Texas Cast Iron Cowboy Beans on the Grill

Introduction

Get ready to bring bold, smoky Texas flavor to your plate with these mouthwatering cast iron cowboy beans, cooked entirely on the Arteflame Grill. There’s no oven needed here—just fire, cast iron, and the magic of wood-fire grilling. These beans are packed with pinto beans, crispy bacon, sweet onions, and perfectly grilled spices, simmered to perfection on the Arteflame’s flat griddle cooktop for an authentic, smoky taste. This dish is a crowd-pleaser at any BBQ, tailgate, or backyard cookout.

Ingredients

• 1 lb dry pinto beans (soaked overnight, drained)
• 8 slices applewood smoked bacon, chopped
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jalapeño, finely chopped (optional for heat)
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 4 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter for cooking
• Fresh chopped cilantro (optional garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame Grill

1. Soak three paper napkins in vegetable oil.
2. Place the oiled napkins in the center of the Arteflame grill.
3. Stack firewood over the napkins and light the paper.
4. Wait about 20 minutes until the grill is hot and the flat top cooktop is sizzling evenly.

Step 2: Pre-Cook the Bacon and Vegetables

1. Place a cast iron skillet directly on the Arteflame flat griddle, close to the center heat zone.
2. Add 2 tbsp butter and allow it to melt and bubble.
3. Add the chopped bacon and cook until browned and crispy.
4. Stir in the onions, garlic, and jalapeño, and sauté until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Add the Beans and Liquids

1. Add the drained pinto beans to the skillet.
2. Stir in tomato paste, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, brown sugar, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour in 4 cups of water or broth and stir to combine.
4. Slide the skillet slightly outward to a lower heat zone on the Arteflame cooktop to maintain a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Grill-Simmer to Perfection

1. Cover the skillet loosely with foil (no lid necessary on the Arteflame).
2. Simmer the beans for 2–2.5 hours, stirring occasionally and adding water if needed to keep them from drying out.
3. When beans are tender and the sauce is rich and thick, they’re ready to serve. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

1. Sprinkle with fresh chopped cilantro if desired.
2. Transfer the cast-iron skillet directly to the table or buffet station and serve piping hot.

Tips

• Soaking the beans overnight helps them cook evenly and reduces the total grill time.
• Adjust the beans' placement on the Arteflame to manage simmering intensity using the heat zones.
• Add additional broth for a soupier consistency or simmer longer uncovered for thicker beans.
• Using butter instead of oil adds a rich, savory flavor that complements the smokiness.
• For extra kick, stir in a splash of hot sauce before serving.

Variations

1. Texas Brisket Beans: Substitute half the bacon with chopped smoked brisket for deep BBQ flavor.
2. Sweet Heat Beans: Add 1/4 cup BBQ sauce and swap jalapeño with chipotle peppers in adobo for sweet-smoky heat.
3. Tex-Mex Beans: Mix in roasted corn, black beans, and diced green chilies for a colorful blend.
4. Bourbon Beans: Stir in 1/4 cup bourbon with the broth for a bold, rich twist.
5. Veggie Cowboy Beans: Omit bacon and use smoked paprika and liquid smoke for a vegetarian version without losing flavor.

Conclusion

These Texas Cast Iron Cowboy Beans are bursting with bold, smoky flavors only a wood-fire Arteflame grill can bring. Cooked entirely outdoors with real fire and a flat griddle, this dish celebrates the heart of Texas grilling. Serve them up at your next backyard feast and enjoy an easy, delicious side or main everyone will love.

Best pairings

• Reverse-seared ribeye or tri-tip grilled on the Arteflame center grate
• Skillet cornbread grilled on the outer flat top
• Crispy grilled coleslaw or elote-style grilled corn
• Chilled craft beer or sweet iced tea