Charro Beans
Hearty pinto beans simmered with crispy bacon, spicy jalapeños, and fresh cilantro. A classic Tex-Mex side dish that's smoky, savory, and perfect alongside grilled meats or as a meal on its own.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 120 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Soak and Cook the Beans
- b.Place the rinsed pinto beans in a large bowl and cover with water by at least 3 inches. Let them soak for 8 hours or overnight.
- c.Drain the soaking water and rinse the beans. Transfer them to a large pot or Dutch oven.
- d.Add the chicken broth and 4 cups of fresh water. Bring to a boil over high heat.
- e.Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the beans simmer for 60 to 90 minutes, or until they are tender but still hold their shape. Do not drain the cooking liquid.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare the Flavor Base
- b.While the beans are simmering, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until crisp.
- c.Using a slotted spoon, transfer the crispy bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. Leave about 2 tablespoons of the rendered bacon fat in the skillet.
- d.Add the chopped onion and minced jalapeño to the skillet. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until the onion has softened and become translucent.
- e.Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Combine and Simmer
- b.Once the beans are tender, carefully transfer the cooked onion and garlic mixture from the skillet into the pot with the beans.
- c.Stir in the undrained diced tomatoes with green chiles, the reserved crispy bacon, cumin powder, Mexican oregano, salt, and pepper.
- d.If using, pour in the beer and stir to combine all ingredients.
- e.Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce to a low simmer. Cook, partially covered, for at least 30-45 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the broth to thicken slightly.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Finish and Serve
- b.Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the freshly chopped cilantro.
- c.Taste the beans and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if necessary.
- d.Ladle the charro beans into bowls and serve hot. Garnish with extra cilantro, crumbled queso fresco, or a dollop of sour cream if desired.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a quicker version, use 3 cans (15 oz each) of pinto beans, drained and rinsed. Skip the soaking and initial boiling, and simmer everything together for just 30 minutes in Step 3.
- 2The rendered bacon fat is a key flavor component. Do not discard it, as it adds a rich, smoky depth to the dish.
- 3For extra smokiness, add 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika or one minced chipotle pepper in adobo sauce.
- 4Charro beans develop more flavor as they sit. They are excellent for meal prep and taste even better the next day.
- 5Control the heat by adjusting the amount of jalapeño seeds you include. For a milder version, remove all seeds and membranes.
- 6Serve with warm corn tortillas or cornbread to soak up the delicious, savory broth.
Adapt it for your goals.
Meat Lover's Version
Add other meats along with the bacon, such as diced ham, Mexican chorizo (cooked and drained), or sliced hot dogs (salchichas). Add them in Step 3.
Vegetarian/VeganVegetarian/Vegan
Omit the bacon and use vegetable broth. Sauté the aromatics in 2 tablespoons of olive oil and add 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika to replicate the smoky flavor.
Spicier BeansSpicier Beans
Add one or two minced serrano peppers along with the jalapeño for an extra kick of heat.
Frijoles Borrachos (Drunken Beans)Frijoles Borrachos (Drunken Beans)
Increase the beer to a full 12-ounce bottle and let it simmer for a more pronounced flavor. This is a very common and authentic variation.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Fiber
Pinto beans are packed with dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, helps maintain stable blood sugar levels, and promotes a feeling of fullness, which can assist with weight management.
Rich in Plant-Based Protein
This dish provides a substantial amount of plant-based protein, essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle mass, and overall body function.
Boosts Energy Levels
Beans are a good source of iron and manganese, minerals that are crucial for energy production and antioxidant defense systems in the body.
Frequently asked questions
A typical 1.5-cup serving of Charro Beans contains approximately 450-550 calories, depending on the amount of bacon and other fats used. This recipe is estimated to have around 480 calories per serving.