What are Ranch Style Beans? A Delicious Tex-Mex Staple Explained

Ranch style beans are a staple side dish in Tex-Mex cuisine, but their unique name leaves many wondering – what exactly are ranch style beans? In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about this delicious and versatile food.

What Are Ranch Style Beans?

Ranch style beans are pinto beans cooked in a chili-infused tomato sauce or gravy. They have a rich, savory flavor that comes from spices like garlic, cumin, and chili powder. The sauce has a smooth, creamy texture from the starch of the cooked beans. Unlike baked beans which are sweet, ranch style beans are known for being hearty, mildly spicy, and perfect for soaking up with tortilla chips or rice.

Ranch style beans are similar to pintos in chili or frijoles charros, though the sauce is a bit thinner than a traditional chili They are also close cousins to American “pork and beans”, but without the pork or molasses that is typical of that dish

Key Ingredients in Ranch Style Beans

The key ingredients that make up ranch style beans include

• Pinto beans – The star of the show! Ranch style beans are made with dried pinto bean that are soaked, cooked until tender, then simmered in a sauce.

• Onion and garlic – Aromatic veggies that provide a flavor base Onion is sautéed in oil before beans and seasonings are added

• Tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes – Tomato product provides richness, texture, and flavor to the sauce.

• Broth or water – Adds moisture as the beans simmer. Chicken or vegetable broth can be used.

• Chili powder – Provides iconic heat and red color. Other dried chiles can also be used.

• Cumin – Warm, earthy cumin is essential for Tex-Mex flavor.

• Salt and pepper – Salty seasoning balances out the spices.

• Oil or lard – Traditional ranch style beans use lard (pork fat) for flavor. Vegetable oil can be substituted.

• Cilantro – Fresh, bright cilantro balances the rich beans.

By combining tender beans, tomato sauce, savory seasonings and aromatics, ranch style beans come out flavorful every time. The ingredients meld together into the perfect hearty side.

How Are Ranch Style Beans Made?

Making ranch style beans from scratch involves a few easy steps:

• Soak dried pinto beans to rehydrate them. Soaking makes beans more digestible.

• Drain and rinse soaked beans.

• In a pot, sauté onion and garlic in oil or lard over medium high heat.

• Add drained pinto beans, tomato sauce, chicken or vegetable broth, and chili powder. Season with cumin, salt, and pepper.

• Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 1-2 hours until beans are very tender, stirring occasionally and adding more liquid as needed.

• Mash some of the beans against the side of the pot to thicken sauce.

• Adjust seasonings to taste.

• Stir in chopped fresh cilantro before serving.

The simmering process allows the beans to absorb all the delicious flavors and creates a thick, creamy sauce. With just 10-15 minutes of prep time plus a low and slow simmer, it’s easy to make these Tex-Mex beans at home.

Different Variations to Try

One of the great things about ranch style beans is how versatile they are. There are many tasty variations you can try:

• Bacon ranch beans – Bits of crispy bacon add a smoky contrast.

• Beef and bean chili – Ground beef transforms it into a hearty chili.

• New Mexican red chile beans – Use New Mexican chiles for a unique flavor.

• Jalapeño ranch beans – Spice it up with fresh diced jalapeño.

• Roasted garlic beans – Whole roasted garlic cloves give a sweet, mellow kick.

• Pinto-poblano beans – Charred poblano peppers provide depth.

• Five bean ranchero – Use a mix of bean varieties like black, kidney, etc.

Feel free to get creative with different dried chile varieties, veggies, spices and even meats to make each pot of beans your own.

How to Serve Ranch Style Beans

There are so many delicious ways to eat ranch style beans! Here are some popular serving ideas:

• Scoop beans over rice for an easy, protein-packed meal

• Dip tortilla chips into a warm bowl of the beans

• Spoon beans into burritos, tacos and tamales

• Layer beans under enchiladas or fajitas

• Top nachos, tostadas and chilaquiles with beans

• Enjoy beans alongside grilled meats as a savory side

• Roll beans up into flautas or taquitos

• Make bean and cheese quesadillas for a quick appetizer

• Bake beans under eggs for a hearty breakfast skillet

With their versatility, ranch style beans are welcome on any Tex-Mex table.

Are Canned Ranch Style Beans Different?

While homemade beans from dried are delicious, canned ranch style beans are a convenient shortcut many cooks rely on. Popular brands like Rosarita’s and Bush’s sell canned ranch style beans across the US.

The main differences between homemade and canned ranch style beans:

• Convenience – Canned beans are pre-cooked and ready to heat and eat. No presoaking or long simmering required.

• Texture – Some brands use whole beans while others use a more refried texture. Homemade tends to be smoother.

• Flavor – Canned beans have a more uniform flavor since they are mass produced. Homemade beans offer more flexibility with seasoning.

• Sodium content – Canned versions tend to be higher in sodium content compared to homemade.

• Preservatives – Canned beans use citric acid to preserve them while homemade only needs TLC.

While canned beans save prep time, homemade beans tend to have a fresher, more nuanced flavor. But both offer the signature Tex-Mex experience people love.

The History of Ranch Style Beans

So how did this bean dish become such a staple in Tex-Mex cuisine? Ranch style beans have a long, intertwined history with the development of the cuisine itself.

Some key events in their origin story:

• 1700s – Pinto beans first cultivated by Native Americans in what is now the Southwestern US and Mexico. They were one of the original “Three Sisters” along with corn and squash.

• Mid 1800s – Ranches throughout Texas and the Southwest start cooking pinto beans seasoned with chiles and served them to cowboys. The basic elements of ranch style beans are born.

• Early 1900s – As more Anglo settlers arrive in Texas, they begin combining Mexican cooking styles with their own, creating an early fusion cuisine later coined Tex-Mex.

• 1940s – Restaurants like Felix Mexican Restaurant in Los Angeles popularize Tex-Mex dishes like tacos, nachos, fajitas – and ranch style beans.

• 1970s-80s – Beans become a common side dish at Tex-Mex chain restaurants as the cuisine goes mainstream around the US.

While originally cooked in small batches at home and on ranches, ranch style beans gained mass appeal as an hearty, affordable dish with bold Tex-Mex flavors. They’ve been a customer favorite for generations.

Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits

Like most bean dishes, ranch style beans pack protein, fiber, and a variety of vitamins and minerals. Some nutrition facts per 1 cup serving:

• Protein – Approximately 7-10g protein when made with pinto beans. An excellent plant-based protein source.

• Fiber – Around 11g fiber, which promotes good digestion and heart health.

• Iron – Provides around 15% RDI of iron, which aids blood cell production.

• Magnesium & potassium – Contains magnesium and potassium, which are essential electrolytes for nerve and muscle function.

• Zinc – 14% RDI of zinc which boosts immunity and wound healing.

• Thiamine – Provides 12% RDI of thiamine or Vitamin B1 important for metabolism.

Ranch style beans deliver a dose of antioxidants from ingredients like tomatoes, onions, chili powder and cilantro. Beans are naturally gluten-free, making them an ideal choice for anyone avoiding gluten. Overall, they provide lasting energy along with key micronutrients.

How to Store Leftover Ranch Style Beans

Like many hearty bean dishes, ranch style beans tend to taste even better as leftovers! Here are some tips for storing them:

• Let beans cool completely before refrigerating. Divide into shallow containers for quick cooling.

• Refrigerate in airtight containers. Beans will keep for 4-5 days.