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Slow Cooker Hawaiin Pork Tenderloin

This easy recipe for slow cooker Hawaiin pork tenderloin only has three ingredients! You simply add the pork, barbecue sauce and pineapple chunks to your crockpot. It is the best main dish and goes great over rice or with veggies.

a blue platter with a slow cooker Hawaiin pork tenderloin surrounded by cooked pineapple chunks.

This recipe is my go to on a day I don't really want to cook. Since this recipe just requires putting the ingredients in the slow cooker and basically walking away it's great for days when I'm doing other things. I like to make jasmine rice to serve with it for a simple and delicious meal.

If you are looking for more pork recipes try my Pork Tenderloin with Prune Sauce.

You can find all of my meal recipes here: Gluten Free Meal Recipes

a blue serving platter with slow cooker Hawaiin pork tenderloin surrounded by cooked pineapple chunks next to a white plate with a serving of tenderloin.
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Ingredients

Instructions

Add the pork tenderloin to your crockpot. Pour the barbecue sauce and pineapple chunks with juice over top.

Cook on high for two hours. Using a digital thermometer check the temperature of the tenderloin in the thickest part. The temperature needs to be at least 145 degrees to be done.

I like to cook my pork tenderloin to 155-160 degrees and then remove from the crockpot to a platter or cutting board to rest for 10 minutes before I slice it or shred it.

Supplies

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for pork to cook in the crockpot?

The pork tenderloin needs to reach an internal temperature of at least 145 degrees. I like mine to cook to 155-160 degrees before I pull it from the crockpot to cool. This should take about 2 hours on the high setting. Be sure to use a digital thermometer to test the temperature in the thickest part of the tenderloin.

Can pork tenderloin be used for pulled pork?

Pulled pork recipes typically call for pork shoulder or pork butt. You can however definitely use pork tenderloin for pulled pork though. This recipe is perfect to use for pulled pork.

Instead of cutting the cooked meat into medallions you can shred it using two forks. There is lots of leftover juice with this recipe that you can mix with the pulled pork to keep it juicy.

More Recipes You Might Enjoy

Pork Tenderloin with Prune Sauce
Gluten Free Slow Cooker Hawaiin Meatballs
Gluten Free Slow Cooker Meatloaf
10 Easy Gluten Free Beef Recipes
Gluten Free Slow Cooker Barbecue Meatballs

I get a lot of my ingredients from Thrive Market. Thrive Market has been a game changer for me eating gluten free. They have so many options I can't get at my rural grocery stores! Use this link to get 25% off your first order!

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Slow Cooker Hawaiin Pork Tenderloin

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

  • Author: Elaine VanVleck
  • Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free
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Description

This easy recipe for slow cooker Hawaiin pork tenderloin only has three ingredients! You simply add the pork, barbecue sauce and pineapple chunks to your crockpot. It is the best main dish and goes great over rice or with veggies.

Ingredients

Scale

3-4 pound Pork Tenderloin or Center Cut Pork Loin
20 ounce can Pineapple Chunks with juice
18 ounce bottle Barbecue Sauce

Instructions

Add the pork tenderloin to your crockpot. Pour the barbecue sauce and pineapple chunks with juice over top.

Cook on high for two hours. Using a digital thermometer check the temperature of the tenderloin in the thickest part. The temperature needs to be at least 145 degrees to be done.

I like to cook my pork tenderloin to 155-160 degrees and then remove from the crockpot to a platter or cutting board to rest for 10 minutes before I slice it or shred it.

Notes

If you are going to shred this pork tenderloin be sure to save the juice from the crockpot to add some back to the shredded meat to keep it moist and juicy.

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours
  • Category: Meats, Main Dish
  • Method: Crockpot
  • Cuisine: Gluten Free

Oven Baked Steak and Potato Kabobs

This easy recipe for oven baked steak and potato kabobs makes a quick meal! The skewers are stacked with beef steak, onions and baby red potatoes. Each kabob is brushed with a rosemary oil mixture that gives them lots of flavor.

a cream and gold platter of oven baked steak and potato kabobs next to a small bowl of flaky sea salt.

Sometimes (especially during the winter months) I don't want to start our grill. This recipe made in the oven is perfect for those times. It's an easy meal or great for serving at parties for a hearty snack. I love that these can be baking without having to be watched while I enjoy time with family and friends.

If you are looking for other easy recipes you might also enjoy my Slow Cooker Steak and Mushrooms, my Oven Baked Marinated Steak Kabobs, my Air Fryer Garlic Steak Bites or my Gluten Free Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy.

You can find all of my meal recipes here: Gluten Free Meal Recipes

a wooden skewer of oven baked steak and potato kabobs.
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Ingredients

Instructions

Soak the wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes.

In a large pot boil the potatoes for 3-5 minutes until they're tender. Drain and set them aside to cool.

Cut the steak into one inch cubes and season with the Montreal steal seasoning. Cut the onions into one inch cubes and set aside.

In a small bowl whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper and rosemary. 

Thread the potatoes, steak and onions onto the skewers. This should make 8 full skewers.

Place the kabobs on a baking sheet. Brush or drizzle the olive oil mixture over them.

Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Turn the kabobs every 10 minutes so they cook evenly.

Supplies

Storage

After the kabobs have completely cooled I liked to take everything off the skewers and store it all together in an air tight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

More Recipes You Might Enjoy

I get a lot of my ingredients from Thrive Market. Thrive Market has been a game changer for me eating gluten free. They have so many options I can't get at my rural grocery stores! Use this link to get 40% off your first order!

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Oven Baked Steak and Potato Kabobs

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

  • Author: Elaine VanVleck
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 8 skewers 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free
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Description

This easy recipe for oven baked steak and potato kabobs makes a quick meal! The skewers are stacked with beef steak, onions and baby red potatoes. Each kabob is brushed with a rosemary oil mixture that gives them lots of flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

Instructions

Soak the wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes.

In a large pot boil the potatoes for 3-5 minutes until they're tender. Drain and set them aside to cool.

Cut the steak into one inch cubes and season with the Montreal steal seasoning. Cut the onions into one inch cubes and set aside.

In a small bowl whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper and rosemary. 

Thread the potatoes, steak and onions onto the skewers. This should make 8 full skewers.

Place the kabobs on a baking sheet. Brush or drizzle the olive oil mixture over them.

Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Turn the kabobs every 10 minutes so they cook evenly.

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Meals, Appetizers
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Gluten Free

Frequently Asked Questions

Can steak kabobs be cooked in the oven?

Yes! Baking kabobs in the oven is one of my favorite ways to prepare them. It's simple and quick to have a meal or appetizers without turning on your grill. I bake the skewers at 350 degrees for 30 minutes turning them every 10 minutes.

How do I cook kabobs in the oven?

You will need to soak wooden skewers for 30 minutes in water. Boil the potatoes in a pot of water for 3-5 minutes until a fork goes through them. Drain them and let them cool.

While the skewers are soaking cut the steak and veggies into cubes. Season the steak with Montreal steak seasoning and let stand. In a small bowl make the oil mixture to brush or drizzle over the kabobs before they go into the oven. Thread the steak, potatoes and onion onto the skewers placing them on all on a baking sheet.

Brush the oil mixture onto the kabobs. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Turn the kabobs every 10 minutes so they cook evenly. Serve warm as a meal or appetizers.

Top Tip

Taking the kabobs off the skewers makes the easier to reheat. To reheat place a serving on your plate, cover with a damp paper towel and then heat in the microwave in 30 second intervals until hot. Enjoy!

Oven Baked Marinated Steak Kabobs

This easy recipe for oven baked marinated steak kabobs makes a quick dinner that can be prepped ahead. I like to use beef steak and lots of veggies on each skewer. I marinade the steak at least two hours and then alternate steak and vegetables on each kebab.

a white platter with oven baked marinated steak kabobs on it.

This may be an unpopular opinion, but I'm not a big fan of standing at the grill. It's usually hot outside, there may be bugs and my hair ends up smelling like smoke. So, instead I like to make kabobs in the oven. It's so easy and allows me to make yummy skewers of meat and veggies all year long.

If you are looking for more steak recipes you might also enjoy my Slow Cooker Steak and Mushrooms, my Oven Baked Steak and Potato Kabobs, my Air Fryer Garlic Steak Bites or my Gluten Free Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy.

You can find all of my meal recipes here: Gluten Free Meal Recipes

oven baked marinated steak kabobs on wooden skewers.
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Ingredients

Instructions

Cut the beef steak into one inch cubes.

In a sealed container or a gallon freezer bag add the olive oil, coconut aminos, worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, salt, pepper and Italian seasoning. Add the beef steak cubes to this mixture.

Shake to coat all of the steak pieces. Store in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. I love to leave the steak in the marinade overnight for lots of flavor.

Soak the wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes.

While the skewers are soaking, cut the sweet onion, red onion and bell peppers into one inch chunks.

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.

Once the steak has marinated and the skewers have been soaked you are ready to assemble the kabobs. Add a layer of steak and alternating layers of vegetables until you've used all of the ingredients. Lay them on an unlined baking sheet.

Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes, turning the skewers every 10 minutes.

Supplies

Storage

Once the kabobs have cooled store them in an air tight storage container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Top Tip

To reheat the kabobs place them in the microwave with a damp paper towel over top and heat in 30 second intervals until they are hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you make steak kabobs in the oven?

Yes! It's so simple and it saves you from standing over a hot grill. Be sure to soak your wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes. Then using whatever meat and vegetable combination you like add them to the skewers.

Use a baking sheet to lay the skewers on and bake them. If you want a bit of char you can broil the kabobs, but watch them closely so they don't get too dark.

How long do you cook kabobs in the oven?

I like to cook them in the oven at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Be sure to turn them every 10 minutes so they cook evenly. If they look too dry spray a bit of olive oil on them and finish baking.

More Recipes You Might Enjoy

I get a lot of my ingredients from Thrive Market. Thrive Market has been a game changer for me eating gluten free. They have so many options I can't get at my rural grocery stores! Use this link to get 40% off your first order!

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Oven Baked Marinated Steak Kabobs

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

  • Author: Elaine VanVleck
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: approximately 18 skewers 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free
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Description

This easy recipe for oven baked marinated steak kabobs makes a quick dinner that can be prepped ahead. I like to use beef steak and lots of veggies on each skewer. I marinade the steak at least two hours and then alternate steak and vegetables on each kebab.

Ingredients

Scale

Marinade:

Kabobs:

Instructions

Cut the beef steak into one inch cubes.

In a sealed container or a gallon freezer bag add the olive oil, coconut aminos, worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, salt, pepper and Italian seasoning. Add the beef steak cubes to this mixture.

Shake to coat all of the steak pieces. Store in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. I love to leave the steak in the marinade overnight for lots of flavor.

Soak the wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes.

While the skewers are soaking, cut the sweet onion, red onion and bell peppers into one inch chunks.

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.

Once the steak has marinated and the skewers have been soaked you are ready to assemble the kabobs. Add a layer of steak and alternating layers of vegetables until you've used all of the ingredients. Lay them on an unlined baking sheet.

Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes, turning the skewers every 10 minutes.

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Oven Baked
  • Cuisine: Gluten Free

Air Fryer Garlic Steak Bites

These Air Fryer Garlic Steak Bites are one of those recipes that sounds fancy but is genuinely one of the easiest things I make in my air fryer. Sirloin steak cut into one inch cubes gets tossed with olive oil, minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, parsley, salt, and pepper and then air fries at 400 degrees.

The result is steak bites that are beautifully seared on the outside and incredibly juicy and tender on the inside and the garlic and herb coating is absolutely irresistible.

a white serving bowl of air fryer garlic steak bites next to a bottle of olive oil.

This is the kind of recipe that makes weeknight dinners feel a little more special without any extra effort.

It is naturally gluten free, keto friendly, and high in protein which makes it a great option for anyone who is watching their macros or just wants a quick and satisfying dinner on the table fast.

I love serving these over cauliflower rice or with roasted vegetables for a complete meal that comes together in well under 30 minutes.

Are you looking for more recipes ideas for your air fryer? You might also like my Gluten Free Air Fryer Fajitas, my Gluten Free Air Fryer Turkey Breast, my Gluten Free Air Fryer Apple Fritters, or my Air Fryer Pesto Baby Potatoes.

If you are new to air frying or looking for a new air fryer, the Instant Vortex Plus 6qt Air Fryer is my favorite so far. It is easy to clean and cooks food evenly.

You can find all of my air fryer recipes here: My Favorite Gluten Free Air Fryer Recipes

a white serving bowl of air fryer garlic steak bites next to small bowls of dried parsley and coarse sea salt.
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Ingredients

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl add the chopped steak, olive oil, minced garlic, onion powder, dried parsley, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt and pepper. Stir to coat the steak cubes.

Pour an even layer of steak cubes into the basket of your air fryer. You may need to do two rounds of air frying if there is too much steak for your air fryer basket.

Air fry at 400 degrees for 10-12 minutes.

Supplies

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I cook steak bites in the air fryer?

For approximately 1-inch cubes of steak I air fry them at 400 degrees for 10 to 12 minutes. I check the steak bites at 10 minutes and if they look like the outside needs to be a bit more broiled I air fry for 2 minutes more.

Can you put raw meat in the air fryer?

Yes! The air fryer is perfect for not only making steak bites, but also cooking burgers, entire steaks, chicken breasts and much more. Even though the air fryer doesn't require oil I still like to either marinade the meat or coat it with an oil and herbs mixture to add extra flavor.

What cut of steak works best for air fryer steak bites?

Sirloin steak is my top choice for this recipe because it has great flavor, stays tender when cooked quickly at high heat, and is widely available at a reasonable price. Ribeye is a more indulgent option that will give you an even richer and more buttery result. Tenderloin also works beautifully if you want the most tender bite possible. I would avoid tougher cuts like chuck or round as they need longer cooking methods to become tender and will not work well in this quick air fryer recipe.

How do I know when my steak bites are done?

The steak bites will be nicely browned and seared on the outside when done. I check them at 10 minutes and if they need a bit more color I add 2 more minutes. For a more precise result use a meat thermometer - 135 degrees is medium rare, 145 degrees is medium, and 160 degrees is well done. I prefer them at medium which gives you the most juicy and tender result.

What should I serve with air fryer garlic steak bites?

These steak bites are incredibly versatile and pair well with so many side dishes. My favorites are roasted vegetables, cauliflower rice, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad. They are also delicious served over gluten free pasta with a drizzle of the pan juices or alongside my Oven Roasted Parmesan Green Beans for a complete and satisfying gluten free meal.

Recipes You Might Also Enjoy

I get a lot of my ingredients from Thrive Market. Thrive Market has been a game changer for me eating gluten free. They have so many options I can't get at my rural grocery stores! Use this link to get 40% off your first order!

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Air Fryer Garlic Steak Bites

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

  • Author: Elaine VanVleck
  • Total Time: 22 minutes
  • Yield: 5 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free
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Description

These Air Fryer Garlic Steak Bites are juicy, perfectly seared, and packed with garlic, rosemary, thyme, and parsley flavor in every single bite. Sirloin steak cubed and tossed in olive oil and simple herbs air fries at 400 degrees for just 10 to 12 minutes for the most incredibly tender and flavorful steak bites that are naturally gluten free and keto friendly. The easiest and most impressive quick weeknight dinner you will ever make in your air fryer!

Ingredients

Scale

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl add the chopped steak, olive oil, minced garlic, onion powder, dried parsley, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt and pepper. Stir to coat the steak cubes.

Pour an even layer of steak cubes into the basket of your air fryer. You may need to do two rounds of air frying if there is too much steak for your air fryer basket.

Air fry at 400 degrees for 10-12 minutes.

Notes

The steak will turn out best cooked in an even layer with room for air to circulate around the pieces.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Meat
  • Method: Air Fryer
  • Cuisine: American

If you made these Air Fryer Garlic Steak Bites I would love to hear what you thought! Please leave a star rating and a comment below. This is one of my favorite quick and easy gluten free dinners and I hope it becomes one of yours too!

Storage

Store leftover air fryer garlic steak bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat place the steak bites back in the air fryer at 350 degrees for 2 to 3 minutes until heated through. You can also reheat in the microwave in 30 second intervals covered with a damp paper towel but the air fryer will give you a much better result and keep the outside from getting rubbery. These steak bites also freeze well in a freezer safe container for up to 2 months.

Top Tip

Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. The steak bites need space around each piece for the hot air to circulate and create that beautiful seared exterior. If you are cooking more than one pound of steak work in two batches rather than piling everything in at once. Overcrowding the basket will cause the steak to steam rather than sear and you will lose that perfect caramelized crust that makes these bites so delicious.

Gluten Free Cowboy Baked Beans

These gluten free cowboy baked beans are the kind of recipe that makes everyone at the table go back for seconds. Ground beef, crispy bacon, four types of beans, and a rich smoky BBQ sauce all come together in one dutch oven and bake into the most hearty and satisfying dish you will ever make. The combination of butter beans, navy beans, kidney beans, and pork and beans gives every bite a different texture and the bold sauce made with brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, yellow mustard, and BBQ sauce is sweet, tangy, and absolutely irresistible.

Ready in just 45 minutes and completely gluten free from start to finish.

a dutch oven of gluten free cowboy baked beans next to two white bowls of beans.

This recipe works beautifully as both a hearty main dish and a crowd pleasing BBQ side dish which makes it one of the most versatile recipes in my summer rotation.

It is the dish I bring to every summer cookout, Fourth of July gathering, and potluck because it feeds a crowd, travels well, and gets even better the next day reheated.

If you are looking for a gluten free BBQ recipe that is guaranteed to impress, this is the one. You will make it once and it will become a permanent fixture in your summer recipe lineup.

If you are looking for more ground beef recipes you might also enjoy my Gluten Free Ground Beef Pasta Casserole, my Easy Ground Beef Nacho Casserole, my Instant Pot Beef and Vegetable Soup, my Gluten Free Creamy Beef and Mushroom Pasta, or my Gluten Free Instant Pot Chili Mac and Cheese.

You can also find more recipes here: 10 Easy Gluten Free Beef Recipes

a white bowl of gluten free cowboy baked beans on a plate with a slice of bread.
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Ingredients

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.

Supplies

More Recipes You Might Enjoy

I get a lot of my ingredients from Thrive Market. Thrive Market has been a game changer for me eating gluten free. They have so many options I can't get at my rural grocery stores! Use this link to get 40% off your first order!

Print
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Gluten Free Cowboy Baked Beans

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

  • Author: Elaine VanVleck
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free
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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

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

If you make these Gluten Free Cowboy Baked Beans I would love to hear what you think! Leave a star rating and a comment below and let me know what occasion you served them for.

Don't forget to save this recipe to your Pinterest boards so you can find it again all summer long!

Storage

Store leftover gluten free cowboy baked beans in a sealed airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 5 days. These beans reheat beautifully and the flavor gets even better the next day as the sauce continues to develop overnight. Reheat on the stovetop over medium low heat stirring occasionally until warmed through, or microwave individual portions in a covered bowl. These cowboy baked beans also freeze well. Store in a freezer safe container for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Top Tip

Do not drain the pork and beans before adding them to the dutch oven. The liquid in the can is part of what creates the rich and saucy base for these cowboy baked beans. All of the other canned beans should be drained and rinsed as the recipe calls for, but keeping the pork and beans liquid in the pot adds flavor and helps the sauce come together beautifully during baking. If you drain all four cans of beans the finished dish will be too thick and dry rather than saucy and rich.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.