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    Home » Recipes » Mexican » Charro Beans (Frijoles Charros)

    Charro Beans (Frijoles Charros)

    Last Updated November 9, 2022. Originally Posted September 17, 2019 By Maggie Unzueta

    This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Charro Beans (Frijoles Charros) is a tasty and hearty stew made with bacon, hot dogs, and other meats. Deep with flavor that you will love to savor.
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Charro Beans in a decorative blue bowl topped with slices of jalapeno.

    Charro Beans in a decorative blue bowl topped with jalapeno slices.

    What are Frijoles Charros?
    Frijoles Charros are also called Charro Beans, Mexican Cowboy Beans, Frijoles a la Charra. They got their name from the Mexican cowboys who ate this dish.

    My dad’s family owns a ranch in Durango in Northern Mexico. Horses, cows, pigs… John Wayne filmed several of his movies nearby our family land.

    We make this dish quite a bit on the ranch. I called my dad for the entire recipe, and here I am, bringing it to you.

    It’s one of the most authentic Mexican recipes from my family to yours.

    A metal pot of cooked pinto beans on a wooden table.

    Don’t confuse these with borracho beans (frijoles borrachos) as those are made with beer.

    You will need cooked Frijoles de la Olla, or cooked pinto beans (the kind you use to make refried beans).

    This recipe is a great way to use leftover Mexican pinto beans. Have the beans cooked and ready to go when you are making this Mexican meal.

    Also try making them in Instant Pot Pinto Beans. They are ready in minutes, and there’s no soaking involved! You only need to add a few cups of water to my favorite fast IP pressure cooker.

    Yes, you can use canned beans, but tell my mother I said that. lol.

    What is a Charro?

    A vaquero is a cowboy who works with cattle.

    A charro is a performer who performs tricks with ropes and wrangles in horses.

    A vaquero wears work clothes and usually also a hat. A charro wears ornate clothing with embellishments and a fancy sombrero.

    Step-By-Step Instructions

    A collage showing how to make Frijoles Charros.

    1. To a large pot, heat oil and sauté bacon on medium heat.
    2. Remove the cooked bacon and discard any bacon grease. Reserve the bacon. In the same pot, add the ground spicy chorizo and cook.
    3. Discard any chorizo grease and return the bacon to the pot. Add the onion and jalapeño peppers. Cook for 2 minutes.
    4. Add the diced tomato. Cook for 5 minutes at medium-high heat, or until the tomatoes have released the juices.
    5. Add the garlic and salt.
    6. Stir with a large spoon to combine.

    Be sure to stir occasionally. You don’t want anything to burn. The stew should be chunky.

    How to Adjust the Heat:

    • If you don’t want it to be spicy, omit the jalapeno.
    • If you like it spicier, add 2 diced jalapenos.

    Some people will add diced roasted poblano peppers for extra heat. This is totally up to you.

    More Mexican beef stews: Carne en Su Jugo, Birria de Res, Caldillo Durangueño .

    A side by side collage showing the beans cooking inside a stock pot.

    • Add the cooked beans and the 2 cups of bean broth.
    • Stir to combine. Lower heat and cook for 10 minutes.

    Swap out for black beans instead. It’s whatever you have in your kitchen.

    NOTE: Instead of the bean broth, you can use 2 cups water + ½ cube beef bouillon. Or, you can use 2 cups beef broth.

    If you want it more soup-y, add 2 cups of beef broth in addition to the bean broth.

    Hand holding a small bowl of sliced hot dogs.

    • Add the sliced hot dogs.
    • Stir to combine. Cook for 5 minutes.
    • Top with some chopped cilantro.
    • Serve with warm tortillas and enjoy!

    “Wiennies” as we refer to them in Spanish, or hot dogs, are a must, according to my dad. Beef franks are the best, but any kind you have is fine too.

    Here, we’re making it on the stove top, but you can very well make it in the slow cooker or instant pot.

    Optional Additions:

    Crushed chicharrones (or pork rinds crackling) makes a great addition. I love to garnish mine with sliced jalapeños. The spicier, the better.

    Some people will also add ham to their ranchero beans. Although this is not traditional, you can also add vegetables like broccoli, green beans, peas, and carrots.

    A blue bowl with Charro Beans topped with jalapeno slices.

    Storing:

    Place any leftovers in an airtight container for up 5 days in the fridge. If storing in the freezer, place in a sealable freezer bag and remove as much air as possible. Store in the freezer for up to 6 months.

    What to serve with Frijoles Charros?

    • Sliced Jalapeños
    • Pickled Jalapeños
    • Crushed Dried Chile de Arbol
    • Slices of Serrano Peppers
    • Corn Tortillas
    • Queso Fresco

    A bowl of Frijoles Charros makes the perfect cold-weather food or serve this at a special occasion. It’s the perfect side dish to carne asada and more traditional Mexican recipes. This rustic stew is chunky and delicious with each spoonful. Buen provecho!

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    Did you make this recipe? Please rate the recipe below!

     

    Frijoles Charros in a decorative blue bowl topped with jalapeno slices.

    Charro Beans (Frijoles Charros)

    Charro Beans (Frijoles Charros) is a tasty and hearty stew made with bacon, hot dogs, and other meats. Deep with flavor that you will love to savor.
    5 from 40 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Dinner
    Cuisine: Mexican
    Prep Time: 8 minutes
    Cook Time: 32 minutes
    Total Time: 40 minutes
    Servings: 6 people
    Calories: 435kcal
    Author: Maggie Unzueta

    Ingredients

    • 1 tbsp oil
    • 5 slices bacon chopped
    • 1/2 lb chorizo beef or pork
    • 1/4 onion diced
    • 1 jalapeno finely diced
    • 1 tomato diced
    • 1 clove garlic finely diced
    • 1 tbsp salt
    • 4 cups pinto beans (cooked)
    • 2 cups bean broth (reserved from the beans)
    • 3 hot dogs sliced

    Instructions

    • Heat oil in a large stock pot.
    • Add the bacon. Cook until crispy.
    • Remove the cooked bacon from the pot. Set aside.
    • Drain the excess fat. Do not wash the pot.
    • In the same pot, cook the chorizo.
    • Drain any excess fat from the chorizo.
    • Return the bacon to the pot.
    • Add onion and jalapeno. Cook for 2 minutes.
    • Add the diced tomato. Stir to combine.
    • Cook for 5 minutes, or until the tomatoes have released their juices.
    • Add the garlic, salt, cooked beans, and the bean broth.
    • Stir to combine. Put a lid on the pot.
    • Cook for 10 minutes.
    • Add the hot dogs. Stir to combine.
    • Cover and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
    • Serve with tortillas and enjoy!

    Notes

    Instead of bean broth, you can use beef broth, or 2 cups of water and ½ cube beef bouillon.
    • For a spicier Frijoles Charros, use 2 jalapenos.
    • For a less spicy dish, omit the jalapeno.
    Optional toppings: Queso Fresco and crushed chicharrones.
    Frijoles Charros will last up to 5 days in the fridge.
    Frijoles Charros will last up to 6 months in the freezer.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 435kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 46mg | Sodium: 2206mg | Potassium: 621mg | Fiber: 11g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 498IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 60mg | Iron: 4mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @MamaMaggiesKitchen or tag #MamaMaggiesKitchen!

    Filed Under: Beef, Mexican, Pork, Recipes

    About Maggie Unzueta

    Maggie Unzueta is the writer/blogger, photographer, recipe developer, videographer, and creator of In Mama Maggie's Kitchen. She has been developing easy and authentic Mexican food, Mexican-inspired recipes, and traveling tips since 2010. From family recipes to her extensive travels throughout Mexico, she brings traditional Mexican flavors from South of the Border and into your kitchen. Maggie has been featured in notable culinary websites and other media outlets. For more details, check out her About page.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Neli

      September 17, 2019 at 10:06 am

      5 stars
      This looks like such a delicious Mexican recipe! Thank you for the step by step pictures, it looks like a quick & easy recipe! My family will love this recipe, especially my husband!

      Reply
    2. Jacqui Debono

      September 17, 2019 at 6:16 pm

      5 stars
      This will be a big hit in our house, and perfect for doing over a fire outside once the evenings are cooler!

      Reply
    3. Lizzy

      September 18, 2019 at 4:09 am

      Thanks for sharing this fun Mexican recipe!

      Reply
    4. shobee

      September 18, 2019 at 2:46 pm

      What delicious soup to try. I will change it a bit by cooking it in the slow cooker for those working days.

      Reply
    5. Eva

      September 19, 2019 at 1:16 pm

      5 stars
      My husband loves making himself beans with sausage when he needs to cook for himself and I always call his meals “cowboy meals” 😀 I need to show him this recipe!!

      Reply
    6. Amanda

      September 19, 2019 at 4:54 pm

      5 stars
      I love that these charro beans use both chorizo and bacon. They add such a great depth of flavor. Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
    7. Sophie

      September 20, 2019 at 10:29 am

      5 stars
      Always loved that charro beans. Thanks a lot for sharing the step by step recipe.

      Reply
    8. Sharon

      September 21, 2019 at 6:34 am

      5 stars
      This recipe is perfect for when I make enchiladas or tacos or perfect for the main dish on busy nights.

      Reply
    9. SHANIKA

      September 22, 2019 at 10:34 am

      5 stars
      I love Bean dishes and this recipe looks so flavorful and versatile! Definitely perfect for any day!

      Reply
    10. Claire | The Simple, Sweet Life

      September 22, 2019 at 6:20 pm

      I love a hearty bean dish, and this one sure looks like it packs the protein! I’m sure my husband would love it. Can’t wait to give it a try!

      Reply
    11. Eden | Sweet Tea and Thyme

      September 23, 2019 at 5:57 am

      Been eating this since I was a kid! Always a delicious and easy family-friendly dish.

      Reply
    12. Jessica

      March 29, 2020 at 7:21 pm

      5 stars
      Just like mom used to make! Along with some tortillas de harina and you are good to go!

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        March 30, 2020 at 9:20 am

        Yes! Tortillas are a must when serving this. 🙂

        Reply
    13. Jen

      November 7, 2020 at 7:42 pm

      5 stars
      I just made this and it is fantastic! My husband loves it! Thank you!

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        November 11, 2020 at 10:33 am

        So glad to hear you and your husband liked this recipe!

        Reply
    14. Bob Wolfe

      December 21, 2022 at 5:02 pm

      5 stars
      Absolutely delicious, I used the chorizo recipe you linked and I thought it was too loud so I added two more lbs. ground pork with a little more salt and vinegar. Perfect for me and the depth of flavor it brings to the dish is a must do. We can’t get enough of this charro recipe! Thanks, I think it’s time for another bowl

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        December 28, 2022 at 9:43 am

        That’s so great to hear! We love this charro beans recipe at my house. It’s a favorite.

        Reply

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