Description
Charro Beans is a hearty and authentic Mexican dish featuring perfectly seasoned pinto beans simmered with smoky bacon, fresh herbs, and spices. This quick and easy recipe delivers rich, comforting flavors with a nutritious blend of protein and fiber, making it a versatile main or side dish perfect for family meals and gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Beans and Broth
- 2 cups pinto beans, rinsed
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
Meat and Aromatics
- 4 strips bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jalapeño or serrano pepper, diced (adjust to taste)
Herbs and Spices
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Beans: Rinse 2 cups of pinto beans thoroughly under cold water. If time allows, soak beans overnight to reduce cooking time and improve digestibility. For a faster method, skip soaking and use the quick boil technique.
- Cook the Bacon and Aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook 4 strips of chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon and set aside, keeping the rendered fat in the pot. Add finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced jalapeño to the bacon fat. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until soft and fragrant.
- Combine Beans and Vegetables: Add rinsed beans, 1 cup diced tomatoes, and 4 cups chicken broth to the pot. Stir to combine. Season with cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper to taste. Return the cooked bacon to the pot.
- Simmer Until Tender: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until beans are tender but not mushy. Stir occasionally and add a splash of broth or water if needed.
- Finish with Fresh Herbs: Once beans are soft and broth is flavorful, stir in chopped cilantro and sliced green onions. Adjust seasoning as needed, then serve hot.
Notes
- Use fresh herbs and vegetables for noticeable flavor enhancement.
- Do not overcook beans to preserve texture; aim for tender but intact beans.
- Render bacon slowly for maximum fat and flavor extraction.
- Add jalapeño gradually to control the spice level.
- Stir the beans every 10-15 minutes to prevent sticking and burning.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Charro Beans, Mexican Beans, Pinto Beans Recipe, Bacon Beans, Easy Mexican Recipes, Traditional Mexican Food