Quick & Easy Frijoles Charro | Mexican Cowboy Beans

Frijoles Charros | Cowboy Beans are a hearty, meaty Mexican dish that can be served as a main dish or as a side dish.

The charro beans are unique since in this dish the beans are immersed in a world of ingredients and flavors. Imagine a plate with beans that also has ham, diced tomatoes, bacon, beef franks, chorizo, and many more ingredients. This authentic Mexican bean recipe originated in the Northern parts of Mexico

Why Are They Called Charro Beans? Charro beans are also known as Mexican Cowboy Beans or Frijoles Charros got their name from traditional Mexican cowboys called “Charros”. 

How to Make Charro Beans | Cowboy Beans

Everything will be all in the same pot, so make sure you use a pot large enough for beans and ingredients

Start with the bacon: I place my bacon in the freezer 30 minutes before cutting...so much easier to cut.

Cook bacon in your dutch oven or large pot for 5-7 minutes, or until bacon is crispy on high heat

Lower heat to medium-high, then diced onions are next, cook for 5 minutes. 

Then Chorizo, I had Homemade Chorizo, but store-bought chorizo comes in tubes or packages of 9 -11 ounces, continue cooking until cooked.

Add ham cubes and hot dog cubes, cook for 5 -7 minutes.

Add the can of diced tomatoes, and minced chipotle in adobo sauce (more if you want spiciness). Add all spices, garlic and cook for 5 minutes more.

Add Pinto beans: Home-cooked pinto beans ( 6 1/2 cups) or canned Pinto beans 2 large cans 30 oz.  or 4 - 15 oz. cans. If you want to add a can of kidney beans, that would add a little more chunkiness to Cowboy beans.

Bring to a light boil for 10 - 15 minutes, until all is well incorporated. Sprinkle some chopped cilantro on top, and grab a crusty loaf of bread, slice it and dig in!

What Else can I make with Charro Beans? 

• Tostadas with Charro Beans - Warm up beans, and mash them like refried beans. Layer on top of a warm tostada shell, beans, cheese, lettuce & tomatoes. Garnish with guacamole, Pico de gallo, or Roasted Jalapeño Salsa. 

• Charro Bean Burrito - Charro beans, flour tortilla, and guacamole...wrap up the tortilla and enjoy!

How do I store Charro Beans?

Your cooked beans last about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. To store them, let the beans cool down after cooking, then pop them in the refrigerator within an hour.

Freezing Instructions: Allow the charro beans to cool and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and then re-warm in a pot.

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Easy Charro Beans  (Cowboy Beans)
Author: The Busy Abuelita
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Servings: Serves 8-10

Frijoles Charros | Cowboy Beans are a hearty, meaty Mexican dish that can be served as a main dish or as a side dish..

Ingredients:

• 2 (30 oz) cans Pinto Beans
• 1 onion, diced
• 1/2 pound (8 slices) cooked bacon cut into pieces
• 9 oz. package Mexican chorizo
• 1 1/2 cups ham, diced
• 3 Beef hot dogs, diced
• 1 (14.5 oz) Diced Tomatoes with Green Chiles
• 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic, minced
• 1 chipotle in adobo sauce, minced
• 1 teaspoon chile powder
• 1/4 tsp cumin
• 1/4 tsp paprika
• 1/4 tsp Mexican Oregano
• 1 cup chicken broth or water

Instructions:

1. In a dutch oven or large skillet, put bacon pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes, then add onions.
2. Add chorizo next to skillet, and cook for 7-9 minutes on medium-high heat, then add ham and hot dog cubes cook for 5 minutes. Then add a can of tomatoes and chipotle.
3. Then add all spices to skillet, then garlic, cook for about 5 minutes
4. Add beans, and bring to a light boil for 10 to 15 minutes. Salt to taste
5. Serve alone with a warm crusty loaf of bread, or as a side dish