Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound dried pinto beans, rinsed and sorted
- 6 cups water
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 pound bacon, chopped
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
Special equipment needed:
- Dutch oven or large pot with lid
- Skillet
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine the rinsed pinto beans and 6 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 1 hour.
2. In a skillet, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, sauté the onion, garlic, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and jalapeno pepper until tender.
4. Add the sautéed vegetables to the pot with the beans.
5. Add the cooked bacon, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Stir to combine.
6. In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, molasses, ketchup, barbecue sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Pour the mixture into the pot with the beans and stir to combine.
7. Cover the pot with a lid and simmer for an additional 2-3 hours, or until the beans are tender and the sauce has thickened.
8. Serve hot and enjoy!
- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 4 hours
Temperature:
- Simmer on low heat
Serving size:
- 8 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Protein: 15g
- Fiber: 12g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use canned pinto beans instead of dried beans, but reduce the cooking time to 30 minutes.
- If you don't have molasses, you can use honey or maple syrup instead.
- You can use any type of vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar.
Variations:
- Add diced tomatoes or tomato sauce for a more tomato-based flavor.
- Use different types of beans, such as kidney beans or black beans.
- Add ground beef or sausage for a meatier version.
Tips and tricks:
- Soak the dried beans overnight to reduce the cooking time.
- If the sauce is too thick, add more water or broth.
- For a smokier flavor, use smoked bacon or smoked paprika.
Storage instructions:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat in the microwave or on the stove until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve in a bowl with a dollop of sour cream and chopped green onions on top.
Garnishes:
- Sour cream
- Chopped green onions
- Shredded cheese
Pairings:
- Cornbread
- Rice
- Salad
Suggested side dishes:
- Grilled corn on the cob
- Roasted vegetables
- Baked potatoes
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the beans are still hard after cooking, simmer for an additional hour or until tender.
- If the sauce is too thin, simmer uncovered for a few more minutes to thicken.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure the beans are cooked thoroughly to avoid food poisoning.
Food history:
- Cowboy beans are a traditional dish that cowboys used to make on the trail. They would cook beans with whatever ingredients they had on hand, such as bacon, onions, and peppers.
Flavor profiles:
- Smoky
- Sweet
- Spicy
Serving suggestions:
- Serve as a main dish or as a side dish with grilled meats.
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