A simple dish of cowboy beans topped with crushed new potatoes, tossed in herbs and baked until golden.

Easy meals are my forte. I like to think it's because I'm good at them and everyone loves them and not because I'm so darn tired when evening wheels around.

Whatever the explanation, cowboy beans is yet another simple recipe that is super popular with my family and friends and so easy to throw together. 

It is satisfying and so, so comforting. And the good news? You don't even have to be a cowboy to eat them.

Heck they're probably nothing like what cowboys would eat on the trail, but say beans and sausages to me and I think cowboy beans.

THIS IS SPONSORED CONTENT

Tesco Jersey Royal New Potatoes

I topped my cowboy beans with cooked new potatoes tossed in olive oil and fresh herbs, then crushed for that soft topping with crispy edges or crispy bits as you might call them.

Tesco Jersey Royals are in season and back in store now!

They come but once a year and are utterly delicious. 

They can only be grown on the small island of Jersey (they have EU Protected Designation of Origin like Cornish clotted cream and champagne) and they have an earthy, nutty flavour. When they arrive in store you know we are truly enjoying spring.

Jersey Royals are grown on steep slopes and harvested the traditional way with winches and cables, a tradition that goes back 140 years.

They are great boiled, steamed and roasted, but they aren't the ones you want for mash. If you have Jersey Royals and want the comfort of mash, crush them like I have, leaving some texture. This way you will get the best out of the potatoes.

So rush along to Tesco and buy some while you still can. You won't regret it.

Health Benefits of Potatoes

1. One medium potato (about 140g) has only 110 calories.
2. Potatoes are fat-free (well until you add some).
3. They are high in fibre which is good for lowering cholesterol and the NHS says nearly all of us need to eat more fibre to help combat heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and bowel cancer.
4. You can get nearly half of your recommended vitamin C from a portion of potatoes.
5. They are a good source of Vitamin B6 and Potassium.
6. They taste great and are so comforting.

Pin it for later

Which type of beans should you use for Cowboy Beans?

Pinto beans were the bean of choice on the trail, preferably made by the cook travelling alongside the cowboys in the chuckwagon. They would be cooked in a spicy sauce with meat added.

Of course my cowboy beans don't have any meat added so they are suitable for vegetarians and vegans, but they are similar in style.

The cowboy bean recipe I shared with you last was a vegan cowboy beans & potato bake, which was made with a mixture of cannellini beans and kidney beans in a spicy sauce with potatoes mixed through it.

Adding potatoes isn't traditional, but was my tweak to the original idea making it a one-pan meal. You could use any beans you like and add the potatoes or leave them out.

This time I decided to pimp baked beans, that British staple by adding a little spice to them.

We love baked beans and always have some in the cupboard. They are so tasty and such a good source of protein. And ..... I bet you didn't realise a portion of baked beans count as one of your five-a-day. Yup!

Baked Beans

Don't you just love baked beans?

• Need a topping for a baked potato?   BAKED BEANS
• What to serve with sausages?   BAKED BEANS
• Making Sunday cooked breakfast?   BAKED BEANS
• Need something to serve with your chips (fat french fries)?   BAKED BEANS
• Need a quick dinner, so you're thinking toast?   BAKED BEANS
• On a budget or trying to cut down on your spending?   BAKED BEANS

Why are beans so good for you?

The NHS say 3 heaped tbsp of baked beans equal one portion of your five fruit and vegetables you should be eating every day. 

They are a good source of fibre, protein and minerals. They are also low in fat and calories. Need I say more?

also try Sticky Marmalade Sausage Bake (vegan)

How to make Cowboy Beans with Herby Crushed New Potatoes

Roast the sausages, then top with the spiced baked beans.

Crush the cooked Jersey Royal new potatoes with the herbs and top the cowboy beans and bake.

Child Friendly Meal

This is a great meal to make for kids. It's the type of food they love, but you can still tick all the boxes that tell you they are having a healthy meal.

You can also leave out the spices and herbs if you think they will prefer it plainer.

Living on the Veg

This week is National Vegetarian Week, so do check out my book Living on the Veg, which explains the vegetarian diet and how to follow it at home and when out, with lots of fun facts. It also has 12 easy recipes for kids (or adults) to make, to get you started.

Get Your Kids to Eat Anything

If you have fussy eaters, you may want to buy a copy of Get Your Kids To Eat Anything by Emily Leary (A Mummy Too). Emily shares her 5 phase programme to get kids eating new foods and the whole family looking at food differently.

Cowboy Beans with Herby Crushed New Potatoes

This cowboy beans dish is a complete meal which can be scooped out and served, but if you want to add extra vegetables, why not serve it with broccoli and fine beans?

Let me know if you try my cowboy beans and enjoy them.

Cowboy Beans with Herby Crushed New Potatoes

Yield: 4

Author: Jacqueline Meldrum

prep time: 10 Mcook time: 45 Mtotal time: 55 M

A simple dish of cowboy beans topped with crushed new potatoes, tossed in herbs and baked until golden.

ingredients:

• 2 tsp olive oil
• 3 tbsp dairy-free spread (or your favourite butter)
• 12 veggie or vegan sausages
• 800g baked beans
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp chilli powder
• 1.5 kg Jersey Royal potatoes
• A handful fresh chives
• A handful fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper

instructions:

How to cook Cowboy Beans with Herby Crushed New Potatoes

1. Preheat oven to 220c/200c fan/425f/gas mark 7.
2. Toss the sausages in a little oil and spread them in a single layer in an ovenproof dish and roast for 25 to 30 minutes until well cooked.
3. While the sausages are cooking boil the potatoes. Don't bother peeling them, just rinse them and cur them in halves or thirds depending on size and boil in a large pot of simmering water for 20-25 minutes until tender.
4. Decant the baked beans from the cans into a bowl and mix in the spices if you are adding them.
5. Pour the beans over the cooked sausages.
6. Drain the potatoes and toss in some dairy-free spread. Season with salt and pepper and stir in the chopped herbs. 
7. Crush the potatoes lightly with a potato masher and top the cowboy beans with the potatoes.
8. Pop back in the over for 20-25 minutes until crispy and golden.
9. Serve and enjoy!

Calories
645.73

Fat (grams)
8.83

Sat. Fat (grams)
2.27

Carbs (grams)
128.97

Fiber (grams)
19.73

Net carbs
109.24

Sugar (grams)
22.98

Protein (grams)
23.23

Sodium (milligrams)
973.58

Cholesterol (grams)
10.50

cowboy beans, vegan cowboy beans, vegetarian cowboy beans, cowboy beans and potatoes, sausage bake, vegan sausage bake, baked beans, Jersey Royal potatoes

dinner

American, vegan

Created using The Recipes Generator

TRY THIS NEXT

Sticky Red Onion and Sausage Bake

An easy vegan sausage and red onion bake in a rich gravy. A simple bake that's easy to make on a weeknight. Serve with mashed potato and peas for the ultimate comfort dish.

Disclosure: I created this recipe for Tesco. I was not required to write a positive review and any opinion expressed are my own.