Cowboy Baked Beans are a hearty and delicious dish that embodies the spirit of cowboy cuisine. This classic American side dish is beloved for its rich, savory flavors and comforting texture, making it a staple at barbecues, potlucks, and camping meals.
Ingredients
Scale:
2 cups dried navy beans (or other small white beans)
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
4 cups water
1 cup barbecue sauce (homemade or store-bought)
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup diced onion
1/2 cup diced bell pepper (optional)
Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Crumbled bacon or vegetarian bacon bits (optional)
Instructions
Rinse and sort the dried beans to remove any debris. Soak them overnight in a large pot with plenty of water, or use the quick soak method by boiling them for 2 minutes and letting them sit for 1 hour.
After soaking, drain the beans and rinse them under cold water.
In a slow cooker, combine the soaked beans, water, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, diced onion, diced bell pepper (if using), brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
Stir everything together, cover, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beans are tender and the sauce is thickened. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Taste the beans before serving and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or spices as desired.
Once cooked, serve the Cowboy Baked Beans hot, garnished with chopped parsley or crumbled bacon if desired.
