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Smoked ribs, cowboy beans, Hawaiian mac salad, deviled egg potato salad and a lil hotdog – delicious, hearty, crowd-pleasing barbecue favourites 🔥🔥🔥🔥
210min
Total Time
6 people
Servings
Medium
Difficulty
Moderate
Cost
850 kcal
Calories
Get ready to fire up the grill with an irresistible feast featuring smoked ribs, cowboy beans, Hawaiian mac salad, deviled egg potato salad, and a little hotdog twist!
Ingredients
6
- 4 racks of baby back ribs
- 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 2 cans of kidney beans
- 1 cup diced bell peppers
- 1 cup diced onions
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 cups cooked macaroni
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup diced ham
- 1 cup crushed pineapple
- 4 boiled eggs, diced
- 2 cups diced cooked potatoes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 12 mini hotdogs
- Buns (optional)
Instructions
1
Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C).
2
Mix smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, then rub the mixture on the ribs.
3
Place the ribs in the smoker and cook for about 3 hours, brushing with barbecue sauce in the last 30 minutes.
4
While the ribs are smoking, prepare the cowboy beans by combining kidney beans, diced bell peppers, diced onions, cumin, and chili powder in a pot. Simmer for 30 minutes.
5
For the Hawaiian mac salad, mix cooked macaroni, mayonnaise, diced ham, and crushed pineapple in a bowl. Chill until serving.
6
Combine boiled eggs and diced potatoes in a separate bowl. Mix with mayonnaise, salt, and pepper, then chill.
7
For a fun addition, grill the mini hotdogs for about 10 minutes until heated through, then serve in buns if desired.
Kitchen Tools
- Smoker or grill
- Mixing bowls
- Pot for cowboy beans
- Basting brush
- Tongs
- Sharp knife for cutting ribs
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Pro Tips
For maximum flavour, marinate the ribs overnight with the spice rub.
Smoke the ribs with applewood for a sweet, fruity twist.
Adjust the level of spices in the beans based on your heat preference.
Troubleshooting
If the ribs don’t seem tender after the cooking time, give them additional time in the smoker.
If beans are too watery, simmer them uncovered to thicken.
Mac salad that’s too dry can be adjusted by adding more mayonnaise.
Recipe Variations
Try adding jalapeños to the cowboy beans for extra heat.
Use different types of cheese in the Hawaiian mac salad.
Create a spicy mayonnaise for the potato salad.
Healthy Alternatives
Use a sugar-free barbecue sauce for a lower-calorie option.
Swap out the mayonnaise in salads for Greek yogurt.
Replace traditional pasta with whole grain or vegetable-based pasta.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with pickles and dill relish on the side.
Pair with cornbread for a classic BBQ meal.
Offer a variety of sauces for guests to choose from.
Nutrition Facts
850
Calories
45g
Protein
60g
Carbs
40g
Fat
10g
Fiber
8g
Sugar
1200mg
Sodium
125mg
Cholesterol
Dietary Info
High-protein
Garnish Ideas
Chopped green onions on the beans.
A sprinkle of paprika on the potato salad.
Fresh pineapple chunks on the mac salad.
Storage
Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat the ribs gently to keep them moist.
Salads can be stored separately and mixed before serving.
Leftover Ideas
Make a BBQ sandwich with leftover ribs and buns.
Mix bean and mac salad together for a hearty lunch.
Create a potato salad wrap with lettuce leaves.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Not allowing the ribs to rest before cutting; this keeps them juicy.
Skipping the chilling time for salads can affect the flavour.
Overcooking the mini hotdogs can make them tough.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a gas grill instead of a smoker for the ribs?
Yes, you can use a gas grill by adding wood chips in a smoker box for that smoky flavour.
How do I know when the ribs are fully cooked?
Ribs are done when they are tender and the meat has shrunk back from the ends of the bone.
Can I prepare the salads in advance?
Absolutely! You can make both salads a day ahead and keep them in the fridge until serving.
What’s the best way to store leftover ribs?
Wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store them in the fridge for up to three days.
Can I freeze the cowboy beans?
Yes, you can freeze them in an airtight container for up to three months.
Reviews
Laura
Aug 1, 2026
These ribs were the best I've ever made, smoky and full of flavour!
Jake
Jul 26, 2026
The cowboy beans were a hit at the BBQ, super tasty!
Emma
Jul 22, 2026
Loved the Hawaiian mac salad, the pineapple was a game changer!
Tom
Jul 7, 2026
The salads were good but the ribs took longer than expected.
Sarah
Jul 22, 2026
Everything was delicious! Will definitely make again.
Mike
Jul 15, 2026
Perfect BBQ spread, my friends loved it!
Rachel
Jul 4, 2026
Great recipes, especially the potato salad!
Chris
Jul 11, 2026
The smoky flavour of the ribs was outstanding.
Anna
Jul 29, 2026
Good, but I expected more spice in the beans.
Robert
Jul 12, 2026
Absolutely delicious, had everything prepped in no time!
Jessica
Jul 31, 2026
The mini hotdogs were a cute addition to the meal!
Peter
Jul 9, 2026
Fantastic feast, we enjoyed every bite!
Samantha
Jul 16, 2026
I loved how easy it was to make everything.
Kevin
Jul 4, 2026
Decent meal, a bit heavy for my taste.
Olivia
Jul 11, 2026
Family favourite, we couldn't get enough of the ribs!
Dan
Jul 20, 2026
Great combination of dishes, very satisfying.
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