Cowboy Baked Beans

This recipe combines the classic flavors of baked beans, barbecue sauce, and savory ground meat with the freshness of sautéed vegetables. 

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef or ground Turkey 

• 1 large onion, diced

• 1 green bell pepper, diced

• 2 (28 oz) cans baked beans (like Bush's Original)

• 1 cup D-Harp’s No Bones About It BBQ sauce 

• 1/2 cup brown sugar

• 2 tbsp yellow mustard

• 3 tsp garlic powder

• Salt and black pepper to taste 

• 2 cups of shredded cheese (cheddar)

• 2 cups of bacon bits 

Instructions

• Prep the Meat and Vegetables: In a large, oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the ground beef, diced onion, and green bell pepper until the meat is no longer pink and the vegetables are soft. Drain any excess grease.

• Combine Ingredients: Remove from heat and stir in the canned baked beans, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, mustard and seasonings. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are thoroughly combined.

• Bake: Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish if you aren't using an oven-safe pot. Cover the dish with foil (or bake uncovered for a thicker consistency) and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the mixture is hot and bubbly and the flavors have melded together.

• Add shredded cheese over the top during the 15 to 25 minutes allowing cheese to melt evenly.

• Spread the bacon bits on the last 10 to 15 minutes to mix in with melting cheese.

• Serve: Allow the beans to rest for a few minutes to thicken slightly before serving alongside your meatloaf. 

This hearty dish combines ground beef, mixed beans, and a variety of diced vegetables, creating a comforting and flavorful meal perfect for any occasion.