Name: Authentic Charro Beans Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 cups dried pinto beans (or 3 cans, drained and rinsed); 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped; 1/2 lb fresh Mexican chorizo, casings removed; 1 small white onion, finely chopped; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 jalapeño or serrano pepper, chopped (optional for spice); 2 medium tomatoes, diced; 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro; 1 tsp ground cumin; Salt and pepper, to taste; 6 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth; Optional: 1/2 cup Mexican beer, lime wedges, avocado for garnish

Hola amigos — I’m Chef Emma, and today I’m sharing a dish close to my heart and heritage: charro beans recipe. This smoky, savory bean stew isn’t just a side dish — it’s a celebration of Mexican flavors, summer gatherings, and cooking from the soul. Whether I’m cooking in my home kitchen or over an open flame at a backyard fiesta, this recipe always brings people together.

I learned how to make charro beans from my grandfather, who would cook them in a big clay pot on our family’s ranch in Coahuila. He was a charro — a Mexican horseman — and this dish, named after men like him, was his pride. The aroma of bacon, chorizo, garlic, and tomatoes wafting through the air was always the first sign a feast was coming.

This recipe is my modern chef’s take on that rustic, traditional dish — still soulful, bold, balanced, and refined. I’m thrilled to pass it on to you.

What Are Charro Beans Recipe?

Charro beans, or frijoles charros, are a beloved Mexican dish made with pinto beans, smoked meats, and fresh aromatics. They’re rich, slightly spicy, and swimming in a savory broth that soaks into everything on the plate. It’s the kind of dish that started on the ranch but now shows up on restaurant menus and family tables alike — always with a personal twist.

Want to explore more bean-based comfort food? Check out our Crock Pot Pinto Beans recipe — a fuss-free option for slow-simmered goodness.

Ingredients – What You’ll Need

Here’s what I use to feed about 6 hungry guests — whether they’re my restaurant team after a long service or my cousins at a Sunday BBQ:

Ingredients for charro beans recipe including pinto beans, bacon, chorizo, vegetables, and spices on a white kitchen table. — All the ingredients you need to make an authentic charro beans recipe from scratch.

The Essentials:

2 cups dried pinto beans (or 3 cans, drained)
6 strips thick-cut bacon, chopped
1/2 lb fresh Mexican chorizo
1 small white onion, diced
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 jalapeño or serrano, finely chopped (optional, but I always say yes)
2 ripe tomatoes, chopped
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 tsp cumin
Sea salt & black pepper, to taste
6 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth

Chef’s Extras (Optional, but Fabulous):

1/2 cup beer (I love using a Mexican lager)
Lime wedges for brightness
Avocado slices for richness

Step-by-Step: How Chef Emma Makes Charro Beans Recipe

1. Prepare the Beans

If using dried beans (my go-to for depth of flavor):

Soak overnight or do a quick soak.
Simmer in water until tender (about 1 to 1.5 hours), then drain.

Canned beans work fine too — just rinse them well.

2. Build the Flavor Base

In your biggest pot (cast iron if you’ve got it), heat over medium:

Render the bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside.
Brown the chorizo in the bacon fat. Let it get a little crisp — flavor lives in those browned bits!
Sauté the onion and garlic until soft and fragrant.
Add your peppers and cook 1 more minute.
Toss in the tomatoes and let them break down for 5–7 minutes.

This is your sofrito — the soul of the dish.

Garlic, onions, and jalapeños sautéed in bacon fat for a traditional charro beans recipe. — The finished charro beans recipe — smoky, hearty, and ready to enjoy.

3. Combine & Simmer

Add back the bacon and chorizo, along with the:

Cooked beans
Cumin
Broth (or water)
Beer (if using — do it!)

Simmer gently, uncovered, for 30–45 minutes. Let the flavors meld, let the broth thicken slightly. Taste. Season. Stir in chopped cilantro just before serving.

Pouring broth and adding all ingredients into the pot for charro beans recipe. — Chorizo, beans, bacon, broth — everything comes together for this rustic recipe.

How I Serve Charro Beans Recipe

Here’s how I plate these beans, whether it’s for a client tasting or a casual family dinner:

With carne asada and grilled veggies
Spoon over steamed white rice
In a bowl with warm tortillas and a wedge of lime
As a hearty taco filling with pickled onions and cotija

These beans can be rustic or refined. Dress them up or keep it simple — they’ll shine either way.

Want more cowboy-inspired sides? Pair this dish with our Cowboy Casserole or Cattle Drive Casserole for a complete ranch-style spread.

Pro Tips from Chef Emma

For Beginners:

Start with canned beans if you’re short on time. Just rinse them well and cut your cooking time in half.
Pre-chop everything before turning on the stove — bacon, onion, garlic, and tomatoes. It’ll make the process smoother and stress-free.
Use mild chorizo if you’re unsure about the spice. You can always add heat later with a jalapeño or hot sauce.
Taste as you go! The best way to learn is to trust your palate. Add salt in small amounts and adjust slowly.
Don’t rush the simmer — letting everything bubble gently melds flavors beautifully.

For Advanced Cooks:

Make your chorizo with ground pork, smoked paprika, garlic, vinegar, and chili powder — you’ll control the spice and quality.

Layer the fat flavors: Cook bacon, then chorizo, then veggies — but deglaze each step with a splash of broth, beer, or tomato juice to lift the fond (those browned bits).

Add umami depth with a spoonful of tomato paste or a few dashes of Worcestershire sauce during the simmer.

Smoke the beans: If you have a smoker, finish your pot on indirect heat with mesquite or hickory wood chips — next-level cowboy flavor!

Infuse the broth: Steep an ancho chile or chipotle pepper in hot water, blend, and add it for a deep, smoky heat.

🧂 Want to better understand ingredient swaps and heat levels? This guide to cooking with peppers from Chili Pepper Madness is a great resource.

Why I Love This Dish

Charro beans recipe reminds me of who I am as a chef, rooted in tradition but unafraid to evolve. They’re rustic, nourishing, and intensely flavorful. Every pot tells a story, and every spoonful brings me back to my roots.

So go ahead — simmer a batch, pour a cold drink, and serve these with love.

And if you’re craving another soul-warming Mexican classic, try our Birria Tacos — bold, slow-cooked, and bursting with flavor.

FAQ About Charro Beans Recipe

Can I make charro beans in a slow cooker?

Absolutely. Sauté your bacon, chorizo, and veggies in a skillet, then transfer everything to your slow cooker with the beans and broth. Cook on low for 6–8 hours. The flavors deepen beautifully over time.

What’s the difference between charro beans recipe and borracho beans?

Great question! Borracho beans are very similar, but they’re cooked with beer (borracho means “drunk” in Spanish). You can think of borracho beans as a slightly boozier cousin of charro beans recipe — both are smoky and delicious!

Can I freeze the leftover charro beans recipe?

Yes! These beans freeze wonderfully. Let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth or water.

Are the Charro Beans recipe spicy?

Not necessarily. The spice level depends on the type of chorizo and whether you include jalapeños or serranos. For a milder version, skip the peppers and use a mild chorizo. Spice lovers? Double the heat!

What kind of chorizo should I use?

For authentic flavor, use fresh Mexican chorizo (raw, loose sausage style), not the cured Spanish kind. The Mexican version melts into the dish, infusing it with smoky, paprika-rich goodness.

Can I substitute pinto beans with black beans or kidney beans?

You can — but the traditional recipe calls for creamier pinto beans, which hold up better in broth. If you’re experimenting, black beans would be my second choice for that earthy depth.

Conclusion from Chef Emma

Charro beans Recipe is more than just a recipe — it’s a story in a pot. They speak of summer evenings, family tables, and the magic that happens when simple ingredients are treated with care and love.

From my kitchen to yours, I hope you enjoy this dish as much as I do. Whether you’re making it for a backyard barbecue, a weeknight dinner, or to connect with the rich traditions of Mexican cuisine, these beans bring comfort, flavor, and joy to every bite.

Gracias for joining me on this flavorful journey. Now, stir that pot with pride — you’re cooking like a true charro.

Authentic Charro Beans Recipe

Table of Contents