Description
Kielbasa Cowboy Beans is a hearty, smoky skillet meal featuring sliced kielbasa sausage simmered with pinto, black, and baked beans, combined with diced tomatoes and a flavorful blend of barbecue sauce, mustard, and spices. Perfect for a comforting main course packed with protein and rich flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat & Vegetables
- 1 pound kielbasa sausage, sliced into rounds
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Beans & Canned Goods
- 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) baked beans, with liquid
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
Condiments & Spices
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Heat oil and brown kielbasa: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sliced kielbasa and cook until lightly browned, about 5 minutes, to develop a smoky flavor and render some fat.
- Sauté vegetables: Add the diced onion and chopped green bell pepper to the skillet with the kielbasa. Cook for another 4 to 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and slightly caramelized.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Combine beans and tomatoes: Add the drained and rinsed pinto and black beans, baked beans with their liquid, and drained diced tomatoes to the skillet. Stir everything to combine well.
- Mix in sauces and spices: Incorporate the barbecue sauce, ketchup, yellow mustard, brown sugar, smoked paprika, and black pepper into the mixture. Stir thoroughly to blend all the flavors.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cook uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and allow flavors to meld.
- Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste the beans and adjust salt as needed. Serve the cowboy beans hot as a satisfying main dish.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce while cooking.
- You can substitute turkey kielbasa for a leaner protein option.
- This dish can be prepared ahead of time and reheated; the flavors deepen and improve overnight.
