AKA: Tyner Pond Farm Cowboy Beans

At Tyner Pond Farm, we believe in hearty, flavorful food that nourishes both body and soul, no matter the season.  Though you might n0t immediately think of Chili in the summer, our Cowboy Beans with BBQ Sauce proves that hearty flavors can be enjoyed in any season.

Featuring our pasture-raised bacon and ground chuck, combined with fresh vegetables and a touch of barbecue sauce, this hearty chili is perfect for backyard barbecues or potlucks. Taste the difference that sustainable farming makes with this simple yet satisfying dish.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Makes: About 7 cups
Serves: 8 to 10

Ingredients:

• 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 1/2 cups)
• 1 medium green bell pepper, diced (about 1 cup)
• 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 8 ounces Tyner Pond Farm pasture-raised bacon, cut into 1/4-inch pieces
• 1 (about 15-ounce) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (about 15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (about 15-ounce) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 pound Tyner Pond Farm ground chuck
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 cup water or beef broth
• 1/4 cup tomato-based barbecue sauce
• 1/4 cup packed light or dark brown sugar or honey
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon your favorite mustard

Serving Options:

• Sour cream
• Thinly sliced scallions

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven: Arrange a rack in the middle of the oven and heat to 350°F.

2. Prep ingredients: Dice the onion and green bell pepper, finely chop the garlic, and cut the bacon into 1/4-inch pieces. Drain and rinse all three types of beans.

3. Cook bacon: Place the bacon in a Dutch oven and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until browned and crisp, 7 to 10 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. Remove all but 1 tablespoon of bacon fat from the pot (save for something else!)

4.  Sauté aromatics: Add the onion and bell pepper to the pot and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until softened, 5 to 7 minutes. Add the garlic, chili powder, and cayenne pepper (if using), and stir to combine. Cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant, about 1 minute.

5. Brown the beef: Add the Tyner Pond Farm ground chuck, kosher salt, and black pepper. Cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon into small pieces and scraping up the browned bits at the bottom of the pot, until the beef is cooked through and browned, 4 to 5 minutes.

6. Add remaining ingredients: Add the beans, cooked bacon, water, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, and Dijon mustard. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.

7. Bake: Cover and transfer the pot to the oven. Bake until the flavors meld and the sauce is thickened, about 45 minutes.

8. Season and serve: Taste and season with more kosher salt as needed. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.