Mildred'S Cowboy Beans

Prep: 10 min Cook: 60 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

Mildred's Cowboy Beans offer a hearty, smoky flavor with tender beans and seasoned ground beef, perfect for casual gatherings and comfort food lovers alike.

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Ingredients

  • 2 lb. hamburger
  • 32 oz. pork and beans
  • 2 tsp. prepared mustard
  • 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
  • 2 minced onions
  • 15 oz. barbecue sauce
  • 1/2 tsp. black pepper
  • 1 tsp. sugar

Instructions

  1. Cook and drain the hamburger.
  2. Drain the pork and beans.
  3. Mix all ingredients thoroughly in a baking dish.
  4. Bake in a 350°F oven for 45 to 60 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For a bit of heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce. You can substitute turkey or chicken for the hamburger if you're looking for a leaner option. If you prefer a sweeter flavor, use a barbecue sauce with honey. This dish can also be made vegetarian by replacing the hamburger with black beans or lentils, similar to Granny'S Bean Goulash.

Serving Suggestions

Mildred'S Cowboy Beans make a hearty main dish, perfect for potlucks or family gatherings. Serve it alongside cornbread or a fresh green salad like Strawberry Spinach Salad With Strawberry-Poppy Seed Dressing for a refreshing contrast. For a complete meal, pair it with coleslaw or roasted vegetables. This dish is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or microwave in short intervals until heated through. This dish can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Mildred'S Cowboy Beans contains roughly 626 calories, with 21g protein, 136g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (133% of the Daily Value), iron (77% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (47% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 37g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

626 kcal 31% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 20.6g 41% DV
Total Fat 12.2g 16% DV
Carbs 135.7g 49% DV
Fiber 37.1g 100% DV
Sugar 4.1g 8% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 252.3mg 11% DV
Potassium 2155.1mg 46% DV
Cholesterol 0.6mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 37.3mcg 4% DV
Vitamin C 42.6mg 47% DV
Calcium 568.1mg 44% DV
Iron 13.8mg 77% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber Low-fat

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned beans instead of pork and beans?

Yes, you can substitute with any canned beans such as kidney beans or black beans. Just be sure to adjust the seasonings accordingly, as different beans have different flavors. You might want to add a bit more barbecue sauce or mustard to maintain the richness of the dish.

How can I make this dish spicier?

To add some spice, include diced green chilies or a few dashes of cayenne pepper to the mix. You can also opt for a spicier barbecue sauce. Adjusting the amount of black pepper can also enhance the heat without overwhelming the dish.

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Absolutely! You can mix all the ingredients and store them in the baking dish, covered in the refrigerator, for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you're starting with a cold dish to ensure it's heated through thoroughly.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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