Frijoles Rancheros Ranch Style Beans
Dive into the hearty, smoky flavors of Frijoles Rancheros Ranch Style Beans, a classic Mexican dish that combines tender pinto beans with a medley of bold spices and vibrant aromatics. This recipe features dried pinto beans simmered to perfection before being infused with a rich tomato-chipotle sauce, enhanced by smoked paprika, cumin, and oregano for a deeply satisfying flavor. Finished with a touch of fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime, these beans are versatile enough to star as a main dish alongside tortillas or rice, or as a flavorful side for grilled meats. With minimal prep and a slow-cooked approach, this dish highlights the beauty of simple ingredients transformed into a comforting, soul-warming meal.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups dried pinto beans
- 8 cups water
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or lard
- 1 medium white onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups tomatoes, diced (or canned diced tomatoes)
- 1 tablespoon chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 whole bay leaf
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 0.5 teaspoons pepper
- 0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 4 wedges lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
Rinse the dried pinto beans under cold water to remove any debris or dirt.
In a large pot, combine the beans and 8 cups of water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beans are tender. Add more water if needed to keep the beans submerged.
Once the beans are tender, drain them, reserving about 1 cup of the cooking liquid. Set both aside.
In the same pot, heat the vegetable oil or lard over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.
Stir in the tomatoes, chipotle peppers, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, and the bay leaf. Cook for about 5 minutes, until the mixture is thick and fragrant.
Return the cooked beans to the pot along with the reserved cooking liquid. Stir well to combine.
Season with salt and pepper, then simmer uncovered for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beans are fully infused with the flavors.
Remove and discard the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side. Enjoy as a standalone dish or pair with rice, tortillas, or grilled meats.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
161 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 5.6 g | 7% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.5 g | 3% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 833 mg | 36% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 23.7 g | 9% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 7.1 g | 25% | |
| Total Sugars | 4.0 g | ||
| Protein | 6.6 g | 13% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 87 mg | 7% | |
| Iron | 2.0 mg | 11% | |
| Potassium | 535 mg | 11% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
