Elvis' Go-To Mexican Restaurant Order Was A Classic Bean Dish

Elvis Presley's most famous nosh was undoubtedly the peanut butter, banana, and bacon sandwich that bears his name even today, but the King was a man of habit in all aspects of his eating. Presley's preferred stage drink was Gatorade, which, in his lifetime, would have only been available in two flavors: lemon-lime and, later, orange. And, when he dined at his favorite booth in Las Casuelas Mexican restaurant in Palm Springs, California, he always ordered the exact same thing: ranchero beans and iced tea. Las Casuelas is an old-school family restaurant that's been around since 1958, and it's proud to have served rock n' roll royalty as well as other celebrities who have graced its doors. Today, the ranchero beans Elvis enjoyed are still on the menu.

The frijoles rancheros, or "cowboy beans" in English, are whole pinto beans that have been simmered with tomato, onions, bell peppers, and Guerito chiles (which are small, yellow peppers named after the Spanish word for "blonde"). This is then topped with cilantro and cheese. You might also see these beans referred to as "frijoles charros," after a specific kind of Mexican cowboy on horseback. Although Las Casuelas' ranchero beans are meatless, this dish is normally heavy on protein in the form of whatever meats you have lying around the fridge. This would have made it a perfect dish for famished cowboys after a long day of ranching in the Mexican sun.

Making ranchero beans at home is so easy that you'll be adding this meal to your weekly dinner rotation. You can use either dried or canned pinto beans — just remember to rinse your canned beans first! Dried beans, of course, will add to the preparation and cooking time. If you want to make meaty ranchero beans, start with frying some diced bacon and reserving the fat to sauté your veggies and peppers. If you want a plant-based dish, add some oil and go straight to sweating your onions, chilies, and bell peppers. This recipe is seriously flexible. Want to add ham and chorizo as well? Go for it! Like a bit more spice? Get some jalapeños or habaneros in your pot! Add your cooked beans and make a broth of crushed tomatoes, chicken stock, garlic, and bay leaf, then cook it all down until it's stew-y and hearty. The beans are always served with cilantro, but fresh lime tastes delicious as well ... and, for that authentic Elvis experience, don't forget the freshly shredded cheese!

Depending on your appetite, ranchero beans can be a side dish or an entrée all by themselves. Las Casuelas serves them as an accompaniment, but Elvis liked them as the main attraction. We think some cornbread, your favorite salsa, and, of course, a tall glass of iced tea would round out the dish spectacularly!