Southwestern Cowboy Beans

Saddle up for a hearty bowl of Southwestern Cowboy Beans, a smoky, satisfying dish packed with bold flavors and rustic charm. This easy one-pot recipe combines crispy thick-cut bacon with tender pinto and black beans, vibrant diced tomatoes with green chilies, and a savory blend of smoked paprika, cumin, and chili powder. A hint of brown sugar and apple cider vinegar adds a tantalizing balance of sweetness and tang, while onion, bell pepper, and garlic create a rich, aromatic base. Perfectly simmered to allow the flavors to meld, these cowboy beans are ideal for serving with cornbread or rice, making them a crowd-pleasing option for weeknight dinners or backyard barbecues. Garnish with fresh cilantro and crumbled bacon for a burst of freshness and irresistible crunch. Ready in under an hour, this comforting Southern-inspired recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

Nutriscore Rating: 85/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 6 slices thick-cut bacon
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 1 large green bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 15-ounce cans canned pinto beans, rinsed and drained
• 2 15-ounce cans canned black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 15-ounce can diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Heat a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the bacon slices and cook until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the bacon, crumble, and set aside. Leave about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the pot.

Step 3

Add the diced onion and green bell pepper to the pot. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.

Step 4

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant.

Step 5

Add the pinto beans, black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, tomato paste, and beef broth to the pot. Stir to combine.

Step 6

Mix in the smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper.

Step 7

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let cook for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 8

Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. If the beans become too thick, add a splash of water or beef broth to reach your desired consistency.

Step 9

Serve the cowboy beans warm, topped with crumbled bacon and chopped fresh cilantro if desired. Pair with cornbread or rice for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3233.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2300.2

Total Fat 46.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 15.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 64.3mg	0%
Sodium 8931.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 368.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 123.7g	0%
Total Sugars 38.6g
Protein 131.6g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 888.1mg	0%
Iron 39.0mg	0%
Potassium 6874.7mg	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: 17.3%

Protein: 21.8%

Carbs: 60.9%