Before diving into the cowboy beans recipe, let’s talk about some fantastic dishes to pair it with for a complete meal. Consider serving these beans alongside some cornbread, which can soak up the rich molasses sauce. Coleslaw is another great option, providing a refreshing crunch that balances the sweetness of the beans. For something heartier, grilled sausages make an excellent pairing, adding a smoky complement.
Today I’m thrilled to share one of my ultimate comfort dishes: Cowboy Beans with Molasses. Imagine a combination of beans and savory meat all cooked slowly to perfection, enveloped in a deep molasses sauce.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, a family potluck, or just want a one-pot meal that’ll fill you up and warm your soul, this dish has got you covered. And guess what? It’s much easier to whip up than you might think.
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What Are Cowboy Beans with Molasses?
Cowboy Beans with Molasses are a savory and sweet dish traditionally made with a mix of different beans, ground meat, and smoky bacon, all cooked in a rich, molasses-infused sauce. The blend of tangy, sweet, and smoky flavors is what makes this dish irresistible. Originating from the hearty meals of American cowboys, this dish is a nod to rugged frontier cooking but with a gourmet twist.
Why This Recipe Works?
Flavor Complexity: The combination of molasses, bacon, and ground beef creates a deep, flavorful dish that’s both sweet and savory.
Easy To Make: Despite its complex taste, this recipe is straightforward, requiring minimal hands-on time.
Versatility: You can tailor the spice level to your preference or experiment with different types of beans.
Meal Prep Friendly: Make a big batch, and enjoy it throughout the week. It stores and reheats well, making it a great option for busy people.
Ingredients You’ll Need To Make This Dish
- 2 yellow onions, diced into ½-inch pieces (about 2 cups)
- 1 pound bacon, crisped and chopped into ½-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons bacon fat
- 1 pound ground beef, browned and crumbled
- 3 cans (14 ounces each) kidney beans
- 3 cans (14 ounces each) navy beans
- 3 cans (14 ounces each) baked beans
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- ½ cup blackstrap molasses
- 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
How to Make Cowboy Beans with Molasses
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Start by prepping all your ingredients. Chop the onions and bacon into ½-inch pieces. Open and drain the cans of beans.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
In a large pot, cook the bacon pieces over medium heat until they are crispy. Remove the bacon and set it aside, but leave about 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pot.
Step 3: Sauté the Onions
Add the diced onions to the bacon fat in the pot. Cook them until they are soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 4: Brown the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef to the pot with the onions. Cook until the beef is browned and crumbled, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Step 5: Combine Ingredients
Add all the beans, tomato sauce, brown sugar, molasses, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika to the pot. Stir to combine thoroughly.
Step 6: Simmer
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 7: Add Bacon
Once the stew has thickened and the flavors have melded together, stir in the crispy bacon pieces. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes and then remove from heat.
Step 8: Serve
Serve hot, and enjoy! Cowboy Beans with Molasses are best enjoyed fresh off the stove, but they taste even better the next day.
Tips & Tricks
- Don’t Rush the Simmer: Allow the beans to simmer for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Bacon Choices: Use thick-cut bacon for a meatier texture.
- Sweetness Balance: If you want a less sweet version, reduce the amount of brown sugar.
- Spice it Up: Add a dash of hot sauce or chili flakes for some heat.
- Storage: This dish can be frozen for up to three months. Just make sure to cool it completely before freezing.
Nutrition Information
How Do You Store The Leftovers?
Cowboy Beans with Molasses store beautifully. Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply use a microwave or stovetop until warmed through.
What Sides Would Complement Cowboy Beans with Molasses?
Cornbread: The slightly sweet and grainy texture pairs excellently with the rich beans.
Coleslaw: Its crispness offers a refreshing contrast to the hearty beans.
Grilled Sausages: They add a smoky flavor, complementing the beans perfectly.
What Alternatives Can You Use for the Ingredients If They Are Not Present in Your Kitchen?
Maple Syrup: If molasses isn’t on hand, substitute it with maple syrup for a milder sweetness.
Pinto Beans: Use pinto beans instead of navy beans if you prefer or if that’s what you have.
Ground Turkey: For a leaner option, swap the ground beef with ground turkey.
Honey Mustard: Use honey mustard in place of Dijon mustard if you want a sweeter tang.
Cowboy Beans With Molasses
Equipment
- Large pot
- Spatula
Ingredients
- 2 yellow onions diced into ½-inch pieces (about 2 cups)
- 1 pound bacon crisped and chopped into ½-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons bacon fat
- 1 pound ground beef browned and crumbled
- 3 cans 14 ounces each kidney beans
- 3 cans 14 ounces each navy beans
- 3 cans 14 ounces each baked beans
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- ½ cup blackstrap molasses
- 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
- Start by prepping all your ingredients. Chop the onions and bacon into ½-inch pieces. Open and drain the cans of beans.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
- In a large pot, cook the bacon pieces over medium heat until they are crispy. Remove the bacon and set it aside, but leave about 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pot.
Step 3: Sauté the Onions
- Add the diced onions to the bacon fat in the pot. Cook them until they are soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 4: Brown the Ground Beef
- Add the ground beef to the pot with the onions. Cook until the beef is browned and crumbled, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Step 5: Combine Ingredients
- Add all the beans, tomato sauce, brown sugar, molasses, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika to the pot. Stir to combine thoroughly.
Step 6: Simmer
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 7: Add Bacon
- Once the stew has thickened and the flavors have melded together, stir in the crispy bacon pieces. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes and then remove from heat.
Step 8: Serve
- Serve hot, and enjoy! Cowboy Beans with Molasses are best enjoyed fresh off the stove, but they taste even better the next day.
Notes
- Don’t Rush the Simmer: Allow the beans to simmer for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Bacon Choices: Use thick-cut bacon for a meatier texture.
- Sweetness Balance: If you want a less sweet version, reduce the amount of brown sugar.
- Spice it Up: Add a dash of hot sauce or chili flakes for some heat.
- Storage: This dish can be frozen for up to three months. Just make sure to cool it completely before freezing.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon and ground beef. You can add more beans or some crumbled tofu for texture.
2. Is This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes, all ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free. Just make sure your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free as some brands may contain gluten.
3. How Can I Make This Spicier?
Add some chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the mix for some heat.
4. Can I Use Fresh Beans Instead of Canned?
Certainly. If using fresh beans, ensure they are cooked fully before adding them to the recipe. You may need to soak and cook them beforehand.
5. Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Definitely. Cowboy Beans with Molasses taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just reheat them on the stovetop or microwave when ready to serve.
6. What Can I Use if I’m Out of Worcestershire Sauce?
Soy sauce mixed with a splash of vinegar can be a good swap for Worcestershire sauce. It mimics umami and tang.
Conclusion
Cowboy Beans with Molasses is a go-to dish for any occasion. Its rich flavor and simplicity in preparation make it a winner, whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week. Don’t wait — give this recipe a try and let it bring some hearty comfort to your table. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!