Cowboy Bob Beans

Saddle up for a hearty bowl of flavor-packed Cowboy Bob Beans, a rustic, crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or cozy family dinners. This one-pot recipe marries the smoky goodness of crispy bacon with a medley of pinto, black, and kidney beans, all simmered in a rich, tangy tomato base infused with molasses, brown sugar, and a kick of chili powder. The addition of liquid smoke and smoked paprika brings a deep, campfire-inspired aroma that pairs beautifully with the sautéed onion, garlic, and red bell pepper. Ready in just over an hour, this versatile dish can be served as a warm, comforting side or a satisfying standalone meal, especially when paired with a slice of buttery cornbread. Whether you’re hosting a wild west feast or looking for an easy comfort food recipe, these smoky baked beans are sure to be a hit!

Nutriscore Rating: 85/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:50 mins

Total Time:65 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 6 slices bacon
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
• 2 cans (15 oz each) canned pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) canned black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) canned kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (14.5 oz) canned diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons molasses
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
• 1 cup water or chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons optional chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish

Directions

Step 1

In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon slices over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the bacon grease in the pot.

Step 2

Add the diced onion and red bell pepper to the pot. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until the vegetables have softened.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the drained and rinsed pinto beans, black beans, and kidney beans to the pot along with the canned diced tomatoes (including juices) and tomato paste. Stir to combine.

Step 5

Mix in the brown sugar, molasses, smoked paprika, ground cumin, chili powder, and liquid smoke. Stir well to meld the flavors.

Step 6

Pour in the water or chicken broth and season with salt and black pepper. Crumble in the cooked bacon.

Step 7

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the beans cook for 35-40 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 8

Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt or spices if needed.

Step 9

Serve the Cowboy Bob Beans hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro if desired. Pair with cornbread, grilled meats, or enjoy as a standalone dish!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2761.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2092.0

Total Fat 37.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 10.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 6.5g
Cholesterol 55.7mg	0%
Sodium 6361.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 352.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 99.2g	0%
Total Sugars 88.1g
Protein 112.0g	0%

Vitamin D 7.7IU	0%
Calcium 874.4mg	0%
Iron 33.2mg	0%
Potassium 6829.5mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 15.4%

Protein: 20.4%

Carbs: 64.2%