Easy Charro Beans Recipe (Frijoles Charros)

We're making Mexican Charro Beans in the Chili Pepper Madness kitchen today, my friends, and I think you're going to love them.

Charro beans is a simple but flavorful dish of beans, usually pinto beans or bayo beans, that are simmered in a seasoned broth with onions, garlic, peppers and pork, such as bacon or chorizo.

The recipe is popular in Mexican cuisine, particularly Tamaulipas and Coahuila, where it is called "frijoles charros", though you'll also find Tex Mex versions with more local ingredients.

It is typically served as a side dish, much like refried beans or pork and beans, though it is very easy to customize and serve as a meal with added meats or other fillers.

Recipes vary from region to region and cook to cook, with different meats and seasonings of preference. This is my particular adaptation, with bacon as the pork, though I do love it with spicy Mexican chorizo and/or some tender pork shoulder or fatty beef.

I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

Let's talk about how to make charro beans, shall we?

Charro Beans Ingredients (Frijoles Charros)

• Meats. I'm using a trio of bacon, Mexican chorizo, and diced ham for big flavor.
• Vegetables. Onions garlic, jalapeno or serrano peppers (or both!).
• Pinto Beans. I used dried pinto beans that have been soaked and drained. If you'd like to use canned pinto beans, I've included recipe instructions in the Recipe Card Notes.
• Tomatoes. I love fire roasted tomatoes for this, but you can use canned diced tomatoes or the equivalent of fresh tomatoes. Roast them in the oven! Or just add them with the other ingredients.
• Broth. I usually use chicken broth, but vegetable broth is great as well, or use a few cups of water.
• Seasonings. Chili powder, cumin, dried oregano, salt and pepper.
• Garnish. Chopped fresh cilantro, spicy red pepper flakes, crumbly white cheese

How to Make Charro Beans (Frijoles Charros)- Stove Top Version

Cook the Bacon and Chorizo. Heat a large pan or a large pot to medium heat and add bacon and chorizo. A Dutch oven is great for this recipe. Cook for 5 minutes, or until the bacon starts to crisp up. Remove the meats into a bowl and set aside. 

Onion, Peppers and Garlic. Drain excess grease and add onion and jalapenos. Cook for 5 minutes to soften. Add the garlic and ham and cook another minute.

Remaining Ingredients. Add the reserved bacon and chorizo, beans, tomatoes, chicken broth, chili powder, cumin, oregano and salt and pepper. Stir and reduce heat to simmer the boldly flavored broth.

Simmer the Charro Beans. Cover and simmer for 60 minutes or longer, until the beans are tender to your preference. Check at 45 minutes. It could take up to 90 minutes, depending on your beans.

If the beans are too dry and not tender enough, add in a bit more broth or water to the pan and continue to simmer. Add salt to taste.

Garnish and Serve. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro, chili flakes, crumbly white cheese and serve.

Boom! Done! Your pot of charro beans is ready to serve! Looks wonderful, doesn't it? It really is a great side dish, easy to make, but also easy to customize or turn into a meal! See the recipe notes below.

Slow Cooker Charro Beans

Cook the Meats. Cook the bacon and chorizo in a large skillet over medium heat until the bacon starts to crisp and the chorizo cooks mostly through. Remove to a bowl and set aside.

Cook the Veggies and Ham. Cook the onion and jalapenos in the grease 5 minutes to soften. Add the garlic and ham and cook 1 minute. Transfer everything to your slow cooker or crock pot.

Add the Rest. Add the reserved meats, soaked beans, tomatoes, broth, and seasonings. Add a splash of water if needed so the beans are just covered.

Slow Cook. Cover and cook on HIGH 2 to 3 hours or LOW 4 to 6 hours, until the beans are tender. Adjust salt to taste. You may need longer for older/drier beans, so check intermittently for tenderness and doneness to your liking.

Instant Pot Charro Beans

Cook the Meats and Vegetables. Set the Instant Pot to Sauté. Cook the chorizo and bacon until crisp. Add the onion and jalapenos and cook 5 minutes. Add the garlic and ham and cook 1 minute. Press Cancel.

Fill the Instant Pot. Add the soaked beans, tomatoes, broth, and seasonings. Add water if needed so the beans are just covered, without passing the max fill line. Lock the lid and set the valve to sealing.

Pressure Cook. Cook on HIGH pressure 10 to 12 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally 10 minutes, then quick release the rest. Stir, taste, adjust for salt. If the beans need more time, reseal and cook 3 to 5 minutes on HIGH pressure.

Making Charro Beans with Canned Beans (the Quick Version)

Strapped for time? Make this with canned pinto beans, my friends. Drain three15-ounce cans, follow the recipe as written, but cut the broth back to 1/2 to 1 cup and simmer about 10 minutes until everything is warm and the flavors come together. BOOM, charro beans on a weeknight.

Charro Beans vs Borracho Beans

I hear this question a lot. Charro beans and borracho beans are basically cousins. The difference is the liquid. Charro beans simmer in broth or water, while borracho beans ("drunken beans") get a bottle of beer in the pot, which cooks down into a deeper, slightly bitter, malty flavor, depending on the beer of choice. Same beans, same meats, same chilies, different soul.

Looking for More Beans Recipes?

If you love this recipe, you'll love this red beans and rice recipe with a Southern spin.

• Cowboy Beans
• Easy Homemade Refried Beans
• Cuban Black Beans (Frijoles Negros)
• Pressure Cooker Cuban Black Beans
• Mike’s Zesty Three Bean Salad

Try Some of My Other Popular Recipes

• Butter Bean Succotash
• Huevos Rancheros with Classic Pico de Gallo
• Chorizo con Huevos
• Pulled Chicken Gorditas
• Beef Enchiladas
• Chiles Toreados (Mexican Blistered Peppers)

FAQs

Are charro beans spicy?

They have a gentle warmth, not a punch, since the jalapenos mostly add flavor. That said, this is Chili Pepper Madness, so I'll always show you how to crank it. Swap in serranos, add a diced habanero, or finish with cayenne or ghost powder for my true chiliheads.

What are charro beans made of?

Pinto beans simmered in a seasoned broth with bacon, onion, garlic, jalapenos, tomatoes, and spices like chili powder, cumin and oregano. Easy to customize with different meats or extra heat.

Can I make charro beans with canned beans?

You sure can. Use drained canned pinto beans, cut the broth back to 1/2 to 1 cup, and simmer about 10 minutes until warmed through. Quick and easy when you're short on time.