This is a DIY version of the canned variety of Ranch Style Beans you buy at the supermarket. Just like the premade ones, this homemade ranch style beans recipe is easy and flavorful!
If you’ve never had Ranch Style Beans before, I’d describe them as pinto beans with a southwestern flair. Sounds pretty tasty, doesn’t it?
Just this week I used these on top of the nachos the kids the requested for dinner instead of meat. Nobody complained!
I alsoloveusing these homemade ranch style beans in this recipe for Mexican Haystacks. They’d also be a great sub for meat in tacos, quesadillas, this Tex Mex spaghetti squash recipe, or even just to serve as a side dish.
I always make a full batch and then freeze the leftovers in meal size portions. It makes them perfect to pull out of the freezer for a super fast and cheap supper.
(For another bean recipe, check out these Crock Pot refried beans!)
Ingredients for the blender
Ranch Style Beans Recipe Ingredients:
- tomatoes/tomato Sauce
- onion
- garlic
- molasses
- apple cider vinegar
- beef broth
- pinto beans
- salt
- paprika
- smoked paprika
- cumin
- oregano
If you are like me, these are all ingredients that you already have in your pantry. Perfect for spur of the moment cooking in the instant pot.
The pureed ingredients
How to Cook Ranch Style Beans:
You have three options here.
- Instant Pot. This is my go to method. So fast and easy. All you do is combine all the ingredients and cook on high pressure for 25 minutes (mine is 8 quart). Youalmost can’t have the canned variety opened and heated in that time. Yes, I’m joking but seriously I was able to make these after work and have them done in time for dinner.The Instant Pot has saved me more than once when it comes to getting beans finished in time for supper.
- Slow Cooker. Great set and forget it method. I frequently use this method for beans as well. Dump everything into your Crock Pot and let it go. Cooking time varies greatly from slow cooker to slow cooker. Mine tends to cook things quickly.
On high check at 3 hours and then each hour after that. It probably will be between 4-6 hours.
On low your Crock Pot will most likely take 8-10 hours, though again, I’d recommend first checking at 5 hours. - Stove Top. Do a quick soak with your beans. (Cover with water and boil for 10 minutes. Turn heat off and let sit for 1 hour. Remove the water from the beans.) Add all other ingredients and simmer beans for 2-3 hours. Check liquid level occasionally and add broth or water if needed.
The other ingredients needed for the recipe
Ranch Style Beans Recipe Instructions:
- Blend the tomatoes/sauce, onion, garlic, molasses, vinegar, and some of the beef broth.
- Rinse and sort out any bad pinto beans. Place in Instant Pot (or cooker of your choice).
- Add the pureed liquid, salt, more beef broth, paprika, smoked paprika, cumin, and oregano.
- Cook until done. Season with more salt, if needed.
If you want more of a kick, feel free to add chili powder or another chili pepper.
The listed combination is perfect for my family with kids, though.
The beans after they have finished cooking in the Instant Pot
Ranch Style Beans Recipe
Easy Ranch Style Beans Recipe (Instant Pot, Slow Cooker or Stove Top)
Recipe type:Side
Cuisine:Tex Mex
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves:6 cups
Easy and tasty southwestern flavored pinto beans! Perfect as a side or in your favorite Tex Mex dishes.
Ingredients
- 1 can tomato sauce (or 1.5 cups fresh tomatoes, chopped)
- 1 onion, peeled and quartered
- 6 cloves of garlic, peeled
- 1 teaspoon molasses
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 6 cups beef broth, divided
- 2 cups dried pinto beans
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
Instructions
- Place tomatoes/sauce, onion, garlic, molasses, vinegar, and 2 cups of beef broth in a blender. Puree until smooth.
- Rinse and sort pinto beans.
- If cooking on the stove (or on low in the crock pot - I do NOT do this step when using the Instant Pot) do a quick soak - put beans in pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil for 10 minutes. Turn stove off, cover and let sit for 1 hour. Drain.
- Combine beans, pureed mixture, 4 more cups of broth, salt, both paprikas, cumin, and oregano in your cooking device.
- Cook until done. Check and see if more salt is needed.
- Instant Pot: Cook on high pressure for 25-30 minutes. Quick release.
- Slow Cooker: Cook on high for 4-6 hours or cook on low for 8-10 hours. (Crock Pots are different, be sure to check doneness of the beans early the first time you make this.)
- Stove: (Do the quick soak first) Let beans simmer for 2-3 hours. Add additional broth or water if needed.
Do you buy Ranch Style Beans? What are your favorite ways to use them?
