Quick & Zesty Charro Beans Recipe for Your Fiesta Table

Simmering with southwestern charm, these charro beans burst with smoky, hearty flavors that dance across your palate.

Authentic ingredients merge in a rustic pot, creating a robust dish cherished throughout mexico.

Bold spices and tender legumes tell a story of culinary tradition and comfort.

Mexican cowboys originally crafted this delectable recipe during long cattle drives, using simple, available ingredients.

Rich bacon, vibrant peppers, and slow-cooked beans intermingle to produce a deeply satisfying meal.

Aromatic and warming, this classic preparation promises to transport you straight to the rugged landscapes of rural mexico.

Best Pairings for Charro Beans Recipe

• Pair with Smoky Mexican Lager: Grab a crisp, cold Mexican beer like Negra Modelo or Dos Equis Amber to complement the robust, spicy flavors of the charro beans.
• Serve with Zesty Cornbread: Whip up a jalapeño-cheddar cornbread that echoes the spicy notes in the beans and provides a perfect textural contrast with its crumbly, golden crust.
• Match with Fresh Pico de Gallo: Create a bright, tangy pico de gallo salsa with diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice to cut through the richness of the meats and beans.

Storage Advice for Charro Beans Recipe

• Store leftover charro beans in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. They'll stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator, maintaining their delicious flavor and texture.
• Pour cooled beans into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
• Transfer desired portion to a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of water to prevent drying, cover with a microwave-safe lid, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Pour beans into a saucepan, add a little water or broth to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions About Charro Beans Recipe

• What makes charro beans different from regular beans?

Charro beans are packed with additional meats like chorizo and smoked turkey, giving them a richer, more complex flavor profile compared to traditional bean dishes.

• Is charro beans a traditional Mexican dish?

Yes, charro beans (frijoles charros) originated in northern Mexico, particularly in the state of Jalisco, and are named after the traditional Mexican cowboys called charros.

• Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

You can replace the chorizo and smoked turkey with plant-based alternatives like vegetarian sausage or additional vegetables to maintain a similar flavor and texture.

• What type of beans work best for this recipe?

Pinto beans are the most traditional and recommended for authentic charro beans, but you can also use black beans or red beans as alternatives.

Why Charro Beans Recipe Is a Flavorful Side Dish

• Boost Flavor Complexity: Packed with layers of taste from chorizo, smoked turkey, and aromatic spices, this recipe transforms simple beans into a mouthwatering culinary adventure.
• Protein-Packed Performance: Combines lean smoked turkey and rich chorizo, delivering a balanced protein punch that satisfies hunger and supports muscle health.
• Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe allows quick modifications like adjusting spice levels, adding extra vegetables, or swapping meats to match personal preferences and dietary needs.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Perfect for large gatherings, potlucks, and family meals, these beans bring warmth and authentic Mexican-inspired flavors that everyone will love and remember.

Ingredients for Charro Beans Recipe

• Pinto Beans: These classic legumes form the hearty base of the traditional Charro Beans dish.

• Chorizo, Smoked Turkey: These flavorful proteins add rich, smoky depth and authentic Mexican character to the beans.

• Onion, Garlic, Jalapeno, Tomato: These ingredients create a robust flavor foundation and provide a gentle spicy kick to the dish.

• Cilantro, Cumin, Bay Leaves, Salt, Pepper: These seasonings enhance and balance the overall flavor profile of the Charro Beans.

• Vegetable Oil: This helps in sautéing the meats and vegetables, ensuring even cooking and flavor development.

Step-By-Step Instructions for Charro Beans Recipe

Step 1: Soak and Prep Pinto Beans

Start by thoroughly rinsing pinto beans under cool water. Remove any small stones or damaged beans. Place beans in a large pot and cover with water. Let the beans soak overnight or for at least 8 hours to reduce cooking time and improve digestibility.

Step 2: Boil and Tenderize Beans

Pour out the soaking water and refill the pot with fresh water. Bring beans to a rolling boil over high heat, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cook beans until they become soft and creamy, which typically takes 1-2 hours. Keep adding water as needed to ensure beans remain fully submerged.

Step 3: Brown Savory Meats

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chorizo and smoked turkey, cooking until the chorizo develops a deep golden brown color and releases its rich, spicy oils. Use a slotted spoon to transfer meats onto a paper towel, allowing excess fat to drain.

Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic
• Chopped jalapeños
• Diced tomatoes

Cook until vegetables become soft and translucent, releasing their natural sweetness and fragrance.

Step 4: Merge Flavors Together

• Fresh chopped cilantro
• Ground cumin
• Bay leaves
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 5: Simmer and Develop Depth

Allow the beans to simmer slowly, uncovered, for an additional 30-45 minutes. This allows all ingredients to meld together, creating a complex and rich flavor profile. Taste and adjust seasonings as desired.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Remove bay leaves before serving. Ladle the hearty charro beans into bowls. Serve alongside warm tortillas, fresh salsa, and optional toppings like chopped green onions or crumbled queso fresco.

Pro Tips to Perfect Charro Beans Recipe

• Soak dried beans overnight to reduce cooking time and improve digestibility. Choose fresh, high-quality chorizo for maximum flavor and authentic taste. Drain excess fat from meats to keep the dish lighter and healthier. Adjust jalapeño quantity based on personal spice tolerance for a customized heat level. Consider using a slow cooker as an alternative method for tenderizing beans and developing rich, deep flavors.

Variations to Make Charro Beans Your Own

• Vegetarian Charro Beans: Replace chorizo and smoked turkey with plant-based sausage and extra firm tofu, keeping the rich spices and vegetable base for a hearty meatless version.
• Spicy Southwest Charro Beans: Add chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, increase jalapeño quantity, and include diced green chiles to create an intensely hot bean dish with deeper smoky notes.
• Slow Cooker Charro Beans: Transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker after initial preparation, cook on low for 6-8 hours to develop deeper flavors and create a hands-off cooking method.
• Mexican Beer Infused Charro Beans: Substitute water with dark Mexican beer like Negra Modelo during bean cooking process, adding complexity and rich undertones to the traditional recipe.

Charro Beans Recipe

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4.6 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Mexican charro beans bring robust flavors of smoky bacon, hearty pinto beans, and zesty spices dancing together in one comforting pot. Rich southwestern culinary traditions shine through this classic dish that promises warmth and satisfaction with each delicious spoonful.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound dried pinto beans, rinsed and sorted
• 1/2 pound chorizo, diced
• 1/2 pound smoked turkey, chopped
• 8 cups water (453 milliliters)

Aromatics and Vegetables:

• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large tomato, diced
• 1 jalapeno, seeded and finely chopped (optional)

Seasonings and Herbs:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Sort and rinse pinto beans thoroughly, removing any debris or damaged kernels. Place beans in a large pot with cold water, ensuring beans are fully submerged by at least 2 inches.
2. Bring beans to a rolling boil over high heat, then reduce temperature to low. Cover and simmer gently for approximately 2 hours, periodically checking water levels and replenishing liquid to maintain consistent coverage.
3. While beans simmer, heat vegetable oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high temperature. Add chorizo and smoked turkey, cooking until chorizo develops a rich, caramelized exterior and turkey is completely heated through.
4. Transfer cooked meats using a slotted spoon onto a paper towel-lined plate, allowing excess grease to drain. Retain skillet with remaining meat drippings.
5. In the same skillet, sauté diced onions and minced garlic until they become translucent and fragrant. Incorporate chopped jalapeños and tomatoes, cooking until vegetables soften and release their natural oils.
6. Once beans reach a tender consistency, incorporate the sautéed vegetable mixture, cooked meats, fresh cilantro, ground cumin, and bay leaves. Season generously with salt and black pepper, stirring thoroughly to distribute ingredients evenly.
7. Reduce heat to low and continue simmering for an additional 30-45 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and intensify. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
8. Extract bay leaves before serving. Present Charro Beans piping hot, accompanied by warm tortillas and an assortment of zesty salsas.

Notes

• Soak beans overnight to reduce cooking time and improve digestibility, making them easier on the stomach.
• Select high-quality chorizo for authentic flavor, preferably from a local butcher or specialty store.
• Adjust spice levels by removing jalapeño seeds or adding more for extra heat, catering to different taste preferences.
• Replace smoked turkey with bacon or ham for a traditional version, or use plant-based alternatives for a vegetarian adaptation.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 287 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 13 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 9 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg