Charro Beans Recipe | Frijoles Charros

Charro Beans, or Frijoles Charros, is a robust and hearty Mexican side dish that will take your taste buds on a flavorful journey. This traditional recipe, often a staple at Mexican barbecues and celebrations, is packed with ingredients that create a smoky, savory, and slightly spicy dish. The best part? It's surprisingly easy to make and perfect for feeding a crowd.

Why You'll Want These With Your Next Mexican-Inspired Meal

• Hearty and Filling. Packed with protein-rich beans and various cuts of meat, this dish is a meal in itself.
• Flavor Explosion. Every bite offers a blend of smoky, spicy, and savory flavors.
• Versatile. Serve as a main dish, or a side, or use it to complement other Mexican favorites like tacos or nachos.
• Easy to Make. With straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for cooks of any skill level.

Embrace the heartiness and warmth of traditional Mexican cuisine with this foolproof Charro Beans recipe.

Are Charro Beans Good For You?

Charro beans can be a nutritious addition to your diet when prepared with health-conscious modifications. As with any dish, moderation and balance are key to maintaining a healthy diet.

What Is The Difference Between Charro Beans And Borracho Beans?

While both charro and borracho beans are hearty, flavorful dishes made with pinto beans and various meats and spices, the key difference lies in the cooking liquid—water or broth for charro beans and beer (and occasionally other alcohols) for borracho beans.

This difference in liquid contributes to the distinct taste profiles of each dish.

What Are Charro Beans Made Of?

• Pinto Beans- The base of this dish, offers a creamy texture and neutral palette.
• Bacon and Chorizo- For that deep, meaty flavor and extra fat for richness.
• Onion and Garlic- Essential aromatics that form the backbone of the flavor.
• Tomatoes, Jalapeños, and Cilantro- Fresh vegetables and herbs that add brightness and a hint of spice.
• Spices- A blend of cumin, paprika, and bay leaves to enhance the overall taste.
• Broth- This serves as the liquid to cook the beans.

How To Make Charro Beans

1. Prep Your Beans. Start by soaking the pinto beans overnight. This step is crucial for speeding up the cooking time and ensuring your beans are tender.
2. Cook the Meat. Fry the bacon and chorizo in a large pot until they're beautifully browned and crisp. This not only cooks the meat but also releases a pool of flavorful fat.
3. Sauté the Aromatics. In the same pot, cook the onions and garlic until translucent, soaking up all the meaty flavors.
4. Simmer. Add the beans, chopped vegetables, spices, and liquid into the pot. Let everything simmer until the beans are perfectly tender.
5. Season and Serve. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, then garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Tips And Tricks

Making charro beans, a flavorful Mexican bean dish packed with meats and spices, can be an art. Here are some tips and tricks to help you create the perfect pot:

• Soak the Beans. If you're using dried beans, soak them overnight to reduce cooking time and make them easier to digest. If you're short on time, use the quick soak method by boiling the beans for a few minutes, then letting them sit for an hour before cooking.
• Cook Slowly. Charro beans are best when simmered slowly. This allows the flavors to meld together and the beans to become tender without falling apart. Consider using a slow cooker or a low heat setting on the stove.
• Balance Your Meats. Traditional charro beans include bacon, chorizo, and sometimes ham or other pork products. Balancing these meats ensures a rich but not overwhelming flavor. You can adjust the types and amounts of meat based on your preference.

Variations

Charro beans, traditionally known for their savory and slightly smoky flavor, are versatile and can be adapted to suit various taste preferences and dietary needs. Here are some variations to consider when making them:

• Vegetarian and Vegan Version- Skip the traditional meats like bacon and chorizo. Instead, enhance flavors with smoked paprika, chipotle peppers, or liquid smoke to mimic the smokiness usually provided by meat. Add more vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini for added texture and nutrition.
• Spicy Charro Beans- For those who enjoy a kick, add jalapeños, serrano peppers, or a few dashes of hot sauce. Adjust the level of heat to suit your taste.
• Beer-infused Charro Beans (Borracho Beans Variant)- Replace some of the broth with a dark Mexican beer for an added depth of flavor and a subtle hint of bitterness. This variation is known as "Borracho Beans," which means "drunken beans."

What To Serve With Charro Beans

Charro beans, with their rich and hearty flavors, pair well with a variety of Mexican and Tex-Mex dishes. Here's a list of foods that complement them perfectly:

• Tacos- Serve charro beans as a side with any type of taco, such as fish tacos, carnitas, or shrimp tacos, to add a hearty element to your meal.
• Enchiladas- A side of beans complements the rich flavors of enchiladas, whether they're filled with cheese, chicken, beef, or vegetables.
• Fajitas- Pair charro beans with beef, chicken, or shrimp fajitas and some warm tortillas for a complete and satisfying meal.
• Rice- Serve charro beans alongside Mexican rice or cilantro lime rice to create a balanced and filling side dish duo.

How Long Do They Last?

Charro beans, when stored properly, can last in the refrigerator for about 3 to 5 days. Make sure to cool them down to room temperature quickly after cooking, and then store them in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent contamination.

Can You Freeze Them?

For longer storage, charro beans can be frozen. When frozen in an airtight, freezer-safe container or a sealed freezer bag, they can last for up to 6 months. Remember to leave some space in the container as the beans will expand when frozen.

To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm up on the stove over low heat, adding a little water or broth if they seem too thick.

More Bold Bean Recipes

• Red Beans And Rice
• Instant Pot Baked Beans
• Black Beans And Rice
• Instant Pot Pinto Beans
• Black Beans And Chorizo Soup
• Crockpot Baked Beans

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