This Sweet & Savory Honey Garlic Cowboy Beans recipe is the perfect balance of savory, garlicky, and slightly sweet flavors. Made with thick-cut bacon, ground beef, kielbasa sausage, and a medley of beans, these honey garlic cowboy beans are slow-baked to perfection, creating a rich and hearty dish that’s packed with flavor.

Whether you're serving them as a comforting side dish for a barbecue, a hearty meal over mashed potatoes, or bringing them to a potluck, these slow-cooked cowboy beans will be a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The combination of honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of cinnamon gives them a deep, caramelized flavor that makes every bite irresistible.

Last Updated February 19th, 2025.

Why You'll Love this Cowboy Bean Recipe:

One-Pot Wonder – This cowboy beans recipe is made entirely in a Dutch oven, keeping cleanup simple while allowing the flavors to develop beautifully.
Hearty & Filling – Packed with bacon, kielbasa, ground beef, and four types of beans, this dish is rich in protein and fiber, making it a satisfying comfort food classic.
Sweet & Smoky Flavor – The combination of smoky meats, garlic, honey, brown sugar, and a touch of cinnamon creates an irresistible balance of sweet, savory, and smoky goodness.
Versatile Comfort Food – Enjoy these slow-cooked cowboy beans over mashed potatoes, alongside cornbread, or as a stand-alone dish—perfect for family dinners, potlucks, barbecues, or game day gatherings!

kielbasa sausage ground beef and yellow onion in dutch oven

Ingredient Notes:

Bacon:
- Adds a smoky, savory flavor that forms the base of the dish. Use thick-cut bacon for more texture, or substitute with turkey bacon for a lighter option.
Onion:
- Provides a slightly sweet, aromatic foundation for the dish. Yellow onions work best, but white or red onions can also be used.
Garlic:
- Infuses the sauce with rich, earthy flavor. Freshly minced garlic is ideal, but pre-minced garlic or garlic powder can be used in a pinch.
Ground Beef:
- Adds hearty texture and pairs well with the smoky and sweet flavors. Opt for 80/20 ground beef for the best balance of flavor and richness.
Kielbasa Sausage:
- Brings a smoky, savory bite to the beans. You can substitute with smoked sausage or andouille for a spicier kick.
Red Wine:
- Adds depth and acidity, enhancing the complexity of the sauce. Use a dry red wine like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon, or substitute with extra chicken broth if avoiding alcohol.
Beans (Baked, Kidney, Cannellini, Black):
- Each type of bean adds unique texture and flavor. Baked beans are soft and sweet, kidney beans are hearty, cannellini beans are creamy, and black beans are earthy. Feel free to mix and match based on availability.
Brown Sugar & Honey:
- These natural sweeteners balance the savory and smoky flavors. Use dark brown sugar for a richer molasses flavor or adjust the sweetness to taste.
Ketchup:
- Acts as the base for the sauce, providing sweetness, acidity, and richness. Tomato paste or barbecue sauce can work as a substitute.
Chicken Broth:
- Helps create the savory sauce and keeps the dish from drying out as it bakes. Use low-sodium broth to control salt levels.
Dijon Mustard:
- Adds tanginess and a subtle sharpness to the sauce. Yellow mustard can work as a substitute, though it has a milder flavor.
Cinnamon:
- A pinch of cinnamon adds warmth and depth, giving the dish a subtle, unexpected complexity. Use sparingly, or omit if you prefer a more traditional flavor profile.

cowboy baked beans with honey and garlic

Dietary Restriction & Allergy-Friendly Substitutions:

Gluten-Free:
- Ensure all canned beans, ketchup, Dijon mustard, and chicken broth are certified gluten-free. Some brands may contain additives that include gluten, so always check labels.
Dairy-Free:
- This recipe is naturally dairy-free, so no substitutions are necessary. If serving alongside mashed potatoes, make sure to use dairy-free butter or milk alternatives.
Vegetarian/Vegan:
- Replace bacon, ground beef, and kielbasa with plant-based alternatives like vegan sausage, crumbled tempeh, or mushrooms for a hearty, meaty texture.
- Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Swap honey for maple syrup or agave nectar to make it fully vegan.
Low-Sodium:
- Choose low-sodium or no-salt-added versions of canned beans, broth, and ketchup.
- Reduce or omit added salt and adjust the amount of bacon, or opt for a low-sodium bacon alternative.
Nut-Free:
- This honey garlic cowboy beans recipe is naturally nut-free, but always double-check processed ingredients like ketchup, beans, and broth for potential cross-contamination if there’s a severe allergy.
Low-Sugar:
- Reduce the amount of brown sugar and honey, or substitute with a sugar-free ketchup or tomato sauce alternative.

Additional Substitutions & Variations:

Meat Variations: Swap the ground beef and kielbasa for ground turkey, shredded chicken, or even chorizo for a spicier kick.
Different Beans: While this recipe uses baked, kidney, cannellini, and black beans, you can substitute with pinto, navy, or great northern beans for a different texture and flavor.
Spicy Cowboy Beans: Add diced jalapeños, chipotle peppers in adobo, or a dash of cayenne pepper for a smoky heat. A splash of hot sauce at the end also enhances the flavor.
BBQ-Inspired Beans: Replace ketchup with barbecue sauce for a tangier, smokier flavor. This works especially well if serving alongside grilled meats.
Slow Cooker or Stovetop Method:
- Slow Cooker – Brown the bacon, beef, and sausage first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
- Stovetop – Simmer everything in a large pot over low heat for 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Sweeter Beans: If you prefer sweeter cowboy beans, increase the honey and brown sugar slightly or add a splash of molasses for a deep, rich sweetness.
Serving Ideas: Serve these honey garlic cowboy beans as a hearty side dish, or turn them into a main course by serving over rice, mashed potatoes, or alongside grilled cornbread.

Expert Tips & Recipe Notes:

What to Cook In? :
- A Dutch oven is ideal for seamlessly transitioning from stovetop to oven, but a large oven-safe cast iron skillet also works. If you don’t have either, cook everything in a soup pot on the stovetop, then transfer the mixture to a baking dish before baking.
Beans Will Cook Down:
- As the beans bake, they absorb liquid and thicken the sauce. If you prefer a thinner consistency, stir in extra chicken broth before baking to adjust the texture to your liking.
Sautéing Meat & Vegetables:
- Take the time to thoroughly brown the bacon, ground beef, and onions before adding other ingredients. This builds deep, rich flavor and enhances the overall taste of the dish.
Sweetness Level:
- Taste the mixture before baking and adjust the sweetness as needed. Add more honey for a sweeter flavor or extra Dijon mustard for a tangy contrast.
Serving Ideas:
- These honey garlic cowboy beans pair beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, rice, or cornbread for a cozy, filling meal. To lighten things up, serve alongside a fresh salad or roasted vegetables.
Make Ahead:
- This dish is great for meal prep! Assemble everything up to the baking step, then store it in the fridge for up to two days. When ready to serve, bake as directed, adding a little extra broth if the beans have thickened too much.

Cowboy Beans FAQ's:

What are cowboy beans?
- Cowboy beans are a hearty, slow-cooked dish made with beans, ground beef, bacon, and a rich, smoky-sweet sauce. They are often served as a side dish or main course at barbecues, potlucks, and family gatherings.
Can I make cowboy beans in a slow cooker?
- Yes! To make slow cooker cowboy beans, brown the bacon, beef, and sausage first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours, stirring occasionally.
Can I make cowboy beans ahead of time?
- Absolutely! Assemble the dish up to the baking step, then store it in the fridge for up to two days. When ready to serve, bake as directed, adding a little extra broth if needed.
How do I make cowboy beans spicier?
- To add heat, stir in diced jalapeños, chipotle peppers in adobo, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce. Andouille sausage can also add an extra kick.
Can I freeze cowboy beans?
- Yes! Let the beans cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove or in the oven.
What’s the best way to reheat cowboy beans?
- Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed. You can also reheat in a 350°F oven for 20–25 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out.
What can I serve with cowboy beans?
- Cowboy beans pair well with mashed potatoes, rice, cornbread, grilled meats, or roasted vegetables. They’re also delicious on their own as a hearty meal.
Can I use different types of beans?
- Yes! While this recipe uses baked beans, kidney beans, cannellini beans, and black beans, you can substitute with pinto, navy, or great northern beans based on preference.

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Recipe

sweet and savory honey garlic cowboy beans

Sweet & Savory Honey Garlic Cowboy Beans

A hearty, one-pot dish packed with smoky bacon, savory kielbasa sausage, and tender ground beef, simmered with garlic, honey, and brown sugar for a deliciously sweet and savory flavor. With four types of beans, red wine, and Dijon mustard, these beans bake to perfection in a rich, flavorful sauce. Serve over mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort food!

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Total Time 2

Course Main Course, Soup

Servings

Calories 598 kcal

Ingredients

6 slices thick cut bacon chopped
½ yellow onion diced
½ lb ground beef
6 oz kielbasa sausage sliced
2 tablespoon garlic cloves roughly chopped
¼ cup dry white wine
28 oz can original baked beans do not drain
15 oz can kidney beans drained
15 oz can cannellini beans drained
15 oz can black beans drained
½ cup chicken broth
⅓ cup ketchup
2 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
pinch cinnamon
salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Cook the Bacon

In a Dutch oven or large oven-safe cast iron skillet (or alternative pot—see notes below), heat a drizzle of oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped thick-cut bacon and cook, stirring often, until browned and crispy—about 8-12 minutes. Remove the bacon from the pot and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Do not drain the bacon grease from the pot.

Cook the Ground Beef and Sausage

Add the ground beef, diced onion, and sliced kielbasa sausage to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 6-8 minutes until browned and fully cooked.

Add Garlic

Add the roughly chopped garlic to the pot and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the garlic to slightly soften and release its aroma.

Deglaze the Pot with Red Wine

Pour in the red wine, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot (this will help incorporate all the flavor).

Add the Remaining Ingredients

Add the beans, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, brown sugar, honey, ketchup, chicken broth, and cooked bacon back into the pot. Stir to combine everything thoroughly. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Thicken the Stew

Using the back of your spoon, mash a few beans against the side of the pot to release the starch. This will help thicken the stew as it bakes in the oven.

Bake the Cowboy Beans

Cover the pot with a lid or foil and transfer it to the preheated oven. Bake for 60-90 minutes, stirring every 30 minutes. The beans will cook down and the flavors will meld together as they bake. If the stew becomes too thick during baking, adjust the consistency by adding a little more chicken broth.

Final Adjustments

Once the beans are tender and the stew has thickened to your liking, taste and adjust the seasoning one final time. If needed, add more broth or seasoning to suit your preferences.

Serve

Serve the honey garlic cowboy beans over creamy mashed potatoes or alongside cornbread for the ultimate comfort meal!

Notes

Red Wine: Adds depth and acidity, enhancing the complexity of the sauce. Use a dry red wine like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon, or substitute with extra chicken broth if avoiding alcohol.
Gluten-Free: Ensure all canned beans, sausage, ketchup, Dijon mustard, and chicken broth are certified gluten-free.
Vegetarian/Vegan:
- Replace bacon, ground beef, and kielbasa with plant-based alternatives, such as vegan sausage, crumbled tempeh, or mushrooms for a meaty texture. Or omit all together and only use beans
- Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Swap honey with maple syrup or agave nectar to make it vegan-friendly.
Cooking Vessel Options: While this recipe is best cooked in a Dutch oven to easily transition from stovetop to oven, you can also use a large oven-safe cast iron skillet. If neither is available, cook everything in a soup pot on the stovetop and transfer the mixture to a baking dish for the oven portion.
Beans Will Cook Down: As the beans bake, they will absorb some of the liquid and cook down, thickening the sauce. If you prefer a thinner consistency, feel free to adjust the thickness by adding more chicken broth as needed before baking. This allows you to customize the texture to your preference.
Nutritional Information is an estimate only and will vary according to specific ingredients and amounts used.

Nutrition

Calories: 598kcalCarbohydrates: 86.6gProtein: 40.7gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 4.5gCholesterol: 67.5mgFiber: 18.2gSugar: 27.6g

Keyword cowboy beans

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