Ranch House Beans

Rustic, hearty, and packed with smoky, comforting flavors, Ranch House Beans are a classic one-pot dish that brings the taste of the countryside straight to your table. This recipe starts with tender pinto beans simmered low and slow in a rich broth infused with crispy smoked bacon, aromatic onions, garlic, and a hint of sweetness from brown sugar. A touch of chili powder, cumin, and paprika adds the perfect balance of warmth and spice, while optional hot sauce lets you customize the heat level to your liking. Perfect as a side dish or a satisfying main, these beans are deliciously versatile—serve them with cornbread, rice, or enjoy them as they are. With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a simmering process that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas, Ranch House Beans are a crowd-pleaser that’s worth the wait.

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:180 mins

Total Time:195 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 pound dried pinto beans
• 8 cups water
• 8 slices smoked bacon
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 15-ounce can canned diced tomatoes (with juices)
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the dried pinto beans under cool water and pick out any debris or damaged beans. Place the beans in a large pot or bowl, cover with water, and soak overnight (8-12 hours).

Step 2

After soaking, drain the beans and set aside.

Step 3

In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, cook the smoked bacon slices over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set it aside on a plate lined with paper towels. Leave about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the pot.

Step 4

Add the diced onion to the pot with the bacon grease and sauté over medium heat until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 5

Stir in the canned diced tomatoes (including their juices), brown sugar, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, black pepper, and hot sauce (if using). Mix well.

Step 6

Add the soaked and drained beans to the pot, followed by 8 cups of water. Stir to combine.

Step 7

Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a lid and let the beans simmer for 2.5 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally. Check the water level throughout cooking—if it gets too low, add more water in 1-cup increments to keep the beans from drying out.

Step 8

Once the beans are tender and the liquid has thickened slightly, crumble the crispy bacon into the pot and stir to combine. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Step 9

Serve the Ranch House Beans hot, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro if desired. Enjoy as a hearty side dish or pair with cornbread for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2648.7 grams (2648.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1466

Total Fat 54.30g	70%
Saturated Fat 17.50g	88%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.10g
Cholesterol 132mg	44%
Sodium 5802mg	252%
Total Carbohydrate 159.90g	58%
Dietary Fiber 46.90g	168%
Total Sugars 23.60g
Protein 87.70g	175%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 429mg	33%
Iron 15mg	84%
Potassium 2981mg	63%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 33.0%

Protein: 23.7%

Carbs: 43.2%