What did Cowboys Eat on the Open Range?

bacon

🥗Healthier: turkey bacon

💰Cheaper: smoked sausage

Turkey bacon reduces fat while smoked sausage adds flavor.

pinto beans

🥗Healthier: black beans

💰Cheaper: canned beans

Black beans offer a different flavor and canned beans save time.

brown sugar

🥗Healthier: honey

💰Cheaper: white sugar

Honey adds sweetness with less processing, while white sugar is more economical.

beef broth

🥗Healthier: vegetable broth

💰Cheaper: water with seasoning

Vegetable broth is lower in calories, and seasoned water is cost-effective.

Soak pinto beans overnight in water.

Drain and rinse the soaked beans.

Cook bacon in a large pot over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes.

Remove bacon and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pot.

Add chopped onion and green bell pepper to the pot; sauté until softened, about 4-5 minutes.

Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Add the soaked beans, tomato sauce, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth to the pot.

Season with black pepper, cayenne pepper, and salt; stir to combine.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low.

Cover and simmer for 1-1.5 hours, or until beans are tender, stirring occasionally.

Stir in the reserved bacon and cook for an additional 10 minutes.

Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Spice Level: