Ingredients

4 cups pinto beans, picked over and rinsed
3 beef bouillon cubes
1/2 lb. thick cut bacon, cut into 1/2" pieces
1 large onion, quartered
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 Tbsp chili powder (I use more)
1 Tbsp brown sugar
1/2 Tbsp freshly ground black pepper
5 packets Taco Bell mild sauce

Instructions

Place beans, onion and bouillon cubes in a large pot with a tight-fitting cover and add enough water to cover beans by about 2 inches (I use the crock pot). Bring to a boil over high heat.
Meanwhile, place bacon in a medium frying pan and saute' until the fat is translucent, while stirring over medium heat. Add minced garlic to the bacon, remove from heat and stir for about 30 seconds then add mixture to the beans.
Reduce heat and simmer until beans are soft, about 3 - 3 1/2 hours total cooking time, adding more water if needed.
Add chili powder, sugar, pepper and Taco Bell sauce. Simmer another 10 minutes and then serve.