Easy Ranch Style Beans
on Oct 02, 2022
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.
This easy, tasty, and affordable meal idea is one your whole family is sure to love. Made with hearty pinto beans, rich spices, and savory gravy, this meal is so easy to prepare. Simmer on the stovetop or plan ahead with a crock pot. Either way, this meal is always a hit.
What Are Ranch Style Beans?
Ranch style means this dish includes a very specific combination of ingredients: pinto beans, tomatoes, chili, cumin, oregano, sweetener, salt, and pepper. Very similar to baked beans, but they don’t include meat and are a little less sweet overall.
Pinto beans are rich in fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals. They provide several health benefits like improved blood sugar and heart health. They are also high in antioxidants which can lower your overall risk of certain chronic diseases.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- dried pinto beans
- water
- tomato paste
- garlic
- onion
- ground cumin
- paprika
- cayenne pepper
- chili powder
- brown sugar
- salt and pepper
(Note: Full recipe is at the bottom of the post)
How to Make Ranch Style Beans
- Rinse beans well and place in a pot or bowl with 7 cups of water. Let beans soak overnight. Drain and rinse well the next day.
- Add 4 cups of fresh water to a pot with the beans and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and allow the beans to simmer for about one hour and a half until beans are tender.
- Add remaining ingredients and bring to a boil. Reduce heat again and simmer for an additional one to one and a half hours. Season with salt and pepper as needed.
Tips and Tricks
- For best results, allow pinto beans to soak for at least 6 hours up to overnight before cooking them.
- Adjust seasonings and spices to your individual tastes. You can add oregano to the mix and use as much salt or pepper as you enjoy.
- This is a vegetarian and vegan-friendly recipe. You can add chunks of cooked bacon or ham to your dish if you prefer to have a meat option.
How Long Do Ranch Style Beans Last?
Beans can remain fresh at room temperature for about 2 hours. It is best to refrigerate them after that. They can last anywhere from 3 to 5 days in an airtight container in the fridge. They can also keep well in a freezer for up to 6 months if stored properly.
To reheat your dish, be sure to thaw frozen beans in the fridge overnight. Heat over low heat on the stove until just warmed up.
Differences Between Ranch-Style Beans and Chili Beans
Though chili beans can also be made from pinto beans, chili beans can also be made from kidney beans or red beans. The two different types of beans can be used interchangeably in recipes even though they have a slightly different flavor.
How to Serve Ranch Style Beans
Ranch-style beans pair best with rice. You can also add toppings as desired like shredded cheese, sliced jalapeño, onions, green onions, fresh herbs, and even sour cream. Cornbread also pairs well with this dish.
Ranch Style Beans Recipe
Ingredients
- 16 ounces dried pinto beans
- 1 quart water
- 6 ounces tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 small diced onion
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- cayenne pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar, packed
- salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Rinse beans well and place in a pot or bowl with 7 cups of water. Let beans soak overnight. Drain and rinse well the next day.
- Add 4 cups of fresh water to a pot with the beans and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and allow the beans to simmer for about one hour and a half until beans are tender.
- Add remaining ingredients and bring to a boil. Reduce heat again and simmer for an additional one to one and a half hours. Season with salt and pepper as needed.
Nutrition information provided is an estimate only and will vary based on ingredient brands and cooking methods used.
