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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.
Soak and Cook the Beans
Prepare the Flavor Base
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.
This tex_mex recipe takes 140 minutes to prepare and yields 4 servings. At 533.6 calories per serving with 29.66g of protein, it's a moderately challenging recipe perfect for lunch or dinner or side.
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Combine and Simmer
Finish and Serve
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.
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.
Add one or two minced serrano peppers along with the jalapeño for an extra kick of heat.
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.
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.
This dish provides a substantial amount of plant-based protein, essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle mass, and overall body function.
Beans are a good source of iron and manganese, minerals that are crucial for energy production and antioxidant defense systems in the body.
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.
Yes, they can be part of a healthy diet. Pinto beans are an excellent source of fiber, protein, and essential minerals like iron and magnesium. The bacon adds fat and sodium, but in moderation, this dish is quite nutritious and filling.
The main difference is beer. 'Frijoles Borrachos' translates to 'drunken beans' and always includes a significant amount of beer in the broth. Charro Beans may or may not include beer; it's often an optional ingredient.
Absolutely. For a slow cooker, sauté the bacon and aromatics first, then add all ingredients (except cilantro) to the cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. For an Instant Pot, use the sauté function for the bacon and aromatics, then add the soaked beans and liquids and pressure cook on high for 25-30 minutes.
While pinto beans are traditional, you can substitute with black beans or kidney beans. Cooking times may need to be adjusted slightly depending on the bean you choose.
This recipe goes great with these complete meals
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