This hearty Cowboy Baked Beans recipe is made with smoked bacon, tender haricot beans, tomato passata, black treacle, and a touch of hot paprika. The result is a rich and savory dish with a perfect balance of smoky and sweet flavors, creating the ultimate comfort food side dish or main course. It’s perfect for a weekend brunch or a cozy fall dinner, and serves a crowd of 4-6 people.
Cowboy Baked Beans Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 200g smoked bacon, finely chopped
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 x 400g cans of haricot beans, or 750g cooked (about 300g dried weight)
- 1 tsp hot paprika or hot sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 400g tomato passata
- 200ml chicken or ham stock
- 1 tbsp black treacle
- 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 1 tbsp light brown soft sugar
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 15g butter (optional)
- Black pepper
To Serve (Optional):
- Fried eggs
- Sausages
How To Make Cowboy Baked Beans
- Sauté the bacon and onion: Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over a high heat. Add the chopped bacon and onion and cook, stirring frequently, until the bacon is crisp and has rendered its fat. Reduce the heat and continue cooking until the onion is soft and translucent.
- Add beans and seasonings: Stir the haricot beans into the saucepan. Add the hot paprika (or hot sauce), garlic powder, and dried oregano and stir to combine everything well.
- Simmer the sauce: Pour in the tomato passata and stock. Add the black treacle, soy sauce, sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Season with black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately turn the heat down to low.
- Thicken and finish: Let the beans simmer gently until the sauce has reduced and thickened to your liking. Taste and adjust any seasonings if necessary. If you are using butter, stir it in now and let it melt into the sauce for a couple more minutes before serving.
Recipe Tips
- Render the Bacon Fat: Don’t rush cooking the bacon. Allowing it to become crisp over medium-high heat renders out the smoked fat, which creates an incredibly flavorful base for the entire dish.
- Wait to Add Salt: This recipe includes several salty ingredients like bacon, stock, and soy sauce. Do not add any salt until the beans have finished simmering. Taste them at the end and only add salt if absolutely necessary.
- A Gentle Simmer is Key: Once the beans come to a boil, reduce the heat to low. A gentle simmer allows the flavors to meld together deeply and prevents the sugars from scorching on the bottom of the pan.
- Use Black Treacle for Authenticity: Black treacle provides a distinct, rich, and slightly bitter sweetness that is classic for baked beans. If you cannot find it, unsulphured molasses is the best substitute.
What To Serve Cowboy Baked Beans
These Cowboy Baked Beans are fantastic served simply with a fried egg on top for a hearty brunch, as the recipe suggests. They are also the perfect partner for sausages, grilled chicken, or pork chops. Serve them as a side dish at your next barbecue, spoon them over a baked potato, or enjoy them with a side of warm, buttered cornbread to soak up every last bit of the delicious sauce.
How To Store Cowboy Baked Beans Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Store leftover beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors will continue to develop, and they often taste even better the next day.
- Freeze: These beans freeze beautifully. Allow them to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Cowboy Baked Beans Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 395 kcal
- Total Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 980mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 48g
- Dietary Fiber: 12g
- Sugars: 15g
- Protein: 19g
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a different type of bean? Yes, absolutely. While haricot (or navy) beans are traditional, this recipe works wonderfully with other beans like pinto, cannellini, or even kidney beans.
- What is black treacle and can I substitute it? Black treacle is a thick, dark, and slightly bitter syrup common in British baking. The best substitute is unsulphured molasses, which provides a very similar color and flavor profile.
- Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker? Yes, this is a great recipe for the slow cooker. First, complete step 1 on the stovetop by sautéing the bacon and onion. Then, transfer the bacon and onion mixture to your slow cooker and add all the remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 4-6 hours until the sauce has thickened.
- Is this recipe very spicy? The spice level is easily controlled. Using one teaspoon of hot paprika or hot sauce will give it a mild, warming kick. If you prefer more heat, feel free to add more, or use a spicier hot sauce.
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Cowboy Baked Beans
Description
A truly hearty and comforting recipe for Cowboy Baked Beans. Tender haricot beans are simmered in a rich, smoky, and sweet sauce made with smoked bacon, tomato passata, black treacle, and a blend of savory spices. Perfect as a side dish or a main course.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sauté the chopped bacon and onion in a large saucepan until the bacon is crisp and the onion is soft.
- Stir in the haricot beans, paprika, garlic powder, and oregano.
- Add the passata, stock, treacle, soy sauce, sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Season with black pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the sauce is rich and thickened. Stir in the optional butter before serving.
