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Cowboy Beans

Cowboy Beans
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Easy Cowboy Beans is a hearty and comforting dinner recipe that combines smoky flavors, tender beans, and a touch of sweetness for a quick and satisfying meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, this flavorful dish is customizable, budget-friendly, and ideal for meal prep, delivering a warm, soul-satisfying bowl every time.

Ingredients

Scale

Beans and Protein

  • 2 cups Great Northern or Pinto Beans (canned, drained and rinsed or cooked from dried)
  • 6 slices Bacon or 1 cup Smoked Sausage, chopped

Aromatics

  • 1 medium Onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced

Sauces and Seasonings

  • 1 cup Tomato Sauce or 1 can (14.5 oz) Diced Tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons Brown Sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Yellow Mustard
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Chili Powder
  • Salt and Pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Drain and rinse canned beans or soak and cook dried beans if preferred. Chop the onion and mince the garlic to have everything ready before cooking.
  2. Cook the Bacon and Aromatics: In a large skillet or pot, cook the bacon until crisp. Remove the bacon bits, leaving some fat in the pan. Then sauté the onions and garlic until soft and fragrant.
  3. Combine Beans and Sauces: Add the beans to the pot along with the tomato sauce, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
  4. Simmer to Perfection: Let the mixture simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
  5. Finish and Serve: Stir the cooked bacon bits back in, adjust seasoning if needed, and serve hot for a comforting, flavorful meal.

Notes

  • Use a mix of pinto and navy beans for added texture and variety.
  • Don’t skip the smoky ingredients; bacon or smoked sausage is key to authentic flavor.
  • Simmer gently on low heat to develop flavor without drying out the beans.
  • Let the beans rest for a few hours or overnight for even better taste.
  • Adjust the brown sugar and chili powder to customize sweetness and spice levels.

Nutrition

Keywords: cowboy beans, easy bean recipe, smoky beans, quick dinner, comfort food, budget-friendly, meal prep

Find it online: https://sophiespace.com/cowboy-beans/