Southern Cowboy Bean Bake – Indulge in the heartwarming flavors of the Southern Cowboy Bean Bake. A perfect blend of rich, smoky tones. And a hint of spice. That brings the South. Right into your kitchen. This recipe combines savory ground beef. Sweet and tangy barbeque sauce. And a kick of heat from green chile peppers. And hot pepper sauce. Creating a delightful comfort dish. That’s sure to be a hit. At any gathering.
I remember the first time I made this dish. It was for a casual family weekend dinner. Unsure how it would turn out. I watched as my husband. And our little one first tasted it. Their eyes lit up with delight. And immediately. They were hooked! It’s become a family favorite since then. Often requested. At our get-togethers. Seeing their happy faces. Each time I serve this dish. Fills my heart with joy.
What makes this Southern Cowboy Bean Bake truly special?
The Southern Cowboy Bean Bake. Offers effortless cooking with a slow cooker. For a set-it-and-forget-it approach. Making it perfect. For busy days. This dish is incredibly versatile. Serving wonderfully. As either a hearty main dish. Or a robust side. Ideal for potlucks, family dinners, or festive occasions. Additionally, its flavorful twist. Comes from a delightful blend of sweet barbeque sauce. And robust spices. Rounded off by a fiery kick from Tabasco sauce. Ensuring that each bite. Is exceptionally tasty. And memorable.
What You Need To Make This Southern Cowboy Bean Bake Recipe?
Ground Beef: Lean ground beef keeps the dish hearty. But healthier. Alternatively, ground turkey can be a lighter. But still flavorful option.
Baked Beans with Pork: The core of your dish. Adding a rich, comforting flavor. That blends well with the spices.
Chopped Green Chile Peppers: These add a vibrant kick. Infusing the dish with a mild heat. That complements the other ingredients. Without overpowering them.
Vidalia Onion: These sweet onions. Add a mild sweetness. That balances the robust flavors of the barbecue sauce and spices. Melting into the background. To enhance the overall flavor.
Barbecue Sauce: Choose a sauce. That balances sweetness, tang, and smokiness. To tie all the flavors together.
Brown Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness. To counterbalance the heat and acidity. Caramelizing during cooking. For a hint of molasses flavor.
Garlic Powder and Chili Powder: Essential for depth and warmth. These spices infuse the dish. With their rich flavors.
Hot Pepper Sauce: Adjust the amount of Tabasco™. To tailor the heat to your taste. Adding a spicy kick. That makes the dish more exciting.
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Steps To Make Southern Cowboy Bean Bake:
Step 1: Start by browning the pound of ground beef. In a skillet over medium heat. Once it’s fully cooked. And no longer pink. Drain the excess fat. This ensures. That your dish isn’t greasy. But still retains all the meaty flavors.
Step 2: Transfer the cooked beef. To a large slow cooker. Add the baked beans, green chiles, and chopped onion. Pour in the barbeque sauce. For that sweet and smoky base. Now, sprinkle in the brown sugar, garlic powder, and chili powder. These will add depth. And warmth to the dish. Finally, stir in the hot pepper sauce. The amount can be adjusted. Depending on how fiery you want your bake to be.
Step 3: Set your slow cooker on HIGH for 2 hours. Or on LOW for a more gentle cook of 4 to 5 hours. This slow-cooking melds all the flavors beautifully. Making each spoonful rich. And satisfying.
Tip:
To deepen the flavors. And add a smoky dimension. That pairs beautifully with the barbecue sauce. And spices. Consider browning the ground beef. With a bit of bacon or smoked sausage. The added smokiness from the bacon or sausage. Not only enhances the meaty base of the dish. But also ties in wonderfully with the baked beans. And robust seasonings. Elevating the overall flavor profile. To a whole new level of deliciousness. This simple tweak. Can transform your bean bake. Into a dish that’s truly unforgettable. And even more reflective of Southern culinary traditions.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes. You can prepare this dish in advance. And store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it in the oven or microwave. When ready to serve.
Is it possible to substitute the meat?
Absolutely! For a vegetarian version. You can use a meat substitute. Or additional beans like kidney or black beans. In place of ground beef.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To increase the heat. Add more hot pepper sauce. Or include fresh jalapeños. Or other hot peppers during cooking.
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Southern Cowboy Bean Bake
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 16 oz cans baked beans with pork
- 1 4 oz can chopped green chili peppers
- 1 small Vidalia onion peeled and chopped
- 1 c barbecue sauce
- 1/2 c brown sugar
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 3 tbsp hot pepper sauce e.g., Tabasco™, or to taste
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat. Cook the ground beef. Until it's no longer pink. Drain off any excess fat.
- Mix Ingredients: In a slow cooker. Combine the cooked beef, baked beans, chopped green chile peppers, and chopped onion.
- Add Flavors: Stir in the barbecue sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, and chili powder.
- Season: Adjust the heat with hot pepper sauce. Adding more or less. To suit your taste.
- Cook: Set your slow cooker to HIGH. And cook for 2 hours. Or set it to LOW for a longer, slower cook of 4 to 5 hours.
- Enjoy a hearty, flavorful dish. That's perfect for any family meal. Or gathering!
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
