Welcome to our flavorful recipe guide! If you’re craving a hearty and satisfying dish, look no further than these delicious Cowboy Beans. Packed with protein, zesty flavors, and a touch of spice, this recipe is perfect for gatherings, picnics, or simply enjoying a comforting meal at home.
Ingredients for Cowboy Beans
- 2 (15.5 ounce) cans pinto beans, undrained
- 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chile peppers, drained
- 1 cup cubed cooked ham
- ¼ cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
- ¼ cup finely chopped red onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ground black pepper to taste
- 1 dash hot sauce, or to taste
Directions for Cowboy Beans
- Combine the pinto beans, diced tomatoes with green chile peppers, cubed ham, cilantro, red onion, minced
garlic, ground black pepper, and hot sauce in a saucepan. - Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 1 hour, allowing the flavors to
meld and the beans to become tender.
Tips for Perfect Cowboy Beans
- If you’re looking to make your Cowboy Beans even heartier, consider adding crispy bacon and/or savory
sausage to the recipe. - If you’re short on time or prefer the convenience, you can substitute 1 teaspoon of minced garlic from a
jar for the fresh garlic cloves.
Can I use different types of beans?
While pinto beans are traditional for Cowboy Beans, you can certainly experiment with other bean varieties such
as kidney beans or black beans. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may vary slightly.
How can I adjust the spiciness level?
If you prefer a milder dish, you can omit the hot sauce or use a smaller amount. Conversely, if you love spice,
feel free to increase the hot sauce according to your taste.
Can I make Cowboy Beans vegetarian?
Absolutely! Skip the ham and consider adding extra veggies like bell peppers, corn, or even vegetarian sausage
to maintain that hearty texture and flavor.
What should I serve with Cowboy Beans?
Cowboy Beans pair wonderfully with cornbread, rice, or crusty bread. You can also serve them as a side dish
alongside grilled meats or a fresh salad.
Can I prepare Cowboy Beans in advance?
Yes, Cowboy Beans taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Simply store them in an
airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat when ready to enjoy.
Can I freeze Cowboy Beans?
Absolutely! Allow the beans to cool completely before transferring them to freezer-safe containers. They can be
stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Cowboy Beans
Ingredients
- 2 15.5 ounce cans pinto beans, undrained
- 1 10 ounce can diced tomatoes with green chile peppers, drained
- 1 cup cubed cooked ham
- ¼ cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
- ¼ cup finely chopped red onion
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ground black pepper to taste
- 1 dash hot sauce or to taste
Instructions
- Combine pinto beans, tomatoes with green chile peppers, ham, cilantro, red onion, garlic, black pepper, and hot sauce in a saucepan; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about 1 hour.
Notes
Substitute 1 teaspoon minced garlic from the jar for fresh garlic cloves if desired.
