Charro Beans
Frijoles charros or Mexican cowboy beans is an authentic Mexican recipe that originated in northern Mexico. These beans are also a Tex Mex favorite dish usually served as a main course or side dish.
Prep: 15 mins
Cook: 25 mins
Yield: 4-6 servings
Traditional Charro beans are cooked with bacon, sausage, and/or chorizo. Bursting with wholesome ingredients, this recipe showcases the versatility of plant-based cooking while still capturing the essence of the original charro beans.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked pinto beans in their broth
- 1 medium white onion, diced
- 2 serrano chiles, seeded and minced (optional, see tips)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 medium tomatoes, diced or 1 cup diced grape tomatoes
- ½ cup plant-based chorizo or ¼ cup diced tempeh bacon
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 1 ½ cups cup low-sodium vegetable broth
- ¾ tsp salt or to taste
- ¾ cup chopped cilantro or to taste
Instructions
Instructions
- 1. In a heated medium pan, sauté the onions for 4-5 minutes or until softened.
- 2. Add beans, serrano chiles (if using), garlic, and tomatoes and sauté for 5-6 minutes.
- 3. Add plant-based chorizo or tempeh bacon, smoked paprika, vegetable broth and salt. Cook for 15 minutes.
- 4. Add cilantro just before serving.
Cooking Tips
Cooking Tips
- 1. You can use red or white beans instead of the pinto beans.
- 2. Serrano peppers are quite hot. For a mild version of this recipe, omit them or use ¼ cup sweet bell pepper instead.
- 3. Add more or less vegetable broth depending on how thick you want your Charro beans. They are sometimes cooked like a soup and other versions are thick like a stew.
- 4. Serve with Mexican Rice or Green Rice, corn tortillas, and guacamole for a hearty meal.
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