Charro Beans (Frijoles Charros)

What are charro beans?

Charro beans originate from rural Northern Mexico and are common comfort food. Named after the Mexican cowboys or charros who played an important part in the history of cattle ranches in Mexico.

Charro beans are small brown beans with dark specks. They have a nutty, earthy flavor and are a large crop for production in Northern Mexico.

Charro beans or frijoles charros are commonly made with pinto beans, garlic, onion, tomatoes, and chilies. They are typically cooked in water or chicken broth. Charro beans cousin dish Borracho beans are made the same except cooked in beer instead of water.

Ingredients you will need

Here is a quick snapshot of the ingredients you'll need. Scroll down to the recipe card, where you'll find exact measurements.

Ingredient notes

• Pinto Beans - I used dried beans that have been soaked. Canned beans that have been drained can also be used.
• Ham, bacon, hot dogs, and chorizo - all of these are wonderful in this dish, but you can mix and match to your taste.
• Everglades seasoning - you can use this or any all-purpose seasoning.
• Cilantro - it's convenient to use dried cilantro for this recipe, but you can use fresh if you have it on hand.
• Chiles - I used ancho and cascabel for these charro beans, but you can also use what you have on hand.
• Roma tomatoes - fresh is best, but you can use drained canned diced tomatoes.

How to make this

Step 1: Preparing the pinto beans

Soak the pinto beans for 8 hours or overnight. Cover with 2 to 3 inches of water. As the beans will expand as they soak, they need the additional water to remain covered with water.

Once the beans are done soaking, drain and rinse them. Return the pinto beans to the Instant Dutch Oven. Add the Everglades or all-purpose seasoning and cilantro. Cover the beans with 2 inches of water.

Cook on manual mode 2 at 300 degrees for 2 hours or until the beans are done. The beans are done when they are tender and not hard. They should not be mushy or overcooked.

If you are using canned beans, drain them, and add them to the Instant Dutch Oven. Cover with 2 inches of water. Add the Everglades or all-purpose seasoning and cilantro. Cook covered on manual mode 2 at 300 degrees for 30 minutes with the lid on. This way, they get the benefit of the seasoning. Then follow the directions below.

Step 2: Prepping the meat and vegetables

Cut the bacon into pieces. Dice the ham, and slice the hot dogs into pieces as well. Set aside.

Preheat a large skillet on medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil to the pan once preheated. Add the bacon to the pan, and fry until slightly crispy.

Add the ham and hot dogs to the pan to cook. Cook for a few minutes until slightly browned and heated through.

Add in the chorizo and cook until browned and resemble ground beef when cooked. Drain and remove to a large bowl to set aside.

Dice the onions, jalapeno, and Roma tomatoes. Crush the dried chiles, and mince the garlic if needed.

In the same preheated skillet, add more oil for cooking if needed. Add in the onions and jalapeno, then cook until just softened.

Add the Roma tomatoes and cook for a few minutes. Next, add the crushed chile peppers and minced garlic. Saute for an additional 30 seconds or until the garlic is fragrant. Remove to the same large bowl with the meat mixture.

Once the beans are cooked, add the meat and vegetable mixture to the Instant Dutch Oven. Cook covered on manual mode 2 at 300 degrees for one hour.

During the last 15 minutes of cooking, add the crushed pork rinds and queso fresco. Stir to combine with the charro beans.

Serving suggestions

Serve these charro beans or frijoles charros with additional pork rinds and queso fresco. These can be served over rice, with warm tortillas, or cornbread. Be sure to add some pickled red onions for more flavor!

Storage & reheating

Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for up to one week. These can be frozen for up to 3 months and thawed in the refrigerator prior to reheating.