Description

Saddle up for flavor with this Hearty Cowboy Beans recipe — a smoky, protein-packed comfort food that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or make-ahead meals. Bursting with ground beef, crispy bacon, bold spices, and three types of beans, this dish is rich, rustic, and utterly satisfying. It’s a go-to option for those searching for easy dinner recipes, one-pot meals, healthy comfort food, or quick meal prep ideas. Whether you’re serving it as a main dish or a hearty side, these cowboy beans are guaranteed to disappear fast.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef (80/20 preferred)
6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
2 cans (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) white or navy beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, optional
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 medium onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (fire-roasted preferred)
1/4 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon ground cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional)

Instructions

Chop bacon, onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Rinse and drain beans.
In a large Dutch oven, cook bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside.
In the same pot, brown the ground beef. Drain excess fat if needed.
Add onion and bell pepper; sauté until soft. Stir in garlic for 30 seconds.
Mix in tomato paste, then add diced tomatoes, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and spices.
Add all the beans and cooked bacon. Stir everything together.
Reduce heat to low, cover loosely, and simmer for 30–40 minutes. Stir occasionally.
Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve warm.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes