Santa Maria Ranch-Style Beans

I clipped this from a newspaper years ago, and it is one of the best bean recipes I've ever made. It can be a bit tricky to find dried pinquito beans, but try the produce section of bigger markets, or farmers markets or farm stands. If worse comes to worse you can find them at a couple of places online. It's worth the search! Great for parties and barbeques.

• Ready In: 3 hrs 40 mins
• Serves: 10
• Yields: 10 cups

Ingredients

• 1  lb  dried pinquito beans
• 2 (14 1/2ounce) cans beef broth
• 4 1⁄2 cups water
• 1  lb ground beef
• 2  onions, chopped
• 2  garlic cloves, minced
• 4  large tomatoes, chopped
• 1 (7 ounce) can diced green chilies
• 1⁄2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 3  tablespoons chili powder
• 1  tablespoon dried oregano leaves
• 1  teaspoon salt

Directions

1. Pick over and rinse beans. Place beans, beef broth and water in a large dutch oven; cover. Heat to boiling; reduce heat and simmer 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
2. Saute ground beef, onions and garlic; drain.
3. Add beef mixture and remaining ingredients to beans. Simmer, covered, 1 hour.
4. If thinner consistency is desired, add more beef broth.