What are cowboy baked beans?

Cowboy baked beans are a hearty and flavor packed version of classic baked beans that are loaded with meat, typically ground beef and bacon, along with multiple types of beans and a rich smoky BBQ sauce. Unlike traditional baked beans which are usually served as a simple side dish, cowboy beans are substantial enough to serve as a complete main course. The combination of sweet, smoky, and tangy flavors from the BBQ sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and mustard is what makes them so irresistible.

Can I make these cowboy baked beans ahead of time?

Absolutely and I actually recommend it! These beans taste even better the next day after the flavors have had more time to develop and meld together overnight in the refrigerator. You can assemble the entire dish and bake it a day ahead, then reheat it covered in a 350 degree oven for about 20 minutes before serving. They are also a great make ahead option for summer cookouts and potlucks since they travel well and reheat beautifully.

Can I make these cowboy baked beans in a slow cooker?

Yes! To make these in a slow cooker, brown the ground beef and cook the onion and garlic on the stovetop first, then transfer everything to your slow cooker and add all of the remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The slow cooker version is a great option for summer entertaining because it keeps the beans warm throughout the party without heating up your kitchen.

What kind of BBQ sauce should I use for this recipe?

Any BBQ sauce you enjoy works well in this recipe. Just make sure to check the label and use a certified gluten free BBQ sauce as many store bought versions contain gluten. A smoky or hickory flavored BBQ sauce gives the beans the most classic cowboy flavor but a sweet BBQ sauce works beautifully too. If you prefer a spicier version look for a chipotle or spicy BBQ sauce for an extra kick.

Can I make this recipe without ground beef?

Yes! If you want to make a meatless version you can omit the ground beef entirely and the beans will still be hearty and delicious thanks to the bacon and the four types of beans. You can also substitute ground turkey or ground chicken for the beef if you prefer a lighter option. The cooking time and method remain the same regardless of which protein you choose.

Can I use different types of beans in this recipe?

Absolutely. The four bean combination of butter beans, navy beans, kidney beans, and pork and beans is what gives these cowboy beans their hearty texture and variety but you can easily swap in whatever canned beans you have on hand. Great northern beans, black beans, or cannellini beans all work well as substitutes. Just remember to drain and rinse all of the canned beans except for the pork and beans, which should go in with their liquid for the best sauce consistency.

Gluten Free Cowboy Baked Beans

Name: Gluten Free Cowboy Baked Beans
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 Tbsp. Olive Oil; 1 pound Ground Beef; 1 large Onion, chopped; 2 Tbsp. Minced Garlic; 1 pound Bacon, cooked and chopped; 2 cups Barbecue Sauce; 16 ounce can Butter Beans, drained and rinsed; 15 ounce can Pork and Beans; 15 ounce can Navy Beans, drained and rinsed; 15 ounce can Kidney Beans, drained and rinsed; 1/4 cup Brown Sugar; 2 Tbsp. Apple Cider Vinegar; 1 Tbsp. Yellow Mustard; 1 tsp. Ground Mustard; 2 tsp. Gluten Free Worcestershire Sauce; 1 1/2 tsp Sea Salt; 1 tsp. Coarse Ground Black Pepper

Description

These easy gluten free cowboy baked beans are the ultimate hearty comfort food made with ground beef, crispy bacon, four types of beans, and a rich smoky BBQ sauce all baked together in one dutch oven in just 45 minutes. A crowd pleasing gluten free recipe that works as a hearty main dish or the best BBQ side dish for summer cookouts, potlucks, Fourth of July, and easy weeknight dinners!

Ingredients

Scale

2 Tbsp. Olive Oil
1 pound Ground Beef
1 large Onion, chopped
2 Tbsp. Minced Garlic
1 pound Bacon, cooked and chopped
2 cups Barbecue Sauce
16 ounce can Butter Beans, drained and rinsed
15 ounce can Pork and Beans
15 ounce can Navy Beans, drained and rinsed
15 ounce can Kidney Beans, drained and rinsed
1/4 cup Brown Sugar
2 Tbsp. Apple Cider Vinegar
1 Tbsp. Yellow Mustard
1 tsp. Ground Mustard
2 tsp. Gluten Free Worcestershire Sauce
1 1/2 tsp Sea Salt
1 tsp. Coarse Ground Black Pepper

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.

In your dutch oven over medium heat pour the olive oil and cook the ground beef until just a little pink remains. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and cook 3-4 minutes more until the onion is translucent.

Add the bacon, barbecue sauce, butter beans, pork and beans, navy beans, kidney beans, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, yellow mustard, ground mustard, gluten free Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper to the beef mixture and stir to combine.

Bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes.

Let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Be sure to use certified gluten free Worcestershire sauce in this recipe. Standard Worcestershire sauce is not gluten free as it typically contains malt vinegar which is made from barley. Always check the label carefully and look for a product that is specifically labeled certified gluten free. Lea and Perrins is one of the most widely available brands and their Worcestershire sauce is considered gluten free in the United States, but always verify the label on the bottle you purchase to be sure.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Main Dish, Beans
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American