Charro Beans Recipe with Authentic Flavor and Simple Ingredients

Why You’ll Love This Charro Beans

Charro Beans stand out as a go-to dish for anyone wanting a tasty meal without much fuss. They are simple to cook with just a handful of ingredients and fit into your busy schedule, taking only about 15 minutes to prepare before simmering away. Plus, the health perks can’t be ignored packed with protein and fiber from pinto beans, they help keep you feeling full and support digestion while adding essential nutrients to your diet.

What makes Charro Beans truly versatile is how easy it is to tweak the recipe for different needs, like making a vegan version or adjusting for gluten-free diets. The blend of spices, meats, and fresh veggies creates a rich, smoky flavor that brings a touch of authentic Mexican taste to your table. Whether you’re a busy parent whipping up dinner or a food enthusiast exploring new recipes, this dish will quickly become a favorite for its hearty feel and satisfying results.

Imagine serving these beans with warm tortillas for a comforting family meal that feels special yet effortless. Their adaptability means you can enjoy them as a side, main course, or even in leftovers. From students looking for quick eats to seniors who appreciate simple cooking, Charro Beans offer something for everyone in a way that keeps things light and enjoyable.

Essential Ingredients for Charro Beans

When making Charro Beans, getting the ingredients right is key to capturing that authentic Mexican flavor. Start with the base of pinto beans and build up with meats, spices, and veggies for a dish that’s both hearty and full of taste. This section breaks down everything you need, including options for special diets like vegan or low-calorie versions.

• 1 pound dried pinto beans
• 6 cups water (or as needed)
• ¼ small onion
• ½ teaspoon salt for cooking beans
• 5 slices bacon chopped
• 5 ounces chorizo chopped (or 2 sausages or hot dogs as alternatives)
• 1 cup diced ham or sausages
• ½ yellow onion chopped
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 2 Roma tomatoes or 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes (with option to substitute diced tomatoes containing green chilies or habaneros)
• 1 jalapeño or serrano pepper seeded and chopped (optional for heat)
• ½ to 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce chopped (optional for smoky flavor)
• 1 cup fresh chopped cilantro
• ½ teaspoon oregano
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• Black pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon
• 1 bay leaf for cooking beans

For special dietary options, you can make this recipe vegan by swapping bacon or chorizo with smoked tempeh or mushrooms. If you’re aiming for gluten-free, double-check your broth and seasonings. To keep it low-calorie, skip processed meats and use less oil while cooking.

Nutritional Breakdown

Preparation takes about 15 minutes, with a cook time of 1 hour and 30 minutes on the stove, making the total around 1 hour and 45 minutes.

How to Prepare the Perfect Charro Beans: Step-by-Step Guide

Creating Charro Beans starts with simple steps that lead to a flavorful result. Begin by rinsing and soaking the 1 pound of dried pinto beans overnight or for at least 6 hours to make them easier to cook and digest. This helps cut down on cooking time while ensuring the beans turn out tender and creamy. Once soaked, drain the beans and place them in a large pot with 6 cups of fresh water, the ¼ small onion, 1 bay leaf, and ½ teaspoon salt.

Bringing It All Together

Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 1 to 2 hours until the beans are tender. Drain the beans but save the cooking liquid, adjusting it to 2 ½ cups and mixing in 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon for extra flavor. In another pan, cook the 5 slices of chopped bacon and 5 ounces of chopped chorizo first until they’re crispy and release their oils this step builds a smoky base for your dish. For alternatives, you can use 2 sausages or hot dogs instead of chorizo.

Next, sauté the ½ yellow onion and 3 cloves of minced garlic in the same pan until they soften and smell great. Add the 1 cup of diced ham, 2 Roma tomatoes or the canned diced tomatoes, the optional 1 jalapeño or serrano pepper, and ½ to 1 chipotle pepper for heat and smokiness. Stir in 1 cup of fresh chopped cilantro, ½ teaspoon oregano, ½ teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon cumin, and black pepper to taste, then cook everything for about 5 minutes to blend the flavors. Combine this mixture with your cooked beans and the reserved broth, simmering for another 15 minutes to let all the tastes meld together.

Final Touches and Tips

For a thicker consistency, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water to make a slurry and stir it in before serving. Season with more salt and pepper if needed, and garnish with extra cilantro. Serve your Charro Beans hot with warm tortillas for a complete meal. Best Mexican Recipes on our site can pair perfectly with this one. This method takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes total, but you can speed things up with optional tools like an Instant Pot or slow cooker to adjust cooking times and liquid amounts.

For Instant Pot users, sauté the meats and aromatics first, then add beans and broth and cook on high pressure for around 30 minutes. In a slow cooker, combine all ingredients and cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-5 hours. Variations include swapping meats, using black beans instead of pinto, or adding beer for a Borracho beans twist. Note that for dietary needs, use plant-based substitutes and adjust seasonings accordingly to keep it vegan or gluten-free.

This step-by-step approach makes Charro Beans approachable for home cooks, busy parents, and even students. The rich broth from the meats and spices creates a dish that’s not just tasty but also adaptable for different occasions.

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Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Charro Beans

One of the best parts of Charro Beans is how easily you can change them up for different diets. For protein swaps, replace bacon or smoked sausage with smoked tempeh, mushrooms, or vegan sausage to make it plant-based. Using vegetable broth instead of meat-based ones keeps the flavor strong while fitting vegan or vegetarian lifestyles.

When it comes to veggies and seasonings, swap jalapeño with milder peppers like poblano if you want less heat. Add bell peppers or corn for more texture and a touch of sweetness. For gluten-free options, use tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce, and incorporate spices like cumin or smoked paprika to give your beans a fresh twist.

These changes help Charro Beans work for diet-conscious folks, working professionals, or anyone exploring new flavors. With a few tweaks, you can make this recipe your own while keeping it simple and delicious.

Mastering Charro Beans: Advanced Tips and Variations

Taking your Charro Beans to the next level involves some pro techniques and creative ideas. Use a pressure cooker to cut down cooking time and make the beans extra tender without losing flavor. For flavor boosts, toss in chipotle peppers for smokiness or fresh herbs like oregano to add brightness.

• Experiment with meats, like using hot dogs as a quick alternative to chorizo.
• Try black beans for a different texture and taste.
• Add beer for a Borracho beans variation that brings in a unique depth.
• For vegan options, skip meats and use vegetable bouillon.

Presentation matters too serve in bowls with cilantro, lime wedges, and diced onions for a nice look. You can also prepare ahead by cooking a big batch and storing it for easy meals later.

How to Store Charro Beans: Best Practices

Proper storage keeps your Charro Beans fresh and tasty for later. Put them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days to hold onto that great flavor. For longer keep, freeze portions in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months.

When reheating, warm them on the stove or in the microwave with a bit of water or broth to avoid drying them out. Think about meal prep by making large batches, cooling them fully, and labeling with dates for quick use during busy weeks.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Charro Beans

Charro Beans

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🌮 Experience authentic Mexican flavors with these hearty pinto beans simmered in a rich, smoky broth with chorizo and bacon
🔥 Transform simple ingredients into a satisfying dish that brings the taste of traditional Mexican cuisine to your table

• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

– 1 pound dried pinto beans

– 6 cups water (or as needed)

– ¼ small onion

– ½ teaspoon salt for cooking beans

– 5 slices bacon chopped

– 5 ounces chorizo chopped (or 2 sausages or hot dogs as alternatives)

– 1 cup diced ham or sausages

– ½ yellow onion chopped

– 3 cloves garlic minced

– 2 Roma tomatoes or 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes (with option to substitute diced tomatoes containing green chilies or habaneros)

– 1 jalapeño or serrano pepper seeded and chopped (optional for heat)

– ½ to 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce chopped (optional for smoky flavor)

– 1 cup fresh chopped cilantro

– ½ teaspoon oregano

– ½ teaspoon paprika

– ½ teaspoon cumin

– Black pepper to taste

– 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon

– 1 bay leaf for cooking beans

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Instructions

1-Creating Charro Beans starts with simple steps that lead to a flavorful result. Begin by rinsing and soaking the 1 pound of dried pinto beans overnight or for at least 6 hours to make them easier to cook and digest. This helps cut down on cooking time while ensuring the beans turn out tender and creamy. Once soaked, drain the beans and place them in a large pot with 6 cups of fresh water, the ¼ small onion, 1 bay leaf, and ½ teaspoon salt.

2-Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 1 to 2 hours until the beans are tender. Drain the beans but save the cooking liquid, adjusting it to 2 ½ cups and mixing in 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon for extra flavor. In another pan, cook the 5 slices of chopped bacon and 5 ounces of chopped chorizo first until they’re crispy and release their oils this step builds a smoky base for your dish. For alternatives, you can use 2 sausages or hot dogs instead of chorizo.

3-Next, sauté the ½ yellow onion and 3 cloves of minced garlic in the same pan until they soften and smell great. Add the 1 cup of diced ham, 2 Roma tomatoes or the canned diced tomatoes, the optional 1 jalapeño or serrano pepper, and ½ to 1 chipotle pepper for heat and smokiness. Stir in 1 cup of fresh chopped cilantro, ½ teaspoon oregano, ½ teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon cumin, and black pepper to taste, then cook everything for about 5 minutes to blend the flavors. Combine this mixture with your cooked beans and the reserved broth, simmering for another 15 minutes to let all the tastes meld together.

4-For a thicker consistency, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water to make a slurry and stir it in before serving. Season with more salt and pepper if needed, and garnish with extra cilantro. Serve your Charro Beans hot with warm tortillas for a complete meal. Best Mexican Recipes on our site can pair perfectly with this one. This method takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes total, but you can speed things up with optional tools like an Instant Pot or slow cooker to adjust cooking times and liquid amounts.

5-For Instant Pot users, sauté the meats and aromatics first, then add beans and broth and cook on high pressure for around 30 minutes. In a slow cooker, combine all ingredients and cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-5 hours. Variations include swapping meats, using black beans instead of pinto, or adding beer for a Borracho beans twist. Note that for dietary needs, use plant-based substitutes and adjust seasonings accordingly to keep it vegan or gluten-free.

Last Step:

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Notes

🌱 For a vegetarian version, omit all meats and use vegetable bouillon instead of chicken bouillon
⏰ Save time by using canned pinto beans – drain and rinse, then add to the skillet and simmer for 20 minutes
🔥 Adjust the heat level by adding more or fewer jalapeños and chipotle peppers according to your preference

• Author: Brandi Oshea
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mexican
• Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 338
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 657mg
• Fat: 11g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 10g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 28mg