Step 1

Place the beans in the pot of a slow cooker. Add the bacon, tomato paste and onions.

Step 2

Pour 6 cups water over the top. Cover the pot and cook for 8 hours on low heat or 5–6 hours on high.

Step 3

Two hours before you are finished, stir in the ranch seasoning and chili powder. Serve hot. Note: For a vegetarian version, leave out the bacon.