Cowboy Beans (American West)

Cowboy Beans is a traditional American dish that originated in the American West, particularly among cowboys and ranchers who needed hearty and filling meals that could be prepared easily using basic ingredients. This traditional recipe is made with a variety of beans that are simmered together with bacon, garlic, chopped onions and ground beef, all in a tangy barbecue sauce.

½ lb bacon, chopped
1 small yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 lb lean ground beef
1 Tbsp. chili powder
1 tsp. sea salt
½ tsp. black pepper, freshly ground
3 (15 oz) can pork and beans, not drained
1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans, drained
1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained
1 cup barbecue sauce
½ cup ketchup
¼ cup brown sugar
2 Tbsp. yellow mustard
1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar

Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C/160°C fan, Gas Mark 4).

In a large Dutch oven or heavy bottom pot add the bacon and cook until crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon.

Leave some bacon grease in the bottom and add the onion. Cook until almost tender.

Add in the garlic and ground beef. Cook and crumble ground beef until it is no longer pink. Drain the excess grease.

Add in cooked bacon, chili powder, salt, pepper, pork and beans, cannellini beans, kidney beans, barbecue sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, yellow mustard, Worcestershire, apple cider vinegar, and stir just until incorporated.

Bake in the oven for 45 minutes.

Makes 8 servings.