Here’s a classic recipe for Frijoles Charros—a hearty, flavorful Mexican bean stew traditionally made with pinto beans, bacon, and chorizo. Perfect as a side or main dish.
🫘 Frijoles Charros (Cowboy Beans)
Ingredients (serves 4–6)
- 1 lb (450 g) pinto beans, soaked overnight and drained
- 6 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
- 4–5 slices bacon, chopped
- 1/2 lb (225 g) Mexican chorizo, casing removed
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium tomatoes, diced
- 1–2 jalapeños, seeded and chopped (optional, for heat)
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional toppings: diced avocado, shredded cheese, lime wedges
Instructions
1. Cook the Beans
- In a large pot, cover soaked beans with water or broth.
- Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer 1–1.5 hours until beans are tender but not falling apart.
- Drain beans, reserving 1 cup of cooking liquid.
2. Cook the Meat
- In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, cook chorizo until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if necessary.
3. Sauté Vegetables
- Add onion, garlic, jalapeños, and tomatoes to the skillet. Cook 3–5 minutes until softened.
4. Combine Beans and Meat
- Add cooked beans and reserved bean liquid to the skillet.
- Stir in cooked bacon, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer 10–15 minutes to let flavors meld.
5. Finish and Serve
- Stir in fresh cilantro just before serving.
- Serve hot with tortillas, rice, or as a side to grilled meats.
- Optional: top with avocado, shredded cheese, or a squeeze of lime.
Tips & Variations
- Quick version: Use 2 cans (15 oz each) of pinto beans, drained and rinsed. Reduce simmering time to 15–20 minutes.
- Spicy: Keep seeds in jalapeños or add a chopped serrano pepper.
- Smoky flavor: Add a chipotle pepper in adobo or smoked paprika.
- Make-ahead: Frijoles Charros taste even better the next day after flavors meld. Reheat gently.
These Frijoles Charros are savory, smoky, and satisfying, combining tender beans with rich bacon, spicy chorizo, and fresh herbs—a true comfort food from Mexico.
I can also provide a slow cooker version that makes them almost effortless if you want.
Do you want me to do that?
