Bold and Flavorful Charro Beans
Charro beans are a staple of Mexican cuisine, offering a hearty and flavorful addition to any meal. This dish combines tender pinto beans with savory meats like bacon, chorizo, and ham, creating layers of rich, smoky flavors. With diced tomatoes, fresh cilantro, and just the right amount of spice from jalapeños and chipotle peppers, these beans deliver a taste explosion that's hard to resist.
Perfect for a weeknight dinner or as a showstopping side at a festive gathering, charro beans are as versatile as they are delicious. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity; you can easily adapt it to your preferred level of spice or swap in your favorite ingredients. Whether cooked on the stovetop or in a slow cooker, this dish ensures deep, satisfying flavors with minimal effort.
If you've never made charro beans before, now is the perfect time to try. The combination of hearty beans, smoky meats, and vibrant spices will quickly make this recipe a household favorite. Pair it with Mexican rice or enjoy it on its own with warm tortillas for a truly authentic experience.
Flavorful Charro Beans Recipe
Ingredients
16 oz uncooked pinto beans
5 slices bacon, chopped
3 beef franks, diced
1 cup ham, diced
1 pound Mexican chorizo
2 tomatoes, diced
1/2 bunch cilantro, chopped
1/2 onion, diced
1 jalapeño, optional
1 chipotle pepper (adjust to spice preference)
1 clove garlic, minced
Pepper, oregano, paprika, cumin, and salt to taste
Instructions
Cooking Pinto Beans on the Stovetop
Rinse the beans thoroughly and add them to a large pot with plenty of water, salt, and a small piece of onion.
Bring to a boil, then simmer for 1.5 hours, checking periodically to ensure there is enough water.
Cooking Pinto Beans in a Slow Cooker
Add rinsed beans to the slow cooker with plenty of water, salt, and a small piece of onion.
Cook on high for 3 hours.
Making the Charro Beans
In a large pot, cook the bacon for about 5 minutes until it begins to render.
Add the chorizo and cook until fully browned.
Stir in the ham, beef franks, and seasonings, including minced garlic. Cook for another 5 minutes.
Mix in the tomatoes, cilantro, onion, jalapeño, and chipotle pepper, cooking for an additional 5 minutes.
Pour in the cooked pinto beans along with their cooking liquid. Let the mixture boil gently for 15 minutes to meld the flavors.
For a thicker consistency, combine 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 1/4 cup of cold water, then stir it into the pot.
Serve hot as a flavorful side or a satisfying main dish.
