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5.0 from 15 votes

Frijoles Charros (Mexican Charro Beans)

Frijoles Charros (Mexican Charro Beans) is a traditional, hearty, and delicious pinto bean soup that is filled with crispy bacon, spicy chorizo and other tasty ingredients.

Servings: 6
Course: Main Course , Soup
Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

  • 5-6 cups cooked pinto beans (with liquid)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ¼ diced onion
  • 1 diced jalapeño (optional, see recipe)
  • 5 slices of bacon, diced
  • ¼-1/2 lb chorizo
  • 4 sliced hot dogs
  • 4 pieces sliced ham (optional, see recipe)
  • 3-4 sprigs of cilantro
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. First, you will need 5-6 cups of cooked pinto beans (with liquid). Click here for my recipe for Instant Pot Pinto Beans.
  2. Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large pot or Dutch oven. Add the diced onion and sauté until soft and fragrant. For a spicy version, add a diced jalapeño and sauté along with the onion.
  3. Next, add the diced bacon and cook on medium heat until it begins to crisp up.
  4. Once the bacon is a little crispy, add the chorizo. Break the chorizo up with a spoon and cook through.
  5. Add the sliced hot dogs and sauté for another 2-3 minutes. You can also add the sliced ham here if using.
  6. If the bacon and the chorizo have released too much fat, then use a large spoon to carefully remove some of the oil.
  7. Add in the pinto beans with enough liquid to create a thick soup. Bring the soup to a boil and simmer for 5 minutes.
  8. Finally add the cilantro and simmer for another 2 minutes to allow the cilantro flavor to infuse into the soup.
  9. Taste for seasoning and add salt and pepper to taste.
  10. Serve in a big bowl for dinner or as a side dish. Top with sour cream, salsa, or pickled jalapeños and serve with warm tortillas.