These hearty Cowboy Beans with butter beans, bacon, and a touch of heat are always a hit at potlucks—so much so, I’ve been “volunteered” to bring them more than once!
PrintCowboy Beans
This easy Cowboy Beans recipe is a true crowd-pleaser and potluck legend. Loaded with smoky bacon, ground beef, hearty beans (including creamy butter beans!), and a sweet-savory sauce with a little optional jalapeño kick, this dish is the kind of comfort food everyone loves. It’s so good, I’ve actually seen my name pre-filled on sign-up sheets—yep, these beans are that popular. Perfect as a side or a main dish, and easy to make on the stovetop or in a slow cooker!
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 45
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 10 1x
- Category: Side dish
- Method: Stovetop, oven
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
1/2 lb bacon, chopped
1 small onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced (optional)
2 (15 oz) cans pork and beans
1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15 oz) can butter beans (lima beans), drained and rinsed
1/2 cup ketchup
1/4 cup barbecue sauce
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp yellow mustard
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 fresh jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional, for heat) 🌶️
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
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In a large skillet, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside.
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In the same skillet, brown the ground beef with onion and green bell pepper. Drain excess fat.
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In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine all beans (including butter beans), cooked meat mixture, bacon, and all remaining ingredients.
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If using jalapeño, stir in the slices now (or reserve a few to garnish).
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Simmer over low heat for 30–45 minutes, or bake uncovered at 350°F for 45 minutes until thick and bubbly.
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Serve warm.
Notes
Tips for the Best Cowboy Beans
- Use thick-cut bacon for extra smoky depth.
- Brown the meat first for richer flavor — don’t skip this step even if slow cooking.
- For a sweeter flavor, add an extra tablespoon of brown sugar.
- For extra smoky beans, use smoked paprika or chipotle powder in the mix.
- Customize the spice level with jalapeño slices, red pepper flakes, or even diced green chiles.
- This dish tastes even better the next day — it’s great for make-ahead meals.
- Swap of beans, try black beans instead of kidney beans, changing ingredients is a great way to add your own personal touch and create a signature twist on a classic recipe. It’s all about making the dish uniquely yours!
🍲 Slow Cooker / Crockpot Instructions
- Use a 6-quart slow cooker or larger.
- Cook bacon and beef with onions in a skillet first (recommended), then transfer to the crock.
- Add all remaining ingredients and stir to combine.
- Cook on low for 4–6 hours or high for 2–3 hours.
- Stir occasionally if possible, and remove lid during last 30 minutes if you want it a bit thicker.
❓FAQs
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Skip the meat and bacon. Use olive oil to sauté onion, add a dash of liquid smoke for depth, and consider using meatless crumbles or mushrooms for texture.
Can I freeze cowboy beans?
Absolutely. Let the beans cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove or microwave.
Are cowboy beans spicy?
Not by default. The jalapeño is optional — omit it if you’re sensitive to heat or remove the seeds for milder flavor.
What can I serve with cowboy beans?
Try them with:
- Grilled meats or BBQ chicken
- Cornbread or crusty bread
- A fresh green salad or creamy coleslaw
💙 Loved this recipe? Don’t forget to share it, save it, and bring it to your next potluck — just be ready to see your name already on the signup sheet!
Nutrition Disclaimer: The nutritional information provided is an estimate based on standard ingredients and serving sizes. Actual values may vary depending on specific products used and portion sizes. This information is provided for convenience and should not be considered medical or dietary advice.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 370
- Fat: 16
- Carbohydrates: 38
- Protein: 19