Hearty Cowboy Beans Recipe: Slow-Cooked Smoky Ranch

Ingredients

• 1 cup (200g) dried pinto beans or 2 cans (15 oz/425g each) cooked pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 4 strips bacon, chopped
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small green bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup (240 ml) tomato sauce (or passata)
• 2 tbsp (30 ml) molasses or dark brown sugar
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 1 cup (240 ml) beef broth or water (for simmering)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp fresh chopped parsley or coriander, for garnish