Description
Charro Beans, or Frijoles Charros, are a hearty Mexican dish bursting with flavor. Traditionally enjoyed by cowboys, this savory stew combines pinto beans simmered in a rich broth with bacon, ham, and aromatic spices. Perfect as a side dish or a main course, these beans adapt beautifully to any meal. Their comforting and satisfying texture makes them an ideal choice for family gatherings, casual dinners, or even tacos. Plus, they’re easy to prepare and packed with protein and fiber, making them both delicious and nutritious.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound dried pinto beans
- 8 ounces diced bacon
- 1 cup cubed cooked ham
- ½ yellow onion (diced)
- 1 jalapeño (diced)
- 3 Roma tomatoes (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ yellow onion (see notes for using canned beans)
- 2 cloves garlic (smashed)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon dried Mexican oregano
- Water (as needed)
- Chopped cilantro (for serving)
Instructions
- Rinse the pinto beans thoroughly under running water and discard any damaged beans.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine rinsed beans with ½ yellow onion, smashed garlic cloves, bay leaves, kosher salt, dried oregano, and enough water to cover by about 3 inches.
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat; then reduce to low and simmer for 1½ to 2 hours until beans are soft.
- Reserve 4 cups of cooking liquid; drain the beans.
- In the same pot, cook diced bacon for about 8 minutes until crispy. Add ham, diced onions, and jalapeños; cook until onions are translucent.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
- Add diced tomatoes and chipotle pepper; cook until tomatoes release their juices.
- Mix in the drained beans along with reserved cooking liquid; bring back to a boil and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve hot garnished with chopped cilantro.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg