How to Make Ranch-Style Beans

Cook a pot of ranch-style beans on the stove or the campfire.

Ranch-style beans recipes are inspired by cooks working the chuck wagon on the wagon trains of the Old West. They'd cook up a big pot of beans that had soaked overnight, add a bunch of spices and serve to the hungry cowboys or traveling families. You can enjoy the flavor of ranch-style beans without having to cook over a fire, though this dish could be easily adapted to return to its roots on a camping trip.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic
• 1 medium green pepper
• 1 tsp jalapeno pepper
• 1 1/2 cups diced tomatoes
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 can pinto beans with liquid
• Dash of salt and pepper

1. Heat the oil in a large, heavy cooking pot.

2. Add the onion, garlic and chopped green pepper, and cook until barely soft.

3. Add the rest of the ingredients to the pot. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes.

4. Serve with cornbread as a side for a barbecued meal.

Tips & Warnings

• Add a pound of cooked ground beef for a meatier flavor.