.
- Fold in the crispy bacon, reserving a small amount for garnish if desired.
- Pour the bean mixture into the saucepan or transfer to a baking dish for a crispy top and bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, until bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with reserved bacon if desired.
Notes
These beans can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.
For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and ham and add more vegetables or other meat substitutes.
Adjust the sweetness or smokiness by varying the amount of brown sugar and smoked paprika according to personal taste.