Charro Beans (Frijoles Charros)

Why are they called charro beans?

Charro Beans are also known as “Frijoles Charros” or “Cowboy Beans.” They got their name from the Mexican cowboys who ate this dish.

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

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

This is an authentic Mexican recipe straight from the horse’s mouth… lol. Pun totally intended!

You will need cooked Frijoles de la Olla, or cooked pinto beans. Lately, I’ve been cooking Instant Pot Pinto Beans. They are ready in minutes, and there’s no soaking involved!

This is also a great dish to make if you have leftover beans. Have the beans cooked and ready to go when you are making Charro Beans.

Yes, you can use canned beans.

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

1. To a large stockpot, add some oil and cook the bacon.
2. Remove the cooked bacon and discard any bacon grease. Reserve the bacon. In the same pot, add the chorizo and cook.
3. Discard any chorizo grease and return the bacon to the pot. Add the onion and jalapeno. Cook for 2 minutes.
4. Add the diced tomato. Cook for 5 minutes, or until the tomatoes have released the juices.
5. Add the garlic and salt.
6. Stir to combine.

If you don’t remove the extra grease, your dish will be really greasy. No one likes that! Don’t worry. Your Frijoles Charros will still be just as flavorful.

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

• 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 .

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

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.

Although this is not traditional, you can also add vegetables like broccoli, green beans, peas, and carrots.

• Add the sliced hot dogs.
• Stir to combine. Cook for 5 minutes.

“Wiennies” as we refer to them in Spanish, or hot dogs, are a must, according to my dad.

Mexico is a poor country, and depending on what was available, they would add it to the pot.

Hot dogs, though, because they can be stored for a long time and can almost always be found, they are always in Frjioles Charros.

Totally optional, but also yummy, crushed chicharrones (or pork crackling).

Please note: Some people will also add ham.

How Long Will Frijoles Charros Last?

• Frijoles Charros will last up to 5 days in the fridge.
• Frijoles Charros will last up to 6 months in the freezer.

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 Charro Beans makes the perfect cold weather food. This rustic stew is chunky and delicious with each spoonful. Hope you enjoy!

Print Recipe

5 from 7 votes

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.

Prep Time8 mins

Cook Time32 mins

Total Time40 mins

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Mexican

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

Nutrition Facts

Charro Beans (Frijoles Charros)

Amount Per Serving

Calories 435 Calories from Fat 207

% Daily Value*

Fat 23g35%

Saturated Fat 7g44%

Cholesterol 46mg15%

Sodium 2206mg96%

Potassium 621mg18%

Carbohydrates 37g12%

Fiber 11g46%

Sugar 2g2%

Protein 21g42%

Vitamin A 498IU10%

Vitamin C 7mg8%

Calcium 60mg6%

Iron 4mg22%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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