5 from 22 votes
Charro Beans
Charro Beans is a hearty Mexican stew of pinto beans cooked with bacon, onions, garlic, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and oregano. Simmered in beef broth and water, the dish incorporates diced tomatoes and chiles for tang and heat, finished with fresh cilantro and served with toppings like pico de gallo, shredded cheese, and sour cream. It delivers a savory, richly spiced bean stew with layered flavors and textures.
Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
1 hr
Additional Time
6 hrs
Total Time
7 hrs 20 mins
Servings:
8
Calories:
389 kcal
Course:
Side Dish
Cuisine:
Mexican
Ingredients
- 1 pound pinto beans dried
- 12 ounces Bacon chopped
- 1/2 cup onion finely diced
- 1 tablespoon garlic minced
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cumin ground
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon oregano dried
- 3 cups beef broth
- 3 cups water
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt or more to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 10 ounce can tomato such as Rotel, do not drain, diced
- 10 ounce can chile such as Rotel, do not drain, diced
- 1/2 cup cilantro chopped
- Pico de Gallo toppings if desired
- shredded cheese
- sour cream
Instructions
- Place the beans in a large bowl. Cover the beans with cold water. Let the beans soak for 6-8 hours or overnight.
- Place the bacon in a large pot over medium high heat. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until bacon is browned and crispy.
- Remove 1/4 of the bacon to use as garnish later on. Drain most of the fat from the pot, leaving 1 tablespoon in the pot.
- Add the onion and cook for 3-4 minutes or until just softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Place the soaked beans in the pot.
- Add the cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, beef broth and water. Bring to a simmer.
- Turn the heat to low and cook for 45 minutes or until beans are just softened. You can add more water or broth if the beans soak up the liquid before they have cooked through.
- Stir in the salt, pepper and diced tomatoes and chiles. Cook for another 15-20 minutes or until beans are tender. Taste and add more salt if needed. Stir in the cilantro.
- Sprinkle the reserved bacon over the top. Serve as-is, or add other toppings such as pico de gallo, cheese or sour cream.
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Nutrition Information
Calories
389kcal
(19%)
Carbohydrates
38g
(13%)
Protein
19g
(38%)
Fat
18g
(28%)
Saturated Fat
6g
(30%)
Cholesterol
28mg
(9%)
Sodium
1069mg
(45%)
Potassium
954mg
(20%)
Fiber
9g
(36%)
Sugar
2g
(4%)
Vitamin A
219IU
(4%)
Vitamin C
5mg
(6%)
Calcium
82mg
(8%)
Iron
4mg
(22%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 8 Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 389
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 389kcal | 19% |
| Carbohydrates | 38g | 13% |
| Protein | 19g | 38% |
| Fat | 18g | 28% |
| Saturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Cholesterol | 28mg | 9% |
| Sodium | 1069mg | 45% |
| Potassium | 954mg | 20% |
| Fiber | 9g | 36% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 219IU | 4% |
| Vitamin C | 5mg | 6% |
| Calcium | 82mg | 8% |
| Iron | 4mg | 22% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.