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.

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:180 mins

Total Time:195 mins

Servings: 6

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

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the dried pinto beans under cold water to remove any debris or dirt.

Step 2

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.

Step 3

Once the beans are tender, drain them, reserving about 1 cup of the cooking liquid. Set both aside.

Step 4

In the same pot, heat the vegetable oil or lard over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.

Step 5

Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.

Step 6

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.

Step 7

Return the cooked beans to the pot along with the reserved cooking liquid. Stir well to combine.

Step 8

Season with salt and pepper, then simmer uncovered for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beans are fully infused with the flavors.

Step 9

Remove and discard the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 10

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

Serving size	(3027.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	723.8

Total Fat 5.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 0.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.8g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 5824.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 140.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 44.3g	0%
Total Sugars 23.6g
Protein 40.7g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 455.7mg	0%
Iron 13.0mg	0%
Potassium 3182.6mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 6.2%

Protein: 21.1%

Carbs: 72.7%