Cowboy Bob Beans
Saddle up for a hearty bowl of flavor-packed Cowboy Bob Beans, a rustic, crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or cozy family dinners. This one-pot recipe marries the smoky goodness of crispy bacon with a medley of pinto, black, and kidney beans, all simmered in a rich, tangy tomato base infused with molasses, brown sugar, and a kick of chili powder. The addition of liquid smoke and smoked paprika brings a deep, campfire-inspired aroma that pairs beautifully with the sautéed onion, garlic, and red bell pepper. Ready in just over an hour, this versatile dish can be served as a warm, comforting side or a satisfying standalone meal, especially when paired with a slice of buttery cornbread. Whether you’re hosting a wild west feast or looking for an easy comfort food recipe, these smoky baked beans are sure to be a hit!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 6 slices bacon
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
- 2 cans (15 oz each) canned pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) canned kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14.5 oz) canned diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons molasses
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
- 1 cup water or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons optional chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
Instructions
In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon slices over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the bacon grease in the pot.
Add the diced onion and red bell pepper to the pot. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until the vegetables have softened.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the drained and rinsed pinto beans, black beans, and kidney beans to the pot along with the canned diced tomatoes (including juices) and tomato paste. Stir to combine.
Mix in the brown sugar, molasses, smoked paprika, ground cumin, chili powder, and liquid smoke. Stir well to meld the flavors.
Pour in the water or chicken broth and season with salt and black pepper. Crumble in the cooked bacon.
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the beans cook for 35-40 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt or spices if needed.
Serve the Cowboy Bob Beans hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro if desired. Pair with cornbread, grilled meats, or enjoy as a standalone dish!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
289 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 5.7 g | 7% | |
| Saturated Fat | 1.5 g | 8% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 9 mg | 3% | |
| Sodium | 859 mg | 37% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 48.9 g | 18% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 12.5 g | 45% | |
| Total Sugars | 16.7 g | ||
| Protein | 14.0 g | 28% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 122 mg | 9% | |
| Iron | 4.2 mg | 23% | |
| Potassium | 918 mg | 20% | |
*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.
