How to Make Charro Beans (Frijoles Charros) - A Step-by-Step Guide

Charro beans, or Frijoles Charros, are a traditional Mexican dish that is popular throughout the country. These hearty and flavorful beans are often served as a side dish or as a main course, accompanied by rice, tortillas, and other savory dishes. The dish gets its name from the Mexican cowboys, or charros, who would make this dish over an open fire while out on the range.

What sets charro beans apart from other bean dishes is the addition of savory and smoky elements such as bacon, ...

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Ingredients

  • 4 smoked ham hocks
  • 1 white onion
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cut into chunks
  • ½ pound fresh chorizo sausage
  • 2 tomatoes, chopped
  • 2 jalapeno peppers, sliced
  • 5 (15 ounce) cans pinto beans, undrained
  • 4 cups water as needed
  • 2 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon granules
  • 1 pinch salt to taste

Information

  • Prep Time: 25 mins
  • Cook Time: 2 hrs 45 mins
  • Total Time: 3 hrs 10 mins
  • Servings: 8
  • Yield: 8 servings

  • Place ham hocks into a large pot and cover with water; bring to a boil. Boil until meat pulls back on bone, about 2 hours. Remove meat from bones, cut into bite-sized chunks. Reserve the bones but discard any fat.
  • Chop 1/2 of the white onion, and leave other 1/2 whole; set aside.
  • Place bacon in a large skillet and cook over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until evenly browned, about 10 minutes. Drain bacon slices on paper towels, and chop when cool enough to handle. Pour bacon grease into a small bowl.
  • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook and stir chorizo in the hot skillet until browned and crumbly, 5 to 7 minutes. Place chorizo into a bowl with chopped bacon, tomatoes, chopped onion, and jalapenos.
  • Place ham chunks and bones into a large pot, pour pinto beans over top. Add water to cover and bring to a boil over medium or medium-high heat.
  • Meanwhile, heat bacon grease in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chorizo and vegetable mixture and saute until vegetables are soft, 5 to 7 minutes.
  • When beans boil, add the remaining onion half and garlic. Let boil for 3 to 4 minutes; add sauteed vegetables and meat. Return to a boil; add cilantro and chicken bouillon. Continue to boil for 15 to 20 minutes. Remove bones, season with salt, and serve.
  • Nutrition

    583 cal.

    • Total Fat: 34g
    • Saturated Fat: 12g
    • Cholesterol: 96mg
    • Sodium: 1113mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 33g
    • Dietary Fiber: 10g
    • Total Sugars: 3g
    • Protein: 35g
    • Vitamin C: 10mg
    • Calcium: 104mg
    • Iron: 4mg
    • Potassium: 995mg