Ranch Beans

This slow cooker ranch style beans recipe is one of my favorite side dishes to make. Ranch Beans Recipe starts with dried pinto beans, simple seasoning and tomato paste to make a rich and hearty side.

I adapted a recipe I found awhile back and made it my own and it is amazing. No need to soak beans overnight. Simply place everything in the slow cooker and let it do all the work. In about 8 hours you will have delicious ranch style beans.

This recipe is so easy since soaking beans is not required. If you love making beans in the crock pot, try one of these other recipes – Crock Pot Refried Beans, How to Cook Dry Beans in a Crock Pot or Crock Pot Black Beans. For another easy recipe, try Cowboy Beans.

What are Ranch Style Beans?

Ranch Style Beans start with pinto beans and are cooked in a chili type gravy. They are similar to bake beans but not as sweet. They are usually made without meat but with simple seasoning.

Ranch Style beans can be served with many different dishes. We have served them with our Mexican dishes or as a side to our grilled meats.

Why We Love these Ranch Beans

The crock pot literally does all the work for you.  Everything gets blended together for just an amazing flavor. Come back in 8 hours and this delicious meal will be ready to gobble up. If you need it sooner, try 5 hours on high instead.

Serve and top with a little shredded cheese for a great meal. If your family loves these as much as we do, learn how to make them easily and quickly in the crock pot.  You can make a huge batch for very little money or effort.

Once you make this easy and favorite recipe, you won’t buy the cans at the store anymore. These are fabulous and our entire family gobbles them up.

Ingredients

• Dried Pinto Beans – We like to clean and remove any debris before placing in the slow cooker
• Tomato Paste – Thickens and gives a tangy tomato sauce to the beans
• Chopped Onions – You can use yellow onions, red onions, or chopped green onions
• Minced Garlic – Learn How to Mince Garlic Cloves. Substitute with a teaspoon garlic powder
• Chili Powder – If you are out, see The Best Chili Powder Substitute
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes – Adds a hint a spice to the mixture
• Cumin – See Best Substitute for Cumin
• Dried Marjoram – If you are out, substitute with regular oregano or Mexican oregano
• Water – Substitute the water with vegetable broth or beef broth

I told you it was SO easy to make this and very inexpensive too. Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe in the recipe card.

Recipe Variations

• Seasoning – The seasoning can be changed to what your family prefers. Feel free to add in more red pepper flakes, paprika or hot sauce to make it more spicier.
• Add Meat – Ranch style beans are usually made without meat but you can definitely add in some. For a delicious Mexican food option add in some tex mex ground beef. Ham or bacon is also a great option.
• Types of Beans – Ranch Style beans is similar to a Bush’s chili beans. They are usually made with kidney beans but you can easily use ranch style beans as a substitute in your chili.
• Onion and Garlic – We like to use fresh ingredients to make this recipe. But you can use dried onions and minced garlic for this recipe. We even like to add in slice Jalapeño.
• Make it Sweeter – You can also try adding brown sugar and a ham hock to this bean recipe. It will taste more like baked beans instead of ranch style beans but still delicious.

How to Make Ranch Beans in the Crock Pot

Step 1 – Add ingredients to slow cooker – Place all of the ingredients in the crock pot in order and stir. I like to put the water in last because it tends to ‘mix’ everything nicely together.

Step 2 – Slow Cook – Cook on low 8 hours or high for 5 hours. Serve hot and toss a pinch (or two) of shredded cheese on top for a little extra yum.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

• Large Bowl – Feel free to mix in the seasoning in a bowl prior to pouring in the slow cooker.
• Add in Water – I like to put the water in last because it tends to ‘mix’ everything nicely together.
• Minced Garlic – If you do not like to mince garlic yourself, you can substitute 3-4 teaspoons of bottled minced garlic.
• Stove Top Option – If you prefer, you can make this recipe on the stove top. But you will need to soak and drain the beans first prior to cooking the beans tender. Simmer in a saucepan on the stovetop over medium heat.

What to Serve with Ranch Style Beans

There are many ways to serve these beans. You can serve them with your Mexican Recipes, grilled or baked meats.

• Cornbread – You can make a meal out of these beans and serve with cornbread. We love this Easy Homemade Cornbread Recipe, Easy Sweet Cornbread Muffins Recipe and Cheddar Jalapeno Cornbread Recipe.
• Pulled Chicken – Or serve the beans as an easy side dish. They go great with these Crock Pot BBQ Pulled Chicken Recipe.
• Grilled Meats – We love to serve these Ranch Beans with Grilled Ribs. We even love to serve with Cheese Stuffed Burgers, Grilled Pork Kabobs, Grilled Steak and Grilled Hot Dogs.
• Crockpot Beef Brisket Recipe – Cook the brisket for a delicious meat that is full of flavor.
• Tacos – We have even served these beans with a side of Ground Beef Tacos Recipe or serve on top of Oven Nachos.

Frequently Asked Questions