Are you ready to transform your ordinary dinner into a rustic, mouth-watering adventure straight from the cattle trails? Dave's Chuckwagon Cowboy Beans aren't just a side dish—they're a hearty, flavor-packed journey that will transport you to the rugged landscapes of the American frontier. These legendary beans are packed with smoky bacon, sweet undertones, and a rich, robust sauce that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Whether you're a true cowboy, a weekend warrior, or just someone who loves incredible home cooking, this recipe is about to become your new comfort food obsession!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs
Total Time: 2 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound dried pinto beans
- 1/2 pound bacon, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sort and rinse the dried pinto beans, removing any small stones or damaged beans. Place beans in a large bowl and cover with cold water, allowing them to soak overnight or for at least 8 hours.
- Drain the soaked beans and rinse thoroughly under cold running water. Set aside.
- In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it becomes crisp and renders its fat, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Add the chopped onion to the bacon and cook until the onions become translucent and slightly golden, about 4-5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add the soaked and drained pinto beans to the pot, along with enough fresh water to cover the beans by about 2 inches.
- Stir in the brown sugar, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover the pot. Simmer gently for approximately
- 5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Check the beans periodically and add more water if needed to keep them from drying out. The beans should become tender and the sauce should thicken.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Once the beans are tender and the sauce has reached a thick, rich consistency, remove from heat and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
- Serve hot as a side dish or main course, garnished with additional crisp bacon bits if desired.
Tips
- Bean Soaking is Crucial: Always soak your dried beans overnight to ensure even cooking and better digestibility.
- Low and Slow is the Cowboy Way: Simmer the beans gently to develop deep, rich flavors and achieve that perfect tender texture.
- Watch Your Liquid Levels: Check and add water periodically to prevent the beans from drying out or burning.
- Bacon Matters: Use high-quality bacon for the best flavor infusion. Thick-cut bacon works wonderfully in this recipe.
- Season Gradually: Add salt towards the end of cooking to prevent the beans from becoming tough.
- Rest Period: Let the beans sit for 10 minutes after cooking to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
- Make Ahead Friendly: These beans taste even better the next day, so don't hesitate to prepare them in advance!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 20mg
