These Kielbasa Cowboy Beans are a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a potluck, a backyard barbecue, or a cozy night in! Imagine tender baked beans simmered with smoky kielbasa, ground beef, bacon, and a sweet and savory sauce. This recipe is easy to make and sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavorful and Hearty: The combination of kielbasa, ground beef, bacon, and baked beans creates a deeply satisfying and flavorful dish.
- Easy One-Pot Meal: This recipe requires just one pot, making it simple to prepare and minimizing cleanup.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This dish is perfect for feeding a crowd and is always a hit at potlucks and gatherings.
- Versatile: Serve it as a side dish or a main course with your favorite barbecue accompaniments.
Ingredients
- Kielbasa: A flavorful smoked sausage that adds a smoky depth to the beans.
- Ground beef: Adds a hearty and savory base to the beans.
- Yellow onion: Provides a savory base and sweetness.
- Green bell pepper: Adds color, texture, and a touch of sweetness.
- Garlic salt and onion powder: Enhance the savory flavors of the dish.
- Bacon: Cooked and crumbled, it adds a smoky and salty crunch.
- Brown sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the savory flavors.
- Baked beans: Use your favorite variety of baked beans for a convenient and flavorful base.
- Barbecue sauce: Contributes a smoky and tangy flavor.
- Dijon mustard: Adds a touch of tanginess and complexity to the sauce.
Note: For exact measurements, see the recipe card below!
How to Make Kielbasa Cowboy Beans
Step 1: Brown the Kielbasa
Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a large, oven-safe pot or Dutch oven, brown the sliced kielbasa over medium heat, turning occasionally, until browned on both sides, about 4-5 minutes. Remove the kielbasa from the pot and set aside.
Step 2: Brown the Beef and Vegetables
Add the ground beef, diced onion, and green bell pepper to the same pot. Season with garlic salt and onion powder. Cook until the beef is no longer pink, about 7-9 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
Step 3: Add Remaining Ingredients
Return the browned kielbasa to the pot. Stir in the cooked bacon crumbles, brown sugar, baked beans, barbecue sauce, and Dijon mustard. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
Step 4: Bake and Serve
Cover the pot and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, or until the beans are heated through, bubbly, and thickened. Serve warm and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use quality kielbasa: Choose a good quality kielbasa for the best flavor.
- Don’t overcook the kielbasa: Cook the kielbasa just until browned to prevent it from becoming tough.
- Customize the beans: Use your favorite variety of baked beans, such as vegetarian baked beans or spicy baked beans.
- Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the amount of brown sugar or omit it altogether.
How to Serve
These Kielbasa Cowboy Beans are delicious served as a side dish or a main course:
- Side Dish: Serve them alongside grilled meats, barbecue ribs, or pulled pork.
- Main Course: Pair them with cornbread, coleslaw, and potato salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
- Topping: Use them as a topping for baked potatoes or nachos.
Make Ahead and Storage
These Kielbasa Cowboy Beans are great for making ahead of time or storing leftovers.
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing
You can freeze the beans for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.
FAQs
1. Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker? Yes, you can! Brown the kielbasa, ground beef, and vegetables first, then transfer them to the slow cooker with the remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the beans are heated through and thickened.
2. Can I use a different type of sausage? Absolutely! Andouille sausage, Italian sausage, or even chorizo would be delicious substitutes for kielbasa.
3. Can I make this recipe vegetarian? Yes, you can! Omit the kielbasa, ground beef, and bacon, and use vegetarian baked beans. You can also add other vegetables, such as mushrooms or zucchini, for a heartier dish.
4. Can I add other seasonings to the beans? Definitely! Chili powder, cumin, or smoked paprika would be delicious additions.
This Kielbasa Cowboy Beans Recipe is a flavorful and hearty dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its easy preparation and satisfying flavors, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again!
PrintKielbasa Cowboy Beans Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 27 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Bake, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Southwestern
Description
These Kielbasa Cowboy Beans are a hearty and flavorful side dish that’s perfect for any barbecue or potluck! Smoked kielbasa, ground beef, bacon, and a medley of vegetables are simmered in a sweet and smoky sauce with baked beans. This easy recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
- 1 ring (13.9 ounces) kielbasa, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced (approximately 1 cup)
- 1 green bell pepper, diced (approximately 1 cup)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 cans (28 ounces each) baked beans
- 1/2 cup (140 g) barbecue sauce
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Brown Kielbasa: Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). In a 4-quart, oven-safe pot (like a Dutch oven) over medium heat, brown the kielbasa slices on both sides. Remove and set aside.
- Brown Ground Beef: Add ground beef, onion, bell pepper, garlic salt, and onion powder to the same pot. Cook until the beef is browned. Drain any excess grease.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the browned kielbasa, cooked bacon, brown sugar, baked beans, barbecue sauce, and Dijon mustard to the pot. Stir to combine all ingredients.
- Bake: Cover the pot and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, or until the beans are heated through, bubbly, and thickened.
- Serve: Serve the Kielbasa Cowboy Beans warm.
Notes
- You can use any type of smoked sausage in place of kielbasa.
- If you don’t have an oven-safe pot, transfer the mixture to a casserole dish before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¾ cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
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