Description
Kielbasa Cowboy Beans is a hearty, flavorful casserole that combines smoky kielbasa, ground beef, bacon, and baked beans in a rich barbecue sauce with a touch of sweetness from brown sugar and tanginess from Dijon mustard. This comforting dish is baked to perfection in the oven, making it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Meats and 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)
Seasonings & Condiments
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 cans (28 ounces each) baked beans
- ½ cup (140 g) barbecue sauce
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Brown Kielbasa: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). In a 4-quart oven-safe pot or Dutch oven, heat over medium heat and brown the kielbasa slices on both sides until they develop a nice color. Remove the kielbasa from the pot and set aside.
- Brown Ground Beef: To the same pot, add the ground beef, diced yellow onion, diced green bell pepper, garlic salt, and onion powder. Cook the mixture over medium heat until the ground beef is browned and cooked through, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess grease from the pot.
- 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 everything together to combine thoroughly.
- Bake: Cover the pot with its lid and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 1 hour, or until the beans are heated through, bubbling, and the sauce has thickened nicely.
- Serve: Remove the pot from the oven and serve the Kielbasa Cowboy Beans warm. Enjoy as a satisfying main dish or side.
Notes
- You can prepare the bacon ahead of time to save time during cooking.
- For a spicier version, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños with the bell pepper.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat beautifully on the stovetop or microwave.
- Using a Dutch oven is preferred for even heat distribution during baking.
- Drain the canned baked beans slightly if you prefer a thicker consistency.
