Pinto beans, onion, bacon, and jalapeno come together to create these spicy and smokeycharro beans. This perfectly simmered and spiced side dish is a quick and delicious way to bring some authentic Mexican flavor to your dinner table.

Charro Beans

My easy charro beans make the most delicious side dish for Mexican night! They’re hearty, earthy, filling, and slightly chewy. The paprika, cumin, and fresh jalapeno give this dish a sense of warmth and a sharp bold flavor that balances perfectly against the natural richness of the pinto beans. These charro beans are delicious on their own, but they’re even better when paired with homemade tacos, burritos, enchiladas, or quesadillas!

I like pairing these authentic charro beans with other Mexican dishes such as carne asada tacos or beef and cheese enchiladas.Serve these smokey beans plainor garnish them with a handful of cheddar cheese, cilantro, or a squeeze of fresh lime juice. Alternatively, you can add these cowboy beans to other dishes such as burritos, quesadillas, or taco salads. They’re a great way to add some extra spice and protein to your favorite dishes!

Ingredient Notes

Pinto Beans—Canned beans work best. Drain them well!
Bacon—diced into small pieces. I prefer a thicker cut, but any bacon will work.
Jalapeno—Very finely chopped to add some heat!
White Onion—Diced so the pieces cook evenly.
Paprika and Cumin—To add a smokey, earthy flavor.
Water—The simple base for the beans!

How to Make Mexican Charro Beans

Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until it reaches your desired crispiness.
Add the onion, jalapeno, paprika, and cumin. Continue cooking until the onion is soft and translucent.
Add the water and pinto beans.
Cook the beans on medium heat until the water thickens up slightly.
Serve warm and enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between charro beans and black beans?

Charro beans is a side dish that is typically made by cooking pinto beans with bacon, onion, and spices. Occasionally you’ll see people make charro beans with black beans, but it’s not very common. Black beans can be prepared in a number of different ways and can be found in dishes like enchiladas, chili, and even plant-based burgers!

Why are they called charro beans?

Charro beans originate from Mexico and are also known as cowboy beans. They are named after the traditional Mexican cowboys called “charros”. Charros spent most of their time outdoors and did not have the time or ingredients to cook extravagant meals. This was a quick and popular dish they would often throw together.

Are charro beans healthy?

The main ingredient in charro beans, pinto beans, are a good source of protein and fiber. By adding bacon, the fat and calorie content will increase slightly, but not enough to make this dish unhealthy. You can enjoy charro beans in moderation and feel good about eating them!

How to Store and Reheat Frijoles Charros

You can store leftover charro beans in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 6 days. I find that these beans are best reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave. Simply cook the charro beans until warmed through, adding a splash of water if the dish seems to get too dry. Unfortunately, these beans will get mushy and grainy when thawed, so I don’t recommend freezing them.

Recipe Variations

Out of bacon? No worries! You canswap it out for another type of meat. Chorizo, ham, or even chopped sausages would all work great.

You can easily make thesefrijoles charros veganby swapping out the bacon for tofu or tempeh. You’ll also need to add a bit of oil to get things cooking, but other than that, the recipe should stay the same! You can even add some extra veggies to this dish if you’d like! I like tossing in some diced tomatoes or bell peppers.

Don’t have any pinto beans on hand? You canuse any kind of canned beanin this dish! Black beans and kidney beans will be most similar in texture to the traditional pinto beans, but even cannellini beans, great northern beans, or chickpeas would work!

Expert Tips and Tricks

If you’re sensitive to spice, you’ll want to make sure you scrape the seeds out of your jalapeno before chopping it and adding it to these beans.
Your beans may seem a little soupy when the recipe is initially finished, but the dish will thicken as it sits.
Do your best not to overcook these charro beans! Overcooked beans will turn into a thick, mushy paste—it’s not very appetizing.

More Recipes

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Charro beansstand as a flavorful and hearty dish that holds a significant place within Mexican cuisine. Their rich history and diverse ingredients reflect the cultural tapestry of Mexico, showcasing the fusion of indigenous and European culinary influences. Whether enjoyed as a side dish or a main course, the combination of tender beans, savory meats, aromatic spices, and fresh vegetables creates a delightful medley of textures and flavors.