The Best Homemade Charro Beans Recipe
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
You’ll love how this Homemade Charro Beans recipe brings comfort and flavor to your table in just a few easy steps. Perfect for family dinners or cozy nights, it’s a dish that feels like a warm hug. * It’s packed with smoky, savory flavors from bacon, chorizo, and spices. * It’s hearty and filling, making it a satisfying main dish or side. * It’s super versatile—you can customize it with your favorite beans or toppings!
Recipe
Charro beans, also known as frijoles charros, are a traditional Mexican dish made with pinto beans, bacon, and flavorful spices. This hearty and comforting recipe is perfect for family gatherings or casual dinners.
Ingredients:
1 pound dried pinto beans
6 cups water
6 slices bacon, chopped
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 jalapeño, seeded and diced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1 lime, cut into wedges (optional, for serving)
Instructions:
- Rinse the pinto beans under cold water and remove any debris.
- In a large pot, combine the beans and 6 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beans are tender.
- In a skillet, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- In the same skillet with the bacon grease, sauté the onion, garlic, and jalapeño until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the cooked bacon, sautéed vegetables, diced tomatoes, smoked paprika, cumin, and chili powder to the pot of cooked beans. Stir well.
- Simmer for an additional 20-30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Stir in the chopped cilantro before serving. Serve with lime wedges on the side, if desired.
Notes:
For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and use olive oil for sautéing. You can also use canned pinto beans to save time—reduce the cooking time to 20 minutes.
Equipment:
Large pot, skillet, slotted spoon, knife, cutting board.
Time:
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 2 hours
Cuisine:
Mexican
Serving:
6-8 servings
Nutrition
Charro beans are a nutritious dish packed with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins. Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 kcal |
| Protein | 12 g |
| Carbohydrates | 30 g |
| Fiber | 8 g |
| Fat | 5 g |
| Sodium | 480 mg |
What To Serve With It
I love serving my homemade charro beans with warm tortillas or fluffy rice, as they soak up the rich flavors perfectly. For proteins, grilled chicken or carne asada makes a hearty pairing, but crispy bacon works too if you’re feeling indulgent. Don’t forget a fresh avocado salad or tangy pico de gallo to brighten up the meal!
Complementary Side Dishes
When I’m serving charro beans, I love pairing them with sides that bring out their hearty, smoky flavor while balancing the meal. Warm, fluffy corn tortillas are a must—they’re perfect for scooping up every flavorful bite. A fresh avocado salad with lime dressing adds a cool, creamy contrast that I can’t resist. I also like serving cilantro-lime rice; its bright, zesty taste complements the beans beautifully. Don’t forget grilled veggies like zucchini or bell peppers—they add a smoky sweetness that ties everything together. These sides make the meal feel complete without overpowering the star of the show: those delicious beans.
Perfect Pairing Proteins
Since charro beans are so rich and flavorful, they pair perfectly with proteins that can stand up to their bold taste. I love serving them with grilled chicken, especially when it’s seasoned with smoky spices like paprika or chipotle. Another favorite is carne asada—tender, marinated steak that complements the beans’ heartiness. For something lighter, grilled fish with a citrus marinade works wonders. If I’m feeling adventurous, I’ll pair them with chorizo or crumbled bacon for an extra punch of flavor. Whatever protein you choose, make sure it’s well-seasoned and cooked with care to match the beans’ comforting depth.
