Ranch Style Beans For Fifty
Hearty ranch style beans with smoky bacon, spicy chili peppers, and tender tomatoes, perfect for family gatherings or comforting meals with bold flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash the dried beans thoroughly.
- Add boiling water to the beans and cover, letting them stand for 1 hour or longer.
- Add the bacon cubes to the beans and then add additional water to cover the beans and bacon.
- Cook slowly until the beans are tender, about 1 hour.
- Soak the chili peppers in warm water to soften.
- Remove the seeds from the chili peppers.
- Add the chili pepper pods to the beans.
- Add canned tomatoes, sliced onions, chopped garlic, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper to the beans.
- Cook the mixture slowly in a kettle for an additional 2 hours or transfer to a baking pan and bake at 300°F (150°C) for 2 to 3 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For optimal flavor, consider soaking the beans overnight instead of just one hour. You can substitute the bacon with turkey bacon or a vegetarian option for a lighter dish. Adjust the heat level by varying the amount or type of chili peppers used. If you prefer a smokier flavor, add a dash of smoked paprika. This recipe is reminiscent of the hearty flavors found in American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Ranch Style Beans with cornbread or over a bed of rice for a complete meal. They pair beautifully with Ham Stuffed Mushrooms for a delicious gathering. Consider topping with diced onions, shredded cheese, or fresh cilantro for added flavor. This dish also makes a great side for grilled meats or barbecues.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, transfer the beans to a saucepan and warm over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent sticking. You can also reheat them in the microwave, covered, in short bursts, stirring in between to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ranch Style Beans For Fifty contains roughly 1061 calories, with 42g protein, 231g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (300% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (269% of the Daily Value), and iron (155% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1069mg per serving (46% 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 canned beans instead of dried beans?
Yes, you can use canned beans for a quicker option. If using canned, skip the soaking step and reduce the cooking time to about 30 minutes. Drain and rinse the canned beans before adding them to the pot with the other ingredients.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make Ranch Style Beans vegetarian, simply omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of water for more flavor. You can also add smoked paprika or liquid smoke to mimic the smoky flavor that bacon provides.
What type of chili peppers should I use?
The choice of chili peppers depends on your heat preference. For a mild flavor, use poblano or Anaheim peppers. For more heat, opt for jalapeños or serranos. Adjust the quantity based on your taste; remember that seeds and membranes add extra heat.
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).