These Easy Spicy Cowboy Beans are a tasty mix of beans, spices, and a little kick! They’re perfect for a quick side dish or a hearty main dish on cozy nights.
Whenever I make these beans, I love how everyone asks for the recipe! Just toss the ingredients together and let them simmer. It’s super easy and so flavorful!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bacon: Bacon adds a rich flavor and crunch. If you prefer a healthier option, try turkey bacon or omit it for a vegetarian version. You can also add smoked tempeh for a smoky flavor without meat.
Beans: Pinto and kidney beans are essential for the texture. If you have black beans or chickpeas on hand, they can work too! Just make sure to drain and rinse them well.
Jalapeños: Fresh jalapeños give a kick. For less heat, use banana peppers or green bell peppers. If you like more spice, try using serrano peppers or even a dash of cayenne pepper.
Barbecue Sauce: This adds a tangy sweetness. Feel free to use your favorite brand or homemade sauce. For a different twist, teriyaki sauce can be a fun alternative.
How Can I Make Sure The Flavor Melds Perfectly?
To ensure all the flavors combine nicely, simmer the beans. This is where the magic happens! Gentle simmering allows the spices to blend and thicken the sauce.
- Once you add all the ingredients, bring the mixture to a gentle boil first.
- Then reduce the heat, allowing the beans to cook slowly for 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and promote even cooking.
- Don’t skip the resting time—flavors develop even more as they sit for a while before serving!
Easy Spicy Cowboy Beans
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Main Dish:
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 (15 oz) cans pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can dark red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with juice
- 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1-2 jalapeños, sliced (adjust based on your heat preference)
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish
Time Needed:
This recipe takes around 10 minutes to prepare and about 25 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll need roughly 35 minutes before you can enjoy your delicious cowboy beans!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Bacon:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Once done, transfer the bacon pieces to paper towels to drain, but keep the bacon fat in the skillet. This fat will add great flavor to the dish!
2. Sauté the Onions:
Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the bacon fat. Sauté the onion for about 4-5 minutes, or until it turns translucent. This brings out the sweetness!
3. Add the Garlic:
Now, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until you can smell that fragrant aroma. Yum!
4. Mix in the Beans and Tomatoes:
Add all the beans (pinto, kidney, and dark red), the diced tomatoes with their juice, barbecue sauce, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce to the skillet. Give everything a good stir to combine.
5. Spice it Up:
Sprinkle in the chili powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Stir well to mix the spices into the beans.
6. Add Jalapeños:
Slice your jalapeños and add them to the mix based on how spicy you want your beans. More jalapeños mean more heat!
7. Let it Simmer:
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and then reduce the heat to low. Allow it to simmer uncovered for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will help all those wonderful flavors meld together.
8. Final Touch:
Stir the crispy bacon back into the beans, but save a little for garnishing later. This adds a nice touch of crunch!
9. Serve & Enjoy:
Serve your spicy cowboy beans hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or parsley and the remaining bacon pieces on top. If you’re feeling bold, add extra jalapeño slices for a kick!
Enjoy your hearty, smoky, and spicy cowboy beans!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian or Vegan?
Absolutely! To make it vegetarian, simply omit the bacon and sauté the onions in a bit of olive oil or vegetable broth. For a vegan option, follow the same steps, and you can add smoked tempeh or a sprinkle of liquid smoke to bring in that smoky flavor.
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the number of jalapeños or remove the seeds before adding them. For extra heat, use more jalapeños or add a splash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper until you reach your desired spice level!
What Can I Serve with Cowboy Beans?
Cowboy beans are versatile! They go well with cornbread, over rice, or as a side to grilled meats. You can also use them as a filling for tacos or burritos for a hearty meal!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm them on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if they seem too thick.
