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Savory Loaded Cowboy Baked Beans Recipe with Bacon and Jalapeño Easy

savory loaded cowboy baked beans - featured image
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A smoky, spicy, and comforting baked beans recipe loaded with crispy bacon and jalapeño, perfect for backyard cookouts and gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups dried pinto beans (or 3 cans cooked pinto beans, drained and rinsed)
  • 8 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 fresh jalapeños, seeded and minced (keep seeds for more heat)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 2 cups low-sodium beef broth (or vegetable broth for lighter option)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. If using dried beans, rinse 2 cups well and soak overnight or for at least 8 hours in cold water. Drain and rinse again before cooking. If using canned beans, drain and rinse.
  2. In a Dutch oven over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crispy and browned, about 8-10 minutes. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon, leaving rendered fat in the pot.
  3. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil to the bacon fat if needed. Sauté diced onion and minced jalapeños until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until aromatic.
  4. Stir in 3 tablespoons tomato paste and 1 teaspoon smoked paprika. Cook for 2 minutes to deepen flavors.
  5. Pour in 2 cups beef broth, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce, and 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard. Stir well to combine.
  6. Add soaked (or canned) beans and crispy bacon back into the pot. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer.
  7. Reduce heat to low, cover partially, and simmer for 60-75 minutes if using dried beans, stirring occasionally. If using canned beans, simmer for 25-30 minutes.
  8. Stir in 2 tablespoons brown sugar and season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer uncovered for another 10 minutes to thicken the sauce.
  9. Taste and adjust seasoning with more vinegar, sugar, or spice if desired. Beans should be tender and sauce thick and glossy.
  10. Serve warm, spooned into bowls or straight from the pot with cornbread or grilled meats.

Notes

If beans are too liquidy, remove lid during last 15 minutes to reduce sauce. If too thick, add a splash more broth. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. For vegetarian version, omit bacon and use smoked paprika-roasted mushrooms or smoked tofu. Slow cooker option: after sautéing bacon and aromatics, cook on low for 5-6 hours.

Nutrition

Keywords: cowboy baked beans, baked beans with bacon, jalapeño baked beans, smoky baked beans, BBQ side dish, easy baked beans recipe

Find it online: https://sparklechew.com/savory-loaded-cowboy-baked-beans-recipe-with-bacon-and-jalape-n-o-easy/