My Western Beans
A hearty and flavorful bean dish with bacon, beef, and vegetables, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings with smoky and savory notes.
Ingredients
- 1 cup dry mixed red and white beans ⓘ
- 4 cups water ⓘ
- 4 slices bacon
- 8 oz ground beef ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 medium green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup salsa ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon chili powder ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons ketchup ⓘ
Instructions
- Soak beans in water overnight or bring to a boil for one minute, then turn off and soak for 2 to 3 hours until soft.
- Cook the soaked beans until soft.
- Fry bacon slices until crispy and remove.
- In the bacon fat, cook ground beef until browned.
- Add chopped onion, green pepper, and minced garlic to the beef and sauté until soft.
- Add the cooked beans to the mixture.
- Stir in salsa, liquid smoke, chili powder, cumin, and ketchup.
- Let the mixture cook for several hours in a slow cooker, stirring occasionally.
- Adjust seasonings as needed before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker cook time, consider using canned beans instead of dry. If you want to reduce the fat, you can use turkey bacon or omit the bacon entirely. Adjust the chili powder to your spice preference; start with less if you're unsure. Incorporating a splash of apple cider vinegar at the end can brighten the flavors. This dish can also be adapted with different beans or vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Western beans alongside cornbread or over rice for a hearty meal. They pair beautifully with Chili Burgers(Diabetic Recipe) for a complete feast. Garnish with fresh cilantro or diced avocado for added flavor and texture. A side of coleslaw could also complement the dish well.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the cooled beans in portions. To reheat, simply microwave or warm on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the mixture. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of My Western Beans contains roughly 1105 calories, with 51g protein, 125g carbohydrates, and 66g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), calcium (154% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (113% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1176mg per serving (51% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of beans in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can mix and match your favorite beans. Black beans or pinto beans work well, but ensure they are cooked until soft before adding them to the mixture. Each type will bring its unique flavor and texture to the dish.
Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by omitting the bacon and ground beef. Instead, sauté mushrooms or use a plant-based meat substitute for added flavor. Adjust the seasonings accordingly to enhance the overall taste of the beans.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To increase the heat, add diced jalapeños or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce when mixing the ingredients. You can also add more chili powder or even a pinch of cayenne pepper to elevate the spice level according to your preference.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).