Homestead Cowboy Beans are a hearty and savory dish featuring beans cooked in a rich tomato-based sauce with smoky bacon and sweet molasses, perfect for a comforting meal.
1 pound bacon 2 pounds ground beef 1 large onion, chopped 1 cup ketchup ⅓ cup brown sugar
1 (55 ounce) can baked beans (such as Bush's®) 2 (15 ounce) cans Great Northern beans 1 (15 ounce) can pinto beans 1 (15 ounce) can pork and beans
Soak the Beans: Begin by rinsing and soaking the beans overnight or for several hours in cold water. This softens them and reduces cooking time.
Cook Bacon: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon until it turns crispy and renders its fat. Remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving the flavorful drippings in the pot. –
Sauté Onion: Add chopped onion to the pot with the bacon drippings and cook until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, infusing the fat with its savory-sweet essence.
Combine Ingredients: Drain the soaked beans and add them to the pot along with the tomato sauce, molasses, and the cooked bacon (crumbled or chopped). Stir well to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
Simmer and Serve: Cover the pot and simmer the cowboy beans over low heat for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together and ensures the beans become tender. Adjust seasoning if needed and serve hot as a comforting side dish