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
- Rinse the pinto beans under cold water and remove any debris or stones.
- 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.
- In the same pot, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- In the bacon fat, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic until the meat is browned and the onion is translucent.
- 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.
- Add the cooked bacon, drained beans, and beef broth to the pot. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
- 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.
- Serve the chuckwagon beans hot, garnished with your choice of toppings such as diced onions, shredded cheese, or sour cream.
- 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.