What to Serve with Cowboy Beans? 7 BEST Side Dishes

Cowboy beans are the heart of any hearty meal, especially when you’re aiming for that perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and smoky flavors.

Yet, even the best dish can shine brighter with the right companions on the plate.

If you’re scratching your head thinking about what to whip up alongside those savory beans, you’re in the right spot.

In this article, we’ll walk you through seven top-notch side dishes that not only match the robustness of cowboy beans but elevate the entire dining experience.

Ready to transform your meal from good to unforgettable?

Keep reading to discover these game-changing pairings!

Why Consider Serving Side Dishes with Cowboy Beans?

The main ingredients in a typical Cowboy beans recipe include beans, ground beef, and tomato sauce.

Traditional methods use Pinto or black-eyed beans rich in nutrients and antioxidants.

As you can see, it is a simple dish, and there’s not a whole lot going on.

Hence, the smoky and tangy bean flavors will welcome any side dish all day.

You can serve the soft-baked beans with anything from crunchy to sweet sides for the perfect combination.

Plus, Cowboy beans are somewhere between a stew and baking dish, a pleasing combo.

You can always add additional seasonings to enhance the flavor to your liking.

What to Serve with Cowboy Beans? 7 BEST Side Dishes

From a simple salad to savory meatballs, Cowboy beans are versatile with almost everything.

Here are 7 of our favorite side dishes.

1. Buttermilk Cornbread

West meets south in our first pick here.

You can choose any bread to go along with Cowboy beans.

But for this list, we are going with buttermilk cornbread.

Cornbread is a staple in many southern meals.

And you have seen them served alongside baked beans on many occasions.

And rightfully so because they are a match made in heaven.

This simple combination is simply delicious and healthy as well.

You can dip your bread in the steaming hot bowl of beans, soak up all the goodness, and enjoy a hearty meal.

The buttery aroma combines with the earthy flavors for the perfect lunch.

2. Honey-glazed Hot Dogs

There’s nothing that can go wrong with hot dogs.

Most of us enjoy them with ketchup, mustard, pickles, etc.

But have you tried honey-glazed hot dogs with a bowl of good old baked beans? The combination is out of this world.

Moreover, this recipe is easy to make. You want to prepare honey, chili, and red wine marinade.

And while they’re still on the grill, brush those yummy hot dogs like you would with steak.

So, next time, apply a generous helping of Cowboy beans to your honey-covered hot dogs.

It will add a twist of flavors to an otherwise ordinary dish.

3. Pulled Pork Sandwiches

What food list would be complete without meat? And another perfect partner for a bowl of beans is a pulled pork sandwich.

Like baked beans, pulled pork is a favorite staple in many cuisines.

And they taste even better with homemade sandwiches because they are slow-cooked.

Couple that with a big helping of Cowboy beans, and you’re good to go.

The tender pulled pork and soft baked beans complement each other so well.

We also recommend pulled pork because they are rich in proteins and vitamin B-6.

Therefore, we get all the essential nutrients when combining the two dishes.

4. Smoked Bacon and Eggs

Yes, they’re usually a breakfast dish.

But smoked bacon and eggs are simply delicious when you have them with baked beans.

When you have leftover beans, reheat them, and transform your ordinary breakfast dish into something unique.

It tastes even better if the baked beans are spicy.

You get that peppery and smoky edge missing from the bacon and eggs.

Bacon, eggs, and beans are three different types of food.

But the mixture of creamy, tangy, and smoky flavors is an excellent combination for any food lover.

Moreover, they won’t overwhelm your taste buds.

5. Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Go with grilled cheese sandwiches if you want to add some creamy goodness to your ordinary baked beans.

Grilled cheese goes well with a lot of dishes. And the great thing is that you can use any cheese.

You can also add several toppings for a burst of flavors.

And when you combine that with the grilled crispy bread, it introduces a crunchy texture to your meal.

You can mop the beans with your charred cheesy sandwich or slurp them as you bite into that delicious loaf.

It tastes equally good no matter what way you eat them.

6. Stuffed Baked Potatoes

Stuffed taters are filling by themselves. And the best thing is that there’s no right or wrong way to prepare them.

You can load them with a variety of ingredients.

This is essential when you have guests that prefer different toppings.

But no matter what the ingredients are, there’s one thing that everyone cannot refuse.

And that is to eat them alongside a hot bowl of Cowboy beans.

You can stuff your taters with sour cream, pickled onions, bacon, etc., for various textures.

Combining fresh ingredients, soft potatoes, and sour beans will have everyone asking for second helpings.

You can try this recipe at home.

7. Barbecued Ribs

If you got your grill hot and running, it’s time to bring out the ribs.

Barbecued ribs are another way to add a fancy touch to your palate.

And baked Cowboy beans are unlike anything else.

Baked beans can taste boring by themselves.

But with barbecued ribs, you get that pleasing texture and smoky flavor in your meal.

Plus, ribs are tender cuts of meat, a perfect combination with your soft-baked beans.

They are also a healthy choice packed with zinc, vitamins, and iron.

Who wouldn’t want that in their diet? However, be aware of the portions you eat and the amount of barbecue sauce you use.

If you can manage that, you’re safe.

Conclusion

Baked beans are no doubt a favorite in several cuisines worldwide.

And with Cowboy beans, you get that extra punch of flavors and additional nutrients.

Plus, there is no right or wrong way to prepare baked beans.

You can come up with your recipe or try it from hundreds online. The same goes for its side dishes.

You can try something sweet today but add a spicy edge tomorrow.

From a simple vegetable salad to slow-cooked meat, baked beans are a match with almost everything.

Just bear in mind to keep your side dish servings at a minimum.

We hope you try the side dishes in this list and enjoy them as much as we do.