Print

Ranch Style Beans

Ranch Style Baked Beans are a savory dish. Enjoy as a smokey side dish or a stand alone savory meal.
Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Looking for a savory, smokey vegetarian dish? This Ranch Style Beans recipe is a perfect side or stand-alone meal, with a smoky, sweet flavor that’s easy to make! Try it today and enjoy a healthy, satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 2 cups dried pinto beans (or 4 cups canned beans)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (or any cooking oil)
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar (or maple syrup for a twist)
  • 1 teaspoon salt (to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1–2 cups water (depending on desired bean texture)

Ingredient Substitutions:

  • Beans: If you don’t have pinto beans, feel free to substitute with kidney beans, navy beans, or black beans.
  • Sweetener: Swap brown sugar for honey or maple syrup for a more natural sweet touch.
  • Spices: Add a dash of cayenne pepper for extra heat, or use smoked paprika for an enhanced smoky flavor.

Instructions

Step 1: Soak Your Beans

Soaking dried beans is simple, but it does take a bit of time. Don’t worry, it’s totally worth it! Here’s how:

  1. Rinse and sort your beans. Check for any pebbles or debris before adding them to your bowl.
  2. Add salt and water. For every 2 cups of beans, add enough water to cover them by about 2 inches. Let them soak for at least 4 hours (ideally overnight) at room temperature.

Step 2: Cook the Beans

Once your beans are soaked and ready, it’s time to cook:

  1. Cook the soaked beans in a large Dutch oven or stock pot. Cover the beans with water (about 1-2 inches above the beans) and bring to a simmer. Cook on low for about 90 minutes until the beans are tender.

Step 3: Add Seasonings and Simmer

While the beans are cooking, prepare the seasoning mix:

  1. Mix your spices. In a small bowl, combine chili powder, cumin, paprika, brown sugar, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Add to beans. After the initial 90 minutes of cooking, stir in the tomato paste, chopped onion, minced garlic, and your seasoning mix. Add 1-2 cups of water, depending on your desired bean texture.
  3. Simmer until fully cooked. Cover and simmer on low for another 90 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the beans start to dry out, you can add a little more water.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

You can serve the beans as-is for a hearty, flavorful side dish, or mash them slightly for a smoother texture. Either way, they are sure to impress!

Notes

Nutrition Breakdown:

  • Calories: 250 per serving (1 cup)
  • Protein: 12g
  • Fiber: 8g
  • Fat: 4g
  • Carbs: 45g
  • Sugar: 10g

How to Store and Reheat:

  • Storage: Allow the beans to cool completely before storing. Place in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze any leftovers in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop with a splash of water.

Find it online: https://www.veggiehomesteading.com/ranch-style-beans/