Cowboy Baked Beans (Skillet or Slow Cooker) Recipe
Cowboy Baked Beans is a hearty, savory dish featuring ground beef or venison combined with sweet and tangy baked beans, enriched with onions, ketchup, brown sugar, and optional mustard. Perfect for a comforting side or main dish, this recipe can be prepared quickly in a skillet or slowly in a crockpot to deepen flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes (skillet) or 3 hours (slow cooker)
- Total Time: 25 minutes (skillet) or 3 hours 10 minutes (slow cooker)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 pound ground beef, venison, or sausage
Vegetables
- 1 small onion, chopped
Beans
- 28 ounce can Bush’s Original Baked Beans, undrained
Sauces & Sweeteners
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon mustard (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Meat: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook 1 pound of ground beef, venison, or sausage until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat carefully to reduce grease.
- Sauté the Onion: Add the chopped small onion to the skillet and stir until the onion becomes tender and translucent, enhancing the flavor base.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Pour in the 28-ounce can of undrained baked beans, 1/4 cup ketchup, 1/3 cup brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon mustard (if using). Stir the mixture thoroughly to combine all elements well.
- Simmer on Stovetop: Cover the skillet, reduce heat to medium-high, and cook stirring occasionally for about 15 minutes until the beans are heated through and flavors meld together.
- Slow Cooker Option: Alternatively, after browning the meat and draining fat, add all ingredients to a lined or greased slow cooker. Cover and cook on low heat for approximately 3 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or burning, until warmed through and flavors are well developed.
Notes
- The type of meat can be varied between ground beef, venison, or sausage to suit preference.
- Mustard is optional but adds a nice tangy depth to the baked beans.
- For a leaner dish, drain fat thoroughly after browning the meat.
- If using the slow cooker method, lining the crockpot with a slow cooker liner or greasing it will ease cleanup.
- This dish pairs well with grilled meats, cornbread, or as a hearty side for barbecues and chili cookouts.
