Frijoles Charros is a hearty Mexican bean dish loaded with smoky bacon, hot dogs, and flavorful spices.
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These “cowboy beans” are made with pinto beans simmered in a rich broth that tastes even better as it cooks.
It’s a comforting recipe that works perfectly as a side dish for carne asada or serve with flour tortillas to make tacos.
My dad’s family owns a ranch in Durango in Northern Mexico. I called my dad for the recipe, and here I am, bringing it to you.
Table of Contents
🫘 Beans, the Magical Fruit
- You will need cooked Frijoles de la Olla and the liquid, or cooked pinto beans (the kind you use to make refried beans).
- This recipe is a great way to use leftover Mexican pinto beans. Or make a big batch of beans.
- Also try making them in Instant Pot Pinto Beans. They are ready in minutes, and no boil or soak involved!
- Yes, you can use canned beans, but tell my mother I said that. lol.
- Don’t confuse this with frijoles puercos which is an appetizer/ side dish made with refried beans and spices.
Frijoles Charros are also called Charro Beans, Mexican cowboy beans, frijoles a la charra, or Mexican charro beans. They got their name from the Mexican cowboys who ate this dish made of different meats.
🤠 Charro vs. Vaquero
- 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.
👩🏼🍳 Instructions
- To a large pot, heat oil and sauté bacon on medium heat.
- Remove the cooked bacon and discard any bacon grease. Reserve the bacon. In the same pot, add the ground spicy chorizo and cook.
- Discard any chorizo grease and return the bacon to the pot. Add the onion and jalapeño chiles. Cook for 2 minutes.
- Add the diced roma tomatoes. Cook for 5 minutes at medium-high heat, or until the tomatoes have released the juices.
- Add the garlic and salt.
- Stir with a large spoon to combine.
Be sure to stir occasionally. You don’t want anything to burn. The stew should be chunky.
🌶️ Adjusting the Spice Level
- If you don’t want it to be spicy, omit the jalapeno chili peppers.
- If you like it spicier, add 2 diced jalapenos or add some chipotle pepper for a smoky taste.
- Some people will add diced roasted poblano peppers for a milder heat.
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. Lower heat and simmer 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.
- 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 like the ones used in Huevos con Salchicha are the best, but any kind of sausage is fine too.
Here, we’re making it on the stove top in a large pot, but you can very well make it in a dutch oven, in the slow cooker, or instant pot.
➕ Optional Additions
- Crushed chicharron (or pork rinds crackling) makes a great addition. I love to garnish mine with sliced jalapeños.
- 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 to make it a full meal.
Storing Instructions
Place any leftovers in an airtight container for up 5 days in the refrigerator. 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.
Serve With
- Pickled Mexican Carrots
- Pickled Jalapenos
- Totopos (Tortilla Chips)
- Arroz Mexicano
- Slices of Serrano Peppers
- Corn Tortillas
Frijoles Charros is one of those classic dishes that always brings people back for seconds. The combination of tender beans, smoky meats, and savory broth makes it warm, filling, and full of flavor. Topped with Cotija Cheese, 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!
Charro Beans (Frijoles Charros)
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 5 slices bacon chopped
- ½ lb chorizo beef or pork
- ¼ onion diced
- 1 jalapeno finely diced
- 1 tomato diced
- 1 clove garlic finely diced
- 1 tablespoon 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
- For a spicier Frijoles Charros, use 2 jalapenos.
- For a less spicy dish, omit the jalapeno.
Made this recipe! I did add some cumin, Mexican street corn seasoning and deleted the chorizo. It’s for sure going to be added to our menu
Sounds delicious! So happy these Charro beans are now a staple.
I’ve made this twice in one week! My husband and I love it!! Thank you AGAIN!!
That makes me happy. I love hearing people say they enjoyed my recipes. Especially this one for Frijoles Charros!
So good!! I used your instant pot beans recipes. It was so much easier than I thought I would be.
It’s the only way to make beans. So glad you liked the frijoles charros!
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
That’s so great to hear! We love this charro beans recipe at my house. It’s a favorite.
I just made this and it is fantastic! My husband loves it! Thank you!
So glad to hear you and your husband liked this recipe!
Just like mom used to make! Along with some tortillas de harina and you are good to go!
Yes! Tortillas are a must when serving this. 🙂
Been eating this since I was a kid! Always a delicious and easy family-friendly dish.
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!
I love Bean dishes and this recipe looks so flavorful and versatile! Definitely perfect for any day!
This recipe is perfect for when I make enchiladas or tacos or perfect for the main dish on busy nights.
Always loved that charro beans. Thanks a lot for sharing the step by step recipe.
I love that these charro beans use both chorizo and bacon. They add such a great depth of flavor. Thanks for sharing!
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!!
What delicious soup to try. I will change it a bit by cooking it in the slow cooker for those working days.
Thanks for sharing this fun Mexican recipe!
This will be a big hit in our house, and perfect for doing over a fire outside once the evenings are cooler!
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!