Cowboy beans are a longtime American favorite dating back to frontier days. They are typically made with pinto beans, but often include other types of beans such as kidney or black beans. Cowboy beans can be made with ground beef, bacon, ketchup, and barbecue sauce. My version uses turkey bacon and no added sweeteners—a healthier version of this staple American recipe! Serve beans as part of a summer barbecue dinner, or with a green salad for a simple, nourishing meal.
Preparation Note
Place the dry pinto beans into a large bowl and cover with several inches of water. Let the beans soak on your counter for 8 to 24 hours. Then rinse and drain in a colander before cooking.
Ingredients
3 cups
pinto beans
(soaked for 8 to 24 hours)
3 tablespoons
extra virgin olive oil
1 large
onions
chopped
1½ teaspoons
sea salt
8 ounces
turkey bacon
chopped
5 cloves
garlic
crushed
2 teaspoons
smoked paprika
6 cups
water
1 cups
unsweetened barbecue sauce