This recipe is a way to make your pinto beans a little more hearty. This recipe is common in the northern part of Mexico and Southern part of Texas. Hope you enjoy it.

Step 1: Ingredients

1) 1/2 lb of bacon
2) 2 white onions
3) 2 tomatoes
4) 2 Serrano peppers
5) 2 quarts cooked pinto beans (see link to previous Instructable -> Pinto Bean Instructable )
6) 4 cups water

7) 1/2 cup of cilantro leaves

8) 1 tbsp ground cumin

9) Salt as needed

Step 2: Cut the Bacon

Cut the bacon into 1/2 inch strips

Step 3: Cut the Onions

Cut the white onions into 1/2 in cubes

Step 4: Cut Tomatoes & Serrano

Cut the tomatoes into 1/2 inch cubes.
Cut the Serrano peppers into 1/8 semi-circles

Step 5: Brown the Bacon

Brown the bacon in the pot

Step 6: Cook the Onions & Serrano

After the bacon is browned, add the onions and peppers into the pot. Cook until onions are translucent.

Step 7: Cook the Tomatoes

Add the tomatoes to the mixture and cook for another minute.

Step 8: Add the Beans

Add the 2 quarts of cooked pinto beans to the pot and 4 cups of water.

Step 9: Add the Cumin

Add the 1 tbsp of ground cumin to the mixture.

Step 10: Add Cilantro

Add 1/2 cup of fresh cilantro leaves to the mixture.

Step 11: Check Salt

Even though the beans and the bacon have salt. I always check the salt of the beans at this point. The onion and tomatoes may dilute the seasoning of the entire mixture. I checked this batch and I had to add 1/2 tbsp of salt to get it to my preference.

Step 12: Simmer

Let the mixture simmer on low heat for 30 minutes.

Step 13: Serve Piping Hot

Frijoles Rancheros are served as a side item to a main dish in a nice deep bowl.

Introduction: Ranchero Beans