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Traditional Frijoles Charros

A classic Mexican side dish featuring pinto beans simmered with smoky bacon, chorizo, tomatoes, and aromatic spices.

Level Easy Prep 20 min Cook 90 min Servings 8 Score 4.9/10
Ready in
110 min

Makes 8 servings

Prep 20m
Cook 90m
Level Easy

About this recipe

A classic Mexican side dish featuring pinto beans simmered with smoky bacon, chorizo, tomatoes, and aromatic spices.

Traditional Mexican cowboy beans simmered with bacon, chorizo, and fresh vegetables.

Ingredients

Beans

Meat

Aromatics

Vegetables

Herbs

Seasoning

Equipment

  • Large stockpot For boiling beans
  • Large skillet For cooking meats and aromatics
  • Wooden spoon

Instructions

  1. In a large pot, cook the soaked pinto beans in water until tender, about 60 minutes.

  2. In a separate large skillet, cook the chopped bacon until crisp, then remove with a slotted spoon.

  3. In the same skillet with bacon fat, cook the Mexican chorizo until browned and fully cooked.

  4. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, chopped tomatoes, and jalapeños to the skillet, sautéing until soft.

  5. Transfer the cooked meat and vegetable mixture into the pot with the tender pinto beans.

  6. Simmer everything together on low heat for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.

  7. Stir in fresh cilantro, season with salt to taste, and serve hot.

Nutrition

Calories 280
Protein 14g
Carbs 32g
Fat 11g
Fiber 8g
Sugar 3g
Sodium 520mg
Serving Size 1 cup

Cooking Timeline

Prep 20 min
Cook 90 min
Total 110 min

Recipe Scorecard

Overall 9.5 /10
Expert 4.9 95% conf.
  • Taste 9.8
  • Presentation 9.0
  • Nutrition 8.0
  • Value 9.5
  • Instructions 9.5
  • Ingredients 9.0
  • Time Accuracy 9.0
  • Difficulty 4.5
  • Would Make Again 9.5

Expert Review

Reviewed by FindEdition Kitchen

Verdict

An exceptionally savory and authentic Mexican bean recipe packed with smoky depth.

Pros

  • Rich smoky flavor
  • Hearty and comforting
  • Great for gatherings

Cons

  • Requires soaking time if using dry beans

Overview

Traditional Mexican cowboy beans simmered with bacon, chorizo, and fresh vegetables.

AI Insights

Summary

A classic Mexican side dish featuring pinto beans simmered with smoky bacon, chorizo, tomatoes, and aromatic spices.

Tips

  • Brown the chorizo thoroughly to build a rich flavor base
  • Simmer uncovered during the final stages to thicken the broth
  • Use fresh cilantro right before serving for maximum brightness

Substitutions

  • Bacon → Smoked turkey bacon
  • Pinto beans → Black beans

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Pairing

  • Grilled carne asada
  • Warm corn tortillas and Mexican rice

AI Cooking Assistant

Ask about substitutions, timing, or technique for this recipe.

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FAQ

Can I use canned beans?
Yes, you can substitute with canned pinto beans to cut down cooking time significantly.
Are Frijoles Charros spicy?
They have a mild kick from the jalapeños, but you can adjust the heat by removing the seeds.

About the Author

FindEdition Kitchen

Specialty: Mexican cuisine

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Compare & Alternatives

For higher ratings, consider Classic Mexican Street Chicken Tacos (9.6/10). A quicker option is Authentic Mutton Karahi.

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