Cowboy Beans

Smoky, rich cowboy beans slow-cooked with bacon, ground beef and spices — made to last all week, and even better the next day.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (or turkey for a leaner option)
• 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 3 cans mixed beans (pinto, kidney and navy), drained
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• ½ cup ketchup
• ⅓ cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp molasses
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp chili powder
• Salt and coarse black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Brown the meats: in a large Dutch oven, cook the bacon until crisp, then remove and set aside.
2. Add the ground beef to the bacon drippings and cook until browned.
3. Sauté the vegetables: add the onion and bell pepper and cook until softened.
4. Combine: stir in the beans, barbecue sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, molasses, Worcestershire and spices.
5. Simmer: return the bacon to the pot, reduce the heat, and simmer uncovered for about 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick and rich.
6. Serve: spoon into bowls and enjoy with cornbread or over rice.