This easy Cowboy Beans recipe is so hearty and filling and just perfect for chilly weather! Loaded with three types of beans, bacon, and beef, this family favorite is frequently served up at holiday gatherings, and parties.

Ingredients

• 1/2 pound bacon (diced)
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1/2 cup onion (chopped)
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons molasses
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 2 tablespoons mustard
• 1 can pork and beans
• 1 can butter beans (drained)
• 1 can kidney beans (drained)
• 1 can pinto beans (drained)

Steps to Make It

Prepare the Beans

1. Gather the ingredients.
2. Put the diced bacon in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
3. Cook, stirring, until the bacon is crisp.
4. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon to paper towels to drain and reserve.
5. Remove the excess bacon drippings.
6. Add the ketchup, barbecue sauce, white and brown sugars, the molasses, chilli powder, salt, pepper, and mustard. Add pork and beans, butter beans, kidney beans, and pinto beans, and stir to blend ingredients.
7. In the same skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned, breaking up and stirring as it cooks. Add the chopped onion and cook until tender. Drain off excess fat.

Oven Cooking Instructions

1. Pre-heat the oven to 350 F/180 C/Gas 4.
2. If the Dutch oven isn't ovenproof, transfer the bean mixture to a casserole or baking dish and sprinkle the bacon over the top.
3. Bake in the heated oven for 1 hour.

Slow Cooker Instructions

1. Transfer the bean mixture to the crockery insert of a slow cooker.
2. Cover and cook on HIGH for 1 hour, then reduce heat to LOW and cook for 2 to 4 hours longer.
3. Finish the beans with a topping of about 1 cup of shredded cheese. Continue baking or slow cooking for a few minutes, or until the cheese has melted.
4. Or, top each serving with 1 or 2 tablespoons of shredded cheese.
5. Serve and enjoy your Cowboy Beans with Ground Beef!

The majority of the ingredients in this recipe are available in our store, please head in to see us and we would be glad to help you put this delicious meal together.