Ranch Style Beans Aka Cowboy Beans

Saddle up for a taste of the Old West with this hearty Ranch Style Beans recipe, also known as Cowboy Beans! Packed with tender pinto beans simmered low and slow in a smoky, savory broth, this dish gets an irresistible kick from chipotle peppers in adobo sauce and a touch of sweetness from brown sugar. Crispy bacon, aromatic garlic, and sautéed onion add layers of rich flavor, while spices like cumin, paprika, and oregano elevate the rustic charm of this down-home favorite. Perfect as a comforting side dish or a satisfying main course, these beans are a versatile addition to potlucks, barbecues, or weeknight dinners. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a pop of color and freshness, and pair with cornbread for the ultimate cowboy-inspired meal!

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:180 mins

Total Time:200 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 pound Dried pinto beans
• 4 slices Bacon
• 1 medium Yellow onion
• 4 cloves Garlic cloves
• 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
• 4 cups Beef broth
• 2 cups Water
• 2 peppers Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
• 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon Paprika
• 1 teaspoon Oregano
• 2 tablespoons Brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 0 Optional: fresh cilantro for garnish

Directions

Step 1

Soak the dried pinto beans in water overnight or for at least 8 hours. Drain and rinse before using.

Step 2

In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.

Step 3

Finely chop the yellow onion and mince the garlic cloves. Add both to the pot with the bacon fat and sauté over medium heat until softened, about 5 minutes.

Step 4

Stir in the tomato paste, cooking for another minute to caramelize slightly.

Step 5

Add the drained pinto beans to the pot, followed by the beef broth and water. Stir to combine.

Step 6

Chop the chipotle peppers finely and add them to the pot along with the cumin, paprika, oregano, brown sugar, salt, and black pepper. Stir well.

Step 7

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer gently, uncovered, for 2.5 to 3 hours or until the beans are tender. Stir occasionally, and add a bit of water if the mixture becomes too thick.

Step 8

Taste and adjust seasonings as necessary. Crumble the cooked bacon and stir it back into the beans.

Step 9

Serve warm, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired. These beans can be enjoyed as a side dish or as a hearty cowboy-style main course!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1669.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1064.1

Total Fat 18.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 5.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.1g
Cholesterol 31.7mg	0%
Sodium 7815.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 165.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 46.7g	0%
Total Sugars 29.1g
Protein 67.9g	0%

Vitamin D 5.1IU	0%
Calcium 397.0mg	0%
Iron 15.7mg	0%
Potassium 3443.0mg	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: 15.2%

Protein: 24.7%

Carbs: 60.1%