Best Easy Smoked Cowboy Beans Recipe
Cowboy beans are a classic dish that originated in the American Southwest. This hearty and flavorful side dish is perfect for barbecues, potlucks, or any gathering. While traditionally cooked over an open fire, we will give you an easy recipe to make delicious smoked cowboy beans in your backyard.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound of bacon, chopped
– 1 large onion, diced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 cans (15 ounces each) of pinto beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 can (15 ounces) of kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 can (15 ounces) of black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 cup of barbecue sauce
– 1/2 cup of ketchup
– 1/4 cup of brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons of yellow mustard
– 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon of chili powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your smoker to 250°F (120°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside, leaving the bacon grease in the skillet.
3. In the same skillet with the bacon grease, sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until they become translucent and fragrant.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked bacon, sautéed onion and garlic, drained and rinsed beans, barbecue sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
5. Transfer the bean mixture to a disposable aluminum foil pan or a cast iron skillet.
6. Place the pan or skillet in the preheated smoker and smoke for approximately 2-3 hours, or until the beans are thick and bubbly.
7. Remove the smoked cowboy beans from the smoker and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
The smoky flavor and the combination of beans, bacon, and barbecue sauce make these smoked cowboy beans absolutely irresistible. Serve them as a side dish alongside grilled meats or enjoy them on their own with some crusty bread.
Questions and Answers:
Q1. Can I use different types of beans for this recipe?
A1. Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match different types of beans according to your preference. You can use navy beans, northern beans, or even add in some chickpeas for added texture.
Q2. Can I make this recipe without a smoker?
A2. Yes, you can! If you don’t have a smoker, you can still achieve a smoky flavor by cooking the beans in a slow cooker or in the oven at a low temperature. Just make sure to add some liquid smoke to mimic the traditional smoky taste.
Q3. Can I make these beans vegetarian-friendly?
A3. Of course! Simply omit the bacon and use vegetable broth or water instead of bacon grease when sautéing the onion and garlic for a vegetarian version of smoked cowboy beans.
Q4. Can I make these beans ahead of time?
A4. Absolutely! These beans taste even better the next day as the flavors have had time to meld together. Just store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat them before serving.
Q5. Can I freeze the leftover beans?
A5. Yes, you can freeze the leftover beans for up to 3 months. Just thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and reheat them on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
Q6. Can I adjust the sweetness of the beans?
A6. Yes, feel free to adjust the amount of brown sugar according to your taste preference. If you prefer a sweeter flavor, add more brown sugar, and if you prefer a less sweet taste, reduce the amount.
Q7. Can I add some heat to the beans?
A7. Absolutely! If you like spicy food, you can add some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the bean mixture to give it a kick. Adjust the amount according to your desired level of spiciness.