Charro beans (also called Mexican cowboy beans) are a rich, hearty dish with robust flavor that was introduced to the southern regions of the United States by Mexican immigrants. The dish was originally made by cowboys and other ranch hands over a campfire, with ingredients that would’ve been easy to transport: salted meats and pinto beans. Unlike regular beans, charro beans are really a meal in and of themselves…perfectly balanced with protein, fiber, and hearty flavors that make it perfect for family dinners or to celebrate with.
This post contains a detailed, step-by-step recipe for making authentic charro beans with Images of the ingredients and spices used and serving suggestions. Beginners or the novice cook How to Make charro beans 1Nothing brings back childhood nostalgia seemingly more than a recipe you grew up with is right here in your hands!
Table of Contents
Charro Beans Ingredients and Tools
The secret to great charro beans is the marriage of good ingredients and some very basic kitchenware. Traditional pinto beans are great, but if you prefer another bean go for it. The meat — bacon, a ripe chorizo or smoked sausage all work great — means smoky richness is imparted to the beans as they cook. Vegetables, such as onions, garlic and tomatoes are combined together — which gives it a nice aromatic base — then there’s herbs and spices going on.
You’ll also want a few basic kitchen tools: A big pot or Dutch oven for slow cooking, a cutting board and knife for vegetables, a wooden spoon for stirring, plus an optional blender or immersion blender if you’d like your broth smoother. A colander is good for rinsing the beans; a ladle makes serving easier.
Ingredients for Charro Beans
- 2 cups of dried pinto beans, soaked overnight
- 4 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1/2 pound chorizo or sausage, cut into slices
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tomatoes, diced or blended
- 2-3 jalapeños or serranos, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 c. chicken or vegetable broth
- Toppings: lime wedges; diced onions; more cilantro leaves, for garnish; cheese
- Tools You Will Need
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Colander for rinsing beans
- Blender or immersion blender (optional)
- Ladle for serving
This list of ingredients and a few, key recipes will take you through to making a rich potful of charro beans that*ll make plenty generously for 4-6 people.
How to Make Charro Beans Step by Step
Charro beans are simple to prepare but the flavors need to be layered. Start off with the meats to fat them up and create a smokey base. Then sauté the veggies until softened before you add in the soaked beans and broth. Cooked on low until all the flavor has completely soaked into the beans and you are left with tender, flavored beans in a delicious broth!
- Drain off the soaking water from the beans and rinse well.
- In a heavy pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Transfer bacon to a plate and leave fat in pot.
- Stir in chorizo or sausage and cook until browned. Remove from skillet and set aside with bacon.
- Sauté the onions, garlic and peppers in the oil until soft and aromatic.
- Add tomatoes and cook a few minutes to give off juices.
- Stir in the drained beans, cooked meats, broth, cumin, oregano, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Lower the heat and simmer for between 1.5- 2 hrs stirring gently every now and again until the beans are tender and tasty.
- Just before serving, stir in fresh cilantro leaves. Adjust seasoning as needed.
This is how you know for sure the beans are completely imbued with that smoked, savory and modestly spicy charro beans flavor.
Cooking Steps Summary
- Rinse and drain soaked beans
- Fry bacon and chorizo for a smoky undertone
- Fry the onions, garlic, peppers and tomatoes together.
- Add beans, meats and seasonings to the pot.
- Simmer until beans are tender
- Stir in coriander and season to taste
Tips, Variations, and Serving Suggestions
Charro beans are highly versatile. You can tailor the heat, variety of meat or thickness to suit your tastes. For a less spicy sauce, remove seeds from peppers or you could even use fewer of them. If you want a thicker stew consistency, then blend some of the beans and add it back into the pot. For vegetarian variations, you can skip the meat and use smoked paprika or liquid smoke to get that barbecue flavor.
Charro beans are easy and delicious to throw together. Hot tortillas, rice or grilled meats are all great partners for these beans as well as a generous topping on nachos. Just before serving, add fresh onions, shredded cheese or lime – they’ll not only improve the flavor but make your chili more colorful as well. They are not just yummy, but they also give you the needed protein, fiber and vitamins.
Tips for Best Results
- Pre-soak beans in water for a night for quicker cooking period
- Brown the bacon and sausage If you’re cooking in a dutch oven, or simply want to brown meat on the stovetop, then do so.
- Simmer gently so you don’t burst the beans
- Add seasoning a little at a time to taste.
- Add some fresh herbs at the end for brightness
Flavor Variations
- Hot charro beans with additional jalapeños or serrano peppers
- Vegetarian charro beans in which smoked paprika plays the role of bacon
- BBQ’d Smoked Charro Beans ~ with smoked sausage or chipotle peppers
- Zesty charro beans, with a hint of lime or vinegar
- Stew beans by pureeing some for a thicker sauce
Serving Ideas
- Ladle into warm tortillas or over cornbread.
- Serve alongside grilled chicken, beef or pork
- Makes a perfect taco or nacho topping
- Top with lime, cilantro or onions chopped
- Serve it as a filling lunch or dinner
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Although he had not soaked the beans overnight, causing them to cook irregularly
- Overcooking, resulting in mushy beans
- Under-seasoning, leading to bland flavor
- Using low-quality or old spices
- Too-early herbs, which can lose their vibrancy
FAQ About Charro Beans
Can I substitute canned beans for dried beans?
Yes, but cook less time and alter the liquid.
How spicy are charro beans supposed to be?
They are a mild to medium spice. Adjust peppers to taste.
Can I freeze charro beans?
Absolutely, they freeze well and reheat well without losing flavor.
Are charro beans vegetarian-friendly?
Sure, you try without meat and adding smoked spices or vegetables.
How long do charro beans last in the fridge?
They keep 3-4 days if stored in an airtight container.
Charro beans A classic Mexican dish that’s comforting, flavorful and versatile. Pair tender beans with smoky meats, fragrant veggies and the spiciest spices in this recipe for Mexican food that you make at home.. By paying attention to this guide, you’ll be able to make your own charro beans as a main dish or to serve as some tasty side. The recipe is super versatile (vegetarian variation+spice level options!) as well as fun serving ideas so it’s sure to fit any occasion you have. With the proper prep and understanding of how to layer flavors, charro beans will not only warm your home, but provide it with nutrients as well taste like it’s been cooked by a Mexican grandmother.
