Easy Gaucho Beans Recipe

Ingrid Hoffmann's Easy Gaucho Beans recipe delivers a comforting, flavorful dish perfect for a weeknight meal or a cozy weekend gathering. This saucy bean recipe is incredibly adaptable – use dried beans for maximum flavor (allowing for overnight soaking) or canned beans for a quicker weeknight option. Either way, you'll enjoy tender beans simmered in a rich sauce with savory bacon and aromatic vegetables. Skip the chopping with a quick food processor pulse! Get ready for a taste of South American home cooking.

Prep Time 20 mins

Cook Time 50 mins

Calories 347.2 kcal

Protein 38g

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The Forktionary Kitchen Team

Adapted from Food.com, then tested & standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Easy Gaucho Beans

Dried Red Kidney Beans
1 teaspoon baking soda
4 ounces bacon, diced
Vegetable Oil
Yellow Onion
2 scallions, chopped
1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 medium carrot, chopped
Garlic Clove
1 bay leaf
Worcestershire Sauce
Ground Cumin
Salt

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How to Make Easy Gaucho Beans

**Prep the Beans (Dried Beans):** If using dried beans, soak them overnight in cold water with 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda. Drain the beans the following day.
**Cook the Dried Beans:** Place the drained beans in a large pot with 1/2 teaspoon baking soda and 6 cups of water. Add the bacon (see ingredients). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for approximately 2 hours, or until beans are tender. Add an additional cup of water if needed.
**Prep the Beans (Canned Beans):** If using canned beans, drain and rinse them. Set aside.
**Sauté the Vegetables:** Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat for 1 minute. Add 1 medium onion (chopped or pulsed), 2 scallions (chopped or pulsed), 1 medium carrot (chopped or pulsed), and 2 cloves garlic (minced or pulsed). Cook, stirring often, until softened and fragrant (about 5-7 minutes).
**Add Tomatoes and Bacon:** Add 1 (28 ounce) can of crushed tomatoes and 4 ounces of bacon (diced, if not using pre-cooked). Cook for an additional 3 minutes.
**Combine and Simmer:** Add the sautéed vegetables and bacon mixture to the pot with the cooked beans (dried or canned). Stir in 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin, 1 bay leaf, and salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
**Serve:** Remove the bay leaf before serving. Enjoy your delicious and easy Gaucho Beans!

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

20 g

Sugar

28g

Fat

Carbs

19g

Recipe Categories (Choose a category and find related recipes!)

Soups, Stews & Chilis Main Courses Main Dish / Dinner Sweets & Sides Side Dishes Vegetarian Proteins Bean & Lentil Recipes The Americas Gluten Free Game Day Recipes One Pot Meals

Recipe Tags (Choose a tag and find related recipes!)

60 Minutes Or Less Time To Make Course Main Ingredient Cuisine Preparation Healthy Side Dishes Beans Easy Low Fat South American Dietary Low Cholesterol Low Saturated Fat Healthy 2 Colombian Low In Something 3 Steps Or Less

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to make Easy Gaucho Beans?

Easy Gaucho Beans takes about 70 minutes from start to finish — roughly 20 minutes to prepare and 50 minutes to cook.

How many calories are in Easy Gaucho Beans?

Easy Gaucho Beans has approximately 347.2 calories per serving, with about 38 g protein, 19 g carbohydrates and 8 g fat.

What ingredients do I need for Easy Gaucho Beans?

The key ingredients for Easy Gaucho Beans are Dried Red Kidney Beans, Baking Soda, Bacon, Vegetable Oil, Yellow Onion, Scallions. See the full list with measurements above.