Iowa Cowboy-Style Baked Beans on the Arteflame Grill

Introduction

Iowa Cowboy-Style Baked Beans are the perfect smoky and hearty side dish. Cooking them directly on the Arteflame grill infuses them with rich, fire-kissed flavors. The Arteflame’s even heat distribution allows for perfect caramelization without ever burning the beans. This cast-iron-free method lets every bite soak up the natural goodness of real firewood cooking. Get ready for a side that steals the show at any barbecue!

Ingredients

• 2 cups canned navy beans, drained
• 1/2 pound thick-cut bacon, diced
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 1 small green bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Arteflame Grill

1. Pour some vegetable oil onto three paper napkins.
2. Place the napkins into the grill and stack firewood on top.
3. Light the paper napkins and allow the fire to build.
4. Wait approximately 20 minutes until the grill is evenly heated.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon and Aromatics

1. Add the diced bacon onto the hot flat cooktop, closer to the center for higher heat.
2. Cook until crispy, then move the bacon towards the cooler outer ring to keep warm.
3. Add butter, onions, green bell pepper, and garlic to the bacon drippings.
4. Sauté until onions are translucent and bell peppers soften, about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Combine and Cook the Beans

1. Move the vegetables closer to the center to pick up flavor.
2. Stir in the barbecue sauce, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, Worcestershire sauce, and water.
3. Add the drained beans and stir to coat evenly.
4. Allow everything to simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 15 minutes, moving the beans between the hotter and cooler zones as needed to control caramelization.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

1. Stir the crispy bacon back in.
2. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Allow the beans to cook until thickened and caramelized, about 10 more minutes.
4. Use a spatula to scoop the beans into a serving dish, or serve directly from the grill.

Tips

• Cook the bacon closer to the center for crispier texture but move to the edge to prevent burning.
• Keep ingredients moving to avoid sticking and promote even cooking.
• For extra smokiness, let the beans cook longer near the hotter zone, but stir frequently to prevent charring.

Variations

1. Spicy Cowboy Beans: Add diced jalapeños and red pepper flakes for a fiery kick.
2. Maple Bacon Beans: Swap brown sugar for pure maple syrup and increase Dijon mustard for a deeper flavor.
3. Pineapple BBQ Beans: Stir in diced pineapple for a sweet and tangy contrast.
4. Chorizo Cowboy Beans: Replace bacon with crumbled chorizo for a smoky, spicy twist.
5. Loaded Cowboy Beans: Top with shredded cheddar and chopped scallions before serving.

Conclusion

These Iowa Cowboy-Style Baked Beans will quickly become your go-to side for any barbecue. Using the Arteflame grill brings out deep, smoky flavors while keeping everything juicy and caramelized. This easy, mess-free grilling method ensures perfect beans every time!

Best Pairings

• Perfectly seared ribeye steak
• Grilled corn on the cob with butter
• Smoky barbecue ribs
• Texas-style brisket
• Grilled garlic bread