Description
Rich cowboy beans deliver southwestern comfort with smoky bacon, sweet molasses, and robust spices that dance across palates. Rustic ranch-style goodness brings warmth to your table, promising a satisfying meal that connects you to classic American culinary traditions.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
Beans:
- 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Position a large skillet over medium flame and transform bacon into crisp, golden perfection, requiring approximately 5-7 minutes of careful attention. Transfer the rendered bacon to a paper towel-lined surface, reserving roughly two tablespoons of the rich, smoky drippings within the skillet.
- Introduce diced onions to the reserved bacon fat, allowing them to soften and develop a translucent quality over 3-4 minutes. Incorporate minced garlic, stirring until its aromatic essence permeates the kitchen.
- Transfer the caramelized onion and garlic mixture into a robust pot or Dutch oven, combining it with pinto and kidney beans, robust BBQ sauce, molasses-like brown sugar, tangy mustard, and essential seasoning elements.
- Carefully orchestrate the ingredients, ensuring thorough integration through gentle stirring, creating a harmonious flavor landscape.
- Elevate the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce thermal intensity, allowing the concoction to mellow and concentrate its flavors over 20-30 minutes. Periodically interrupt the process with careful stirring to prevent potential scorching and promote even flavor distribution.
- Crumble the previously prepared bacon and sprinkle across the surface, introducing a final layer of smoky, crisp texture to the hearty bean ensemble.
Notes
- Bacon Selection: Choose thick-cut bacon for extra crispiness and robust smoky flavor that adds depth to the cowboy beans.
- Bean Texture Trick: Avoid overcooking beans to maintain their creamy interior and prevent mushiness during the simmering process.
- Spice Customization: Enhance heat levels by adding diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper for those who enjoy a spicier southwestern-style dish.
- Make-Ahead Magic: Cowboy beans taste even better the next day as flavors continue to develop, making them perfect for meal prep and potluck gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 710 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg