Description
Cowboy beans are the ultimate comfort food, perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights at home. This hearty dish combines tender kidney and pinto beans with smoky bacon and zesty spices, creating a rich and satisfying flavor profile. Easy to prepare, this cowboy beans recipe will transport you to campfire nights with every bite. Serve it as a main dish or a side at your next barbecue, and watch it become an instant favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
Instructions
- 1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove from the pan but leave the drippings.
- 2. Sauté the diced onion and bell pepper in the reserved bacon drippings until soft.
- 3. Add the crispy bacon back to the skillet along with both types of beans and stir well.
- 4. Mix in the minced garlic, brown sugar, BBQ sauce, and cayenne pepper; stir until evenly combined.
- 5. Reduce heat to low and let simmer for about 20 minutes to meld flavors.
- 6. Serve hot with cornbread or tortilla chips.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 15mg