Recipe(tried): Ranchero Beans / Frijoles Rancheros / Frijoles Charros (not Cowboy Chicken's)

These should taste very similar.

RANCHERO BEANS

4 bacon strips, diced
1 pound dry pinto beans (4-5 cups cooked), or a combination of black beans and pinto beans (canned or previously cooked, if canned, use unsalted beans)
1 onion, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 (4 ounce) can diced jalapenos (for spicier beans, use 1 to 2 fresh jalapenos or serrano chiles)
3 garlic cloves, minced (may use up to 6 cloves, depending on their size and potency)
1 tablespoon cumin (freshly ground preferred)
1 teaspoon dried oregano (or epazote, if you can find it)
1 green bay leaf
3 or 4 diced fresh tomatoes (one 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes, the fire-roasted variety works well here)
1 to 2 cups chicken broth or reserved bean cooking liquid
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: chili powder, cayenne
Garnishes (see below)

In a large pot, heat on medium, cook the bacon for about 5 minutes, stirring often.

Drain the beans from their cooking liquid or cans, reserving the liquid. Set aside.

When the bacon is almost done cooking, add the onion and bell pepper, and cook for another 5 minutes. If you are using fresh chiles, add them at this stage. Add the garlic, cumin and oregano and cook for 1 minute. Add bay leaf, beans, tomatoes, jalapenos, and 1 cup liquid, plus any additional spices, and stir, being sure to scrape the bottom of pan. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. When mixture boils, turn heat to low and simmer uncovered or partially covered 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add more liquid if it is reducing too quickly. At its finish, the liquid should be like a thick gravy, and the beans extremely tender. Season to taste.

Serve hot in bowls. Garnish with any of the following: fresh cilantro, grated or crumbled cheese (cotija is best), sour cream, salsa, pico de gallo, pickled onions, a squeeze of fresh lime juice. Serve with rice, chips, and/or tortillas.

VARIATIONS:
- For a lower-fat variety, drain all but 1 tablespoon of the bacon fat before adding the onion and bell pepper.
- Vegetarians may skip the bacon, use vegetable oil for saut ing and add a tsp of liquid smoke and tsp of maple syrup for flavor.