Hearty Cowboy Bean & Beef Casserole
This Cowboy Beans and Beef Casserole is the ultimate hearty, one-pan comfort meal—like a backyard barbecue in the middle of winter. The mix of brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika creates the perfect sweet, tangy, and smoky flavor. Using three types of beans makes it extra filling and gives a satisfying variety of textures that hold up beautifully while baking.
Cowboy Beans and Beef Casserole
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ground beef | 1 lb |
| Pork and beans (undrained) | 1 (28 oz) can |
| Kidney beans (drained and rinsed) | 1 (15 oz) can |
| Pinto beans (drained and rinsed) | 1 (15 oz) can |
| Shredded cheddar cheese | 1 cup |
| Ketchup | ½ cup |
| Barbecue sauce | ⅓ cup |
| Brown sugar (packed) | ¼ cup |
| Yellow onion (diced) | 1 small |
| Green bell pepper (diced) | ½ |
| Yellow mustard | 1 tbsp |
| Worcestershire sauce | 1 tbsp |
| Garlic (minced) | 2 cloves |
| Vegetable oil or bacon drippings | ½ tsp |
| Chili powder | 1 tsp |
| Smoked paprika | ½ tsp |
| Salt and black pepper | To taste |
Directions:
Step 1: Prep & Sauté
Preheat oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef with diced onion and green pepper for 7–10 minutes until beef is browned and veggies are soft.
Step 2: Add Garlic
Drain any excess fat, then stir in minced garlic and cook for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Combine Beans & Sauce
Add the undrained pork and beans, drained kidney beans, and pinto beans. Stir in ketchup, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, and smoked paprika. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 4: First Bake
Pour mixture into the prepared casserole dish, cover loosely with foil, and bake 25–30 minutes until bubbling at the edges.
Step 5: Add Cheese
Remove foil, sprinkle shredded cheddar on top, and bake uncovered 5–10 minutes until cheese is melted and golden.
Step 6: Rest & Serve
Let the casserole rest 5–10 minutes so the sauce thickens slightly, making it easier to serve hearty portions.
