Cowboy Baked Beans

Cowboy Baked Beans are the ultimate crowd-pleasing side dish! Loaded with ground beef, crispy bacon, baked beans, and a rich smoky-sweet barbecue sauce, they’re baked until thick, bubbly, and caramelized. Whether you’re serving them at a summer cookout, bringing them to a potluck, or adding them to your holiday table, this hearty recipe is always one of the first dishes to disappear.

this recipe!

Looking for more bbq side dishes? Try my crockpot mac & cheese and honey butter skillet corn recipes!

Why You’ll Love These Cowboy Baked Beans

• This Cowboy Baked Beans recipe is packed with smoky barbecue flavor, hearty ground beef, crispy bacon, and a rich, sweet-tangy sauce that bakes into every bite.
• It’s an easy make-ahead side dish that’s perfect for potlucks, backyard BBQs, family reunions, tailgates, camping trips, and holiday dinners because it feeds a crowd and stays warm for serving.
• Made with pantry staples like canned baked beans and simple seasonings, this recipe comes together with minimal prep while delivering the rich, homemade flavor everyone loves.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 lb ground beef
• 6–8 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 (28 oz) cans baked beans
• 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
• 1/3 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Step by Step Instructions

STEP ONE – Cook the chopped bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp. Remove and drain on paper towels, leaving a small amount of drippings in the pan.

STEP TWO – Add the ground beef and diced onion to the skillet and cook until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, breaking up the meat as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed.

STEP THREE – In a large bowl or Dutch oven, combine baked beans, cooked beef mixture, bacon, barbecue sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

STEP FOUR – Stir until everything is evenly mixed, then transfer to a greased 9×13 baking dish or keep in a Dutch oven.

STEP FIVE – Bake uncovered at 350°F for 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, until thick, bubbly, and slightly caramelized on top.

STEP SIX – Let rest for about 10 minutes before serving so the sauce can thicken.