Hearty and Delicious Chuckwagon Beans Recipe

4 stars
4.40 (16)
Hearty and Delicious Chuckwagon Beans Recipe
Prep Time:
20 mins
Cook Time:
120 mins
Total Time:
140mins
Category:
Recipe by Administrator
Published on January 14, 2024

Chuckwagon Beans is a classic American dish that originated in the Old West. This hearty recipe features a flavorful combination of beans, bacon, ground beef, and spices. It's perfect for feeding a crowd or for a cozy dinner at home. The dish is slow-cooked to perfection, allowing all the flavors to meld together for a truly satisfying meal. Serve it with some cornbread or crusty bread for a complete and comforting meal.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound dried pinto beans
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 6 slices bacon, chopped
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 4 cups beef broth

Directions

  1. Rinse the pinto beans under cold water and remove any debris or stones.
  2. In a large pot, add the rinsed beans and cover them with water. Bring to a boil and let boil for 2 minutes. Remove from heat, cover, and let soak for 1 hour. Drain and rinse the beans.
  3. In the same pot, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside.
  4. In the bacon fat, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic until the meat is browned and the onion is translucent.
  5. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Stir well to combine.
  6. Add the cooked bacon, drained beans, and beef broth to the pot. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
  7. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the beans are tender and the flavors have melded together.
  8. Serve the chuckwagon beans hot, garnished with your choice of toppings such as diced onions, shredded cheese, or sour cream.
  9. Enjoy!

Interesting Facts

  • Chuckwagon beans were a staple food for cowboys on cattle drives in the Wild West.
  • This dish gets its name from the chuckwagon, which was a wagon used to carry food and supplies for cowboys on the trail.
  • Chuckwagon beans were often cooked in large cast-iron pots over an open fire.
  • The slow cooking process allows the flavors to develop and intensify, making the beans incredibly tasty and comforting.
  • Chuckwagon beans are a versatile dish and can be customized with additional ingredients such as bell peppers, jalapenos, or corn.