Name: Charro Beans (Frijoles Charros)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 pound dried pinto beans; 8 ounces bacon, diced; 1 cup cubed cooked ham; ½ yellow onion, diced; 3 Roma tomatoes, diced; 1 jalapeño, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, minced; Kosher salt, to taste; ½ teaspoon ground cumin; Chopped cilantro, for serving; 2 cloves garlic, smashed; 2 bay leaves; 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt; ½ teaspoon dried Mexican oregano; Water, as needed

Description

Charro Beans (Frijoles Charros) are the ultimate comfort food, perfect for any occasion. This traditional Mexican dish features pinto beans simmered in a savory broth infused with crispy bacon, ham, and vibrant vegetables. With its rich flavors and hearty texture, Charro Beans make a delicious standalone meal or an excellent side for grilled meats. Easy to prepare and packed with nutrients, this recipe is sure to impress family and friends alike. Dive into the warmth of Charro Beans and bring a taste of authentic Mexican cuisine to your table.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound dried pinto beans
8 ounces bacon, diced
1 cup cubed cooked ham
½ yellow onion, diced
3 Roma tomatoes, diced
1 jalapeño, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, minced
Kosher salt, to taste
½ teaspoon ground cumin
Chopped cilantro, for serving
2 cloves garlic, smashed
2 bay leaves
1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
½ teaspoon dried Mexican oregano
Water, as needed

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Instructions

Rinse the pinto beans under cold water and sort through them to remove any impurities.
In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the rinsed beans with diced onion, smashed garlic cloves, bay leaves, salt, oregano, and enough water to cover by three inches.
Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1½ to 2 hours until beans are soft.
Reserve four cups of cooking liquid; discard bay leaves.
In the same pot, cook bacon until crispy. Add ham, onions, and jalapeños; sauté until onions are translucent.
Stir in garlic for 30 seconds before adding tomatoes, chipotle pepper, cumin, and reserved cooking liquid.
Add beans back into the pot; bring everything to a boil again. Adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve warm garnished with chopped cilantro.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Category: Main
Method: Simmering
Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
Calories: 250
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 750mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 10g
Protein: 12g
Cholesterol: 25mg