Authentic Charro Beans are a hearty Mexican dish that delivers bold flavors in every spoonful. This protein-packed recipe takes just 15 minutes to prep and yields tender, savory beans simmered to perfection in 90 minutes. With 20g of protein and 10g of fiber per serving, these beans make an incredibly satisfying main dish or side. The rich blend of seasonings creates a soul-warming comfort food that’s both nutritious and delicious.
Main Ingredients
- Dried Pinto Beans (1 pound): Rinse thoroughly before use for best results
- Water (6 cups): Ensure beans are covered by 2 inches
- Onion (1/4 + 1/2): Divided for base cooking and flavoring
- Bay Leaf: Adds subtle depth to beans while cooking
Charro Mix-ins
- Bacon (5 slices): Chopped, adds smoky richness
- Chorizo (5 ounces): Provides authentic Mexican flavor
- Ham (1 cup): Diced, adds hearty texture
- Aromatics: Garlic, tomatoes, jalapeno, and chipotle for depth
- Fresh Cilantro (1 cup): Brightens the dish
- Seasonings: Cumin, paprika, oregano for authentic taste
Cooking Instructions
- Bean Preparation: Rinse beans, combine with water, onion, bay leaf, and salt. Simmer 1-2 hours until tender
- Broth Preparation: Reserve cooking liquid, adjust to 2½ cups, add bouillon
- Meat Base: Cook bacon and chorizo until done, remove excess grease
- Vegetable Addition: Sauté onions and garlic until translucent
- Final Assembly: Add remaining ingredients, simmer 15 minutes
- Finishing Touch: Adjust seasonings, garnish with fresh cilantro
Serving Suggestions
- Main Dish: Serve with warm tortillas
- Side Dish: Optional thickening with cornstarch slurry
Cooking Techniques
The magic of these Charro Beans happens in two simple steps! First, we cook the pinto beans until they’re perfectly tender – you’ll know they’re ready when you can easily squish one between your fingers. Then comes the fun part: creating that rich, smoky broth by cooking bacon, chorizo, and veggies together. This two-step method lets all those amazing flavors blend together into something really special.
Variations & Substitutions
These beans are super flexible! Don’t have chorizo? Regular sausage works great too. You can skip the chipotle pepper if you want less heat, or add more if you love spicy food. Vegetarians can leave out the meats and use vegetable bouillon instead of chicken – the beans will still taste amazing with all those spices and vegetables. If fresh tomatoes aren’t in season, canned diced tomatoes work just fine.
Serving Suggestions
Charro Beans shine as both a main dish and a side! For a main course, serve them in deep bowls with warm tortillas on the side – they’re perfect for scooping up all that tasty broth. As a side dish, try them with grilled meats or enchiladas. Want thicker beans? Just add that cornstarch mix at the end. Don’t forget to sprinkle fresh cilantro on top – it adds such a nice pop of color and fresh flavor!
Storage Tips
These beans actually taste even better the next day! Let them cool down, then pop them in an airtight container. They’ll stay good in your fridge for up to 5 days. When you’re ready to eat them again, warm them up slowly on the stove, adding a splash of water if they’re too thick. You can even freeze portions for up to 3 months – they’re perfect for quick meals on busy days.
Charro Beans
Equipment
- Large pot
- Colander
Ingredients
For the Pinto Beans:
- 1 pound dried pinto beans (2 cups)
- 6 cups water or more if needed
- 1/4 onion
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 bay leaf
For the Charro Beans:
- 5 slices bacon chopped
Instructions
- Pour dry beans into a colander and rinse them off, removing any unwanted pieces. Add to a large pot with 6 cups of water (or enough to cover them by about 2 inches), a small chunk of onion, bay leaf and ½ teaspoon of salt.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 1 to 2 hours, until the beans are tender, but not bursting. (Mine usually take about 1 hour but depends on how dry/old your beans are). Check them a few times during cooking to make sure they are covered in water and add a little more water if needed.
