If you’re looking for a hearty, flavorful side dish, this easy charro beans recipe is perfect for you. A staple in Mexican cuisine, charro beans are simmered with bacon, chorizo, and aromatic spices, making them an ideal accompaniment to tacos, grilled meats, or even as a stand-alone dish. With just a few simple steps, this charro bean recipe brings the bold flavors of Mexico to your table.
Charro Beans Recipe
Cuisine: MexicanDifficulty: Easy6
servings20
minutes15
minutes250
kcalThis charro beans recipe is a traditional Mexican dish packed with flavor. Made with pinto beans, smoky bacon, and spicy jalapeños, it’s the perfect side dish for your next family gathering.
Ingredients
2 cups dried pinto beans (soaked overnight)
6 slices bacon, chopped
1/2 lb chorizo
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 jalapeño, chopped
2 medium tomatoes, chopped
1/2 tsp cumin
1 tsp chili powder
4 cups chicken broth
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Lime wedges for serving
Directions
- Prepare the beans: Rinse and drain the soaked pinto beans. Place them in a large pot with water and cook until tender (about 1 hour).
- Cook the bacon and chorizo: In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon, leaving the drippings. In the same skillet, cook the chorizo until browned. Set aside.
- Sauté the aromatics: Add chopped onions and garlic to the skillet. Sauté until fragrant (about 2-3 minutes). Add the chopped jalapeño and tomatoes, and cook for another 3 minutes.
- Combine: Add the sautéed mixture to the pot of beans, followed by the bacon, chorizo, cumin, and chili powder. Pour in the chicken broth and stir well. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Simmer: Let everything simmer for about 20-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges.
Notes
- Soaking beans: Overnight soaking is recommended for quicker cooking.
- Substitutions: You can replace chorizo with ground pork or omit it for a vegetarian version.
- Spice level: Adjust the jalapeños to control heat. For milder beans, remove the seeds.
Variants of the Chorro beans recipe:
- Vegetarian Charro Beans: Omit the bacon and chorizo, and add more vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini for a veggie-packed alternative.
- Branzino Fillet Recipe Variant: Serve charro beans alongside a grilled branzino fillet for a unique blend of flavors. That way you will combine Mexican spices with Mediterranean-style fish.
- Instant Pot Charro Beans: Prepare the beans using an Instant Pot for faster cooking while keeping the flavor intact.
- Charro Beans with Ham Hock: Swap bacon for a smoked ham hock to give the beans a deeper, richer flavor.
- Charro Beans with Avocado: Top the beans with fresh slices of avocado for a creamy, refreshing twist.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Yes, simply omit the bacon and chorizo and add more vegetables or extra beans for a vegetarian version of the recipe.
Absolutely! Using canned beans can save time, just reduce the cooking time and make sure to drain and rinse the beans before using them.
Charro beans are great with grilled meats, tacos, rice, or even as a standalone soup with some crusty bread.
If you are craving a comforting dish, this charro beans recipe delivers on both flavor and authenticity. It’s easy to make, customizable, and sure to impress everyone at the table. Next time you’re searching for an easy charro beans recipe, you’ll know exactly how to create this delicious, crowd-pleasing dish.
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