Quick & Easy Frijoles Charros | 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.

Charro beans have bacon, beef links, chipotle in adobo sauce,  tomatoes, onion, garlic, chunks of ham, chorizo, and more delicious ingredients.
Charro Beans/ Mexican Cowboy Beans in pot
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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 BeansCharro 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 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, and 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, and 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. Add broth.  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, grab a crusty loaf of bread, slice it, and dig in!









  • Charro Beans with bread


    What Else can I make with Charro Beans? 


    • 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 them 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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    Charro Beans