Cowboy Beans are a classic comfort food dish that transforms humble pinto beans into a deeply flavorful, savory main. The combination of smoky chopped ham, sweet brown sugar, and spicy green chilies creates a complex taste profile that is both warming and satisfying. Slow baking allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a thick, tender texture that is perfect for soaking up with bread or serving alongside cornbread. This dish is ideal for potlucks, family dinners, or meal prepping, as it often tastes even better the next day when the spices have had time to fully penetrate the beans.
Cowboy Beans
Description
Cowboy Beans are a classic comfort food dish that transforms humble pinto beans into a deeply flavorful, savory main. The combination of smoky chopped ham, sweet brown sugar, and spicy green chilies creates a complex taste profile that is both warming and satisfying. Slow baking allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a thick, tender texture that is perfect for soaking up with bread or serving alongside cornbread. This dish is ideal for potlucks, family dinners, or meal prepping, as it often tastes even better the next day when the spices have had time to fully penetrate the beans.Ingredients
Directions
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Rinse the dried pinto beans thoroughly under cold water.
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In a large saucepan, combine the beans with 4 cups of water.
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Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 2 minutes.
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Remove from heat, cover, and let stand for 1 hour to soak (or soak overnight and skip boiling).
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Drain and rinse the soaked beans.
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Return beans to the saucepan and cover with 4 cups of fresh water.
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Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 75 minutes until beans are tender, stirring occasionally.
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Drain the beans, reserving about 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid.
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Preheat oven to 325&# 194;°F (160ðC).
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In a 2-quart casserole dish, combine the cooked beans, chopped smoked ham, and chopped onion.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the reserved bean liquid, passata, diced green chilies, packed brown sugar, chili powder, salt, and dry mustard.
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Pour the sauce mixture over the beans and ham, stirring well to combine.
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Cover the casserole and bake for 1 hour.
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Uncover and continue baking for an additional 45 minutes, or until the beans are thick and tender to your liking.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 1916.7kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 201.5g310%
- Saturated Fat 14.4g72%
- Cholesterol 14.4mg5%
- Sodium 397.0mg17%
- Total Carbohydrate 21.2g8%
- Dietary Fiber 6.1g25%
- Sugars 3.4g
- Protein 13.3g27%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.