There’s something deeply satisfying about a pot of beans simmering on the stove, especially when it’s this Easy Charro Beans Recipe. The aroma alone, smoky bacon, garlic, jalapeño, and slow-cooked pinto beans, transports you to a rustic Mexican cocina. This dish, also known as Frijoles Charros, is a cherished part of Northern Mexican cuisine, often served at cookouts, family gatherings, and Sunday dinners.
This recipe is perfect for a cozy weeknight meal, yet festive enough for your next backyard barbecue. Whether you serve it as a side dish or make it the main event with a slice of warm cornbread or tortillas, charro beans deliver a rich, savory flavor with just the right kick of heat. The best part? They’re incredibly easy to make, with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
Table of contents
Recipe Card
Charro Beans Recipe
6
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.
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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.
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Why This Easy Charro Beans Recipe Works
What sets this version apart from other charro bean recipes is its balance of simplicity and depth. Many traditional recipes require slow cooking for hours with hard-to-find ingredients. But this easy charro beans recipe is streamlined for busy cooks without compromising on authenticity or taste.
The Flavor Builders
This dish gets its irresistible flavor from layers of aromatic ingredients. Smoky bacon and spicy chorizo form the base, sautéed with garlic, onions, and jalapeños. The beans are then simmered with fresh tomatoes, cilantro, and broth, allowing all the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Pantry-Friendly, Yet Customizable
Using canned pinto beans instead of dried beans saves hours, making this a go-to weeknight recipe. However, if you have time to soak and cook dry beans, that’s a delicious bonus. You can also easily adapt this dish to suit different preferences, omit the meat for a vegetarian version, or dial up the spice with chipotle peppers.
Healthier Than You Think
Despite the rich flavor, charro beans are actually quite nutritious. Pinto beans are high in fiber, plant-based protein, and essential nutrients like iron and magnesium. Even with the added bacon and chorizo, this dish can fit into a balanced diet.
Perfect for Meal Prep
Charro beans store exceptionally well and taste even better the next day. That makes them perfect for meal prep, potlucks, or batch cooking for busy weeks.
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.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Easy Charro Beans Recipe with these delicious pairings:
- Tacos or burritos: Use as a filling or enjoy as a hearty side.
- Mexican rice: A classic combo that absorbs the flavorful broth.
- Warm corn or flour tortillas: Great for scooping and dipping.
- Sliced avocado or guacamole: Adds a creamy, cooling element.
- Crumbled queso fresco: Offers a salty, tangy finish.
- Fresh lime wedges: Enhances the flavors with a bright citrusy touch.
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.
Skip the bacon and use vegetable broth. You can add smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness.
Yes, they freeze well. Store in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
Charro beans are soupy and whole, while refried beans are mashed and fried.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Charro Beans Recipe is everything you want in a comfort dish, smoky, hearty, and bursting with authentic Mexican flavor. It’s quick to make, meal-prep friendly, and easily customizable for any diet.
Pair it with these delicious mains and sides to create a full feast: try the rich and tangy Beef Quesadilla Recipe or the comforting Old-Fashioned Stuffed Bell Peppers. For a bit of heat and crunch, serve with Chipotle Corn Salsa or a crisp Viral Cucumber Salad.
Once you make this dish, you’ll understand why charro beans are a timeless classic, delicious any day of the week.
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