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Charro Beans
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5 from 5 votes

Charro Beans

What are Charro Beans? Known as either Frijoles Charros, Cowboy Beans or Charro Beans this traditional Mexican dish is a hearty soup made with pinto beans in a light broth with loads of seasonings. My Charro Beans recipe is flavored with bacon, ham, chorizo, onions, chilies, tomatoes, spices and herbs, Charro Beans are perfect for feeding a crowd and is a great side dish at a cookout. Traditionally these Frijoles Charros were ranch food, meant to feed a crew of hungry cowboys (Charros) when I go out for Mexican food, I always substitute Charro Beans for the refried beans. They’re not always on the menu, but I’ve never been to a Mexican restaurant that didn’t have them.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time50 minutes
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Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: Beans, Charro
Servings: 8
Calories: 337kcal

Equipment

  • Dutch Oven

Ingredients

  • 2 Cans Pinto Beans 15-ounce cans, rinsed
  • 1 Cup Onion Diced
  • 6 Cloves Garlic Crushed and chopped
  • 1 1/2 Cups Chopped Tomatoes
  • 1/2 Pound Bacon Diced
  • 1/2 Pound Mexican Chorizo
  • 1/2 Pound Ham Diced
  • 2 Cups Water
  • 1 Jalapeno Halved lengthwise
  • 1 Teaspoon Oregano
  • 1 Teaspoon Salt
  • 1/2 Teaspoon Black Pepper

Garnish

  • Cilantro
  • Lime Wedges
  • Avocado
  • Queso Fresco

Instructions

  • Add the diced bacon, chorizo and ham to a pot, fry until nicely browned. Drain off the grease then use a paper towel to soak up as much grease as possible.
  • Add the onion and jalapeno, sauté until onions are translucent about 5-minutes, add the garlic and sauté for 30 seconds
  • Add the beans, tomatoes, oregano, and water, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low
  • Simmer with the lid slightly ajar for 30 minutes, skim any grease off that rises to the surface.
  • Serve with the cilantro, avocado, limes, and queso fresco on the side
Nutrition Facts
Charro Beans
Amount Per Serving
Calories 337 Calories from Fat 243
% Daily Value*
Fat 27g42%
Saturated Fat 10g63%
Cholesterol 61mg20%
Sodium 1234mg54%
Potassium 373mg11%
Carbohydrates 6g2%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 2g2%
Protein 17g34%
Vitamin A 82IU2%
Vitamin C 8mg10%
Calcium 34mg3%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.