Why do so many Westerns show bacon and beans as the campfire meal? And how did the characters cook the beans so fast?

Why do so many Westerns show bacon and beans as the campfire meal? And how did the characters cook the beans so fast? John Howard Topeka, Kansas Bacon and beans were popular staples on the trail because they were easy to pack and carry, and it didn’t take a lot of work to preserve them for the trip. Needless to say, one could get sick of such limited fare, eaten every day for three or four weeks (or longer). Many a cowboy likely focused his frustrations, aggravations and tiredness on the cook