Description

Kielbasa Cowboy Beans is a hearty and flavorful baked bean dish packed with smoky kielbasa, savory ground beef, crispy bacon, and a rich blend of barbecue sauce and spices. Perfect as a comforting main or a robust side for gatherings, this recipe combines tender baked beans with bold smoky and sweet flavors for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat & Protein

1 ring (13.9 ounces) kielbasa, sliced into ½-inch rounds
1 pound ground beef
8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

Vegetables & Aromatics

1 medium yellow onion, diced (approximately 1 cup)
1 green bell pepper, diced (approximately 1 cup)

Spices & Seasonings

½ teaspoon garlic salt
½ teaspoon onion powder
2 tablespoons brown sugar

Canned & Condiments

2 cans (28 ounces each) baked beans
½ cup (140 g) barbecue sauce
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat Oven and Brown Kielbasa: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). In a 4-quart oven-safe pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, add the kielbasa slices and brown them on both sides until nicely caramelized. Once browned, remove the kielbasa from the pot and set aside.
Brown Ground Beef and Vegetables: To the same pot, add the ground beef, diced yellow onion, and diced green bell pepper. Season with garlic salt and onion powder. Cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fully browned and the vegetables have softened. Drain any excess grease from the pot to avoid a greasy final dish.
Combine Ingredients: Return the browned kielbasa to the pot. Add the cooked and crumbled bacon, brown sugar, baked beans, barbecue sauce, and Dijon mustard. Stir all the ingredients together thoroughly to combine the flavors evenly.
Bake: Cover the pot with a lid and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 1 hour, or until the beans are heated through, the sauce is bubbly, and has thickened to your preference.
Serve: Once baked, remove the pot from the oven and serve the Kielbasa Cowboy Beans warm. This dish pairs well with cornbread, rice, or a fresh green salad.

Notes

Use a heavy, oven-safe pot like a Dutch oven to ensure even cooking and easy transfer to the oven.
Make sure to drain excess grease after browning the beef to keep the dish from being too oily.
For an extra smoky flavor, you can use smoked kielbasa or add a dash of smoked paprika.
The dish can be prepared a day ahead and reheated; flavors deepen over time.
Adjust the brown sugar or barbecue sauce according to your sweetness preference.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 12 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American