Bold, smoky, and packed with comfort—this charro beans recipe brings real flavor to real-life meals. It’s more than food; it’s nourishment with a story. Inspired by my grandma’s kitchen and my path back to wellness, this dish is rooted in warmth and joy.
Made with tender pinto beans, chorizo, fresh veggies, and layered spices, it’s hearty yet balanced. It fits both weeknight dinners and relaxed weekends. Whether it’s your first time making charro beans or your fiftieth, this version stays approachable, deeply flavorful, and always family-ready.
Table of Contents
Charro Beans Recipe: The Best Easy & Smoky Mexican Side Dish
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A bold, smoky charro beans recipe made with pinto beans, chorizo, fresh vegetables, and warming spices. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
½ pound dried pinto beans (1 cup)
6 cups water
⅛ piece of onion
½ teaspoon salt
1 bay leaf
5 ounces chorizo, chopped
¼ yellow onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 medium tomato, diced
½ jalapeño or serrano pepper, chopped
¼–½ chipotle pepper in adobo (optional)
½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (divided)
½ teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 teaspoon chicken bouillon
2½ cups reserved bean liquid
Instructions
1. Rinse and simmer pinto beans with onion, salt, bay leaf until tender. Reserve 2½ cups liquid and stir in bouillon.
2. Brown chorizo in a large pot. Drain excess grease if needed.
3. Add onion, garlic, tomato, peppers, and half the cilantro. Sauté 2–3 minutes.
4. Add cumin, paprika, oregano, pepper, beans, and broth. Simmer uncovered 15 minutes.
5. Stir in remaining cilantro, adjust seasoning, and serve.
Notes
To thicken broth, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water and stir in during final simmer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 90 minutes
- Category: High-Protein, One Pot Meals
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 338
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 657
- Fat: 11
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Unsaturated Fat: 6
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 40
- Fiber: 10
- Protein: 20
- Cholesterol: 28
What Are Charro Beans?
Origins and Cultural Significance of Charro Beans
If you’ve ever enjoyed a bowl of smoky, brothy pinto beans at a Mexican cookout, chances are you’ve tasted charro beans recipe. Known in Spanish as frijoles charros, this dish gets its name from the charros—Mexico’s traditional horsemen, often compared to cowboys. Charros were known for their rugged lifestyle, big-hearted traditions, and simple, hearty meals shared around open fires after long rides.
Charro beans recipe traditions were born from that spirit: food meant to nourish and connect, with ingredients that were easy to find and slow-cooked with care. Over time, these beans became more than cowboy fuel—they turned into a cultural staple, served at family gatherings, holidays, fiestas, and weeknight dinners throughout Mexico and the Southwest U.S.
Today, they symbolize warmth and togetherness just as much as they symbolize bold, satisfying flavor.
Why They’re a Staple in Mexican Cuisine
Charro beans are beloved not just for their flavor, but for their flexibility. They’re just as delicious served as a main dish with warm tortillas as they are ladled alongside carne asada or tacos. The beans are naturally high in plant-based protein and fiber, making them both filling and nutritious.
Charro beans stay whole and are simmered in a flavorful, seasoned broth, a tasty contrast to the mashed texture of refried beans. This makes them lighter on the palate but incredibly satisfying. And because the ingredients are so budget-friendly, they’ve long been a go-to recipe for feeding a crowd without sacrificing quality or taste.
Don’t miss our kale and white bean salad with tahini dressing if you love bean-based meals that feel both hearty and healthy.
Ingredients Breakdown for a Perfect Charro Beans Recipe
Getting the ingredients right is the first step to making a flavorful, balanced charro beans recipe. This dish is all about simple ingredients that simmer together into something greater than the sum of their parts.
Here’s everything you’ll need, scaled down to 4 servings, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a hearty weekend side.
Charro Beans Recipe Ingredients Table (Serves 4)
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dried pinto beans | ½ pound (1 cup) | Rinse well before cooking |
| Water | 6 cups | For boiling beans; add more if needed |
| Onion | ⅛ piece | For boiling beans (remove after cooking) |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon | Add while boiling beans |
| Bay leaf | 1 leaf | Adds subtle depth |
| Chorizo | 5 ounces | Spicy or mild, chopped |
| Yellow onion | ¼ onion, chopped | For sautéing with chorizo |
| Garlic cloves | 2 cloves, minced | Adds aromatic depth |
| Tomatoes | 1 medium, diced | Can sub with canned diced tomatoes |
| Jalapeño or serrano pepper | ½ pepper, chopped | Seeded for less heat |
| Chipotle pepper in adobo sauce | ¼–½ pepper, chopped | Optional, adds smoky heat |
| Fresh cilantro | ½ cup, chopped | Stir in at the end |
| Ground cumin | ½ teaspoon | Earthy, warm spice |
| Paprika | ½ teaspoon | Adds mild smoky flavor |
| Dried oregano | ½ teaspoon | Balances the spices |
| Salt & black pepper | To taste | Adjust before serving |
| Chicken bouillon | 1 teaspoon | Mix into reserved bean liquid |
| Reserved bean cooking liquid | 2½ cups total (after cooking) | Combine with bouillon for the broth |
Key Protein: Chorizo’s Bold Flavor
In this version of the charro beans recipe, chorizo is the only meat ingredient—and it brings everything. When sautéed, it releases flavorful oils and infuses the dish with spicy depth and smokiness. You only need about 5 ounces to coat your onions and tomatoes with rich flavor.
Looking for a plant-based swap? There are plenty of spicy soy chorizos that work beautifully without changing the heart of the dish.
The Essential Role of Pinto Beans and Broth
Pinto beans are the star of any traditional charro beans recipe. Creamy, mild, and full of fiber, they take on the smoky-salty flavor of the broth without overpowering it.
Start by simmering the dried beans with water, a bay leaf, a pinch of salt, and a chunk of onion. Once tender, you’ll reserve the cooking liquid, mix it with chicken bouillon, and add it back to the final simmer.
Canned beans can work in a pinch. Just rinse them and measure out the reserved liquid to reach 2½ cups when mixed with broth.
Flavor Boosters That Make It Authentic
The magic of frijoles charros lies in its flavor layering. You’ll sauté onions, garlic, tomatoes, and peppers in the chorizo oil. Then you’ll build the seasoning profile with cumin, paprika, and oregano. Chipotle in adobo is optional, but it adds a rich, smoky heat that makes the broth unforgettable.
Finish it all with a generous handful of fresh chopped cilantro stirred in at the very end. It lifts the dish with a bright, herbal note that keeps the richness in check.
Looking for another comforting bean dish? Don’t miss our Kale And White Bean Salad with Tahini Dressing, perfect for clean eating without sacrificing taste.
How to Prepare Charro Beans recipe from Scratch
This charro beans recipe comes together in five easy steps. By simplifying the process without sacrificing flavor, you’ll get a dish that’s rich, smoky, and ready to serve in under 2 hours—including bean cooking time.
Simple Charro Beans recipe Cooking Steps (5-Steps Table)
Step 1 – Cook the pinto beans
Rinse 1 cup of dried pinto beans. Simmer them in 6 cups of water with ⅛ onion, ½ teaspoon salt, and 1 bay leaf for 1–2 hours, until tender. Drain and reserve 2½ cups of the cooking liquid. Stir in 1 teaspoon of chicken bouillon.
Step 2 – Brown the chorizo
In a large pot, cook 5 oz of chopped chorizo over medium heat for about 5 minutes, until browned and slightly crispy. Remove any excess grease if needed.
Step 3 – Sauté aromatics and veggies
Add ¼ chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves to the pot. Cook for 2–3 minutes, until softened. Stir in 1 diced tomato, ½ chopped jalapeño or serrano, ¼ chipotle pepper in adobo (optional), and half the chopped cilantro.
Step 4 – Season and simmer
Mix in ½ teaspoon cumin, ½ teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon oregano, and black pepper to taste. Add the cooked beans and reserved broth. Simmer gently, uncovered, for 15 minutes.
Step 5 – Finish and serve
Taste and adjust the seasoning. Stir in the remaining cilantro just before serving. Serve warm with corn tortillas or rice.
Quick Note: For a thicker broth, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water and stir it in during the last few minutes of simmering.
With these 5 core steps, making charro beans recipe from scratch becomes doable for any home cook—even on a weeknight.
Nutrition Benefits of Charro Beans Recipe
This charro beans recipe isn’t just rich in flavor—it’s packed with real nutrition that fuels your body. Made with simple, whole ingredients like pinto beans, chorizo, tomatoes, and fresh herbs, it delivers a perfect balance of protein, fiber, and plant-powered goodness.
Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or enjoying it as the main event, this meal is designed to satisfy without weighing you down. It’s naturally gluten-free, high in fiber, and full of complex carbs to keep you energized longer.
Here’s a closer look at the nutrition breakdown per 1-cup serving (based on 4 total servings):
Charro Beans Recipe Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount. | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 338 kcal | Provides sustained energy |
| Carbohydrates | 40 g | Great source of fuel, especially from fiber |
| Protein | 20 g | Supports muscle repair and keeps you full |
| Fat | 11 g | Satiating and adds richness from chorizo |
| Saturated Fat | 4 g | Kept moderate for balanced intake |
| Cholesterol | 28 mg | Within daily limits for most healthy adults |
| Sodium | 657 mg | Flavorful, but be mindful if reducing salt |
| Potassium | 920 mg | Helps regulate hydration and blood pressure |
| Fiber | 10 g | Boosts digestion and supports gut health |
| Sugar | 3 g | Naturally occurring from tomatoes and beans |
| Vitamin A | 535 IU | Supports vision and immune function |
| Vitamin C | 12 mg | Boosts immunity and aids in iron absorption |
| Calcium | 79 mg | Supports bone health |
| Iron | 4 mg | Aids oxygen flow and prevents fatigue |
Why Charro Beans Recipe Are a Smart Choice
- ✅ High-Protein: A satisfying plant-and-meat combo
- ✅ Fiber-Rich: Supports digestion and fullness
- ✅ Naturally Gluten-Free: Safe for most dietary needs
- ✅ One-Pot Meal: Minimal cleanup, maximum nutrition
- ✅ Customizable: Adjust heat, protein, or even go meatless
If you’re looking to fuel your day with a dish that truly feeds you—body and soul—this charro beans recipe is your go-to. It’s hearty enough for dinner and healthy enough for weekly rotation.
Don’t miss our dense bean salad how-to guide for another protein-packed bean dish with incredible versatility.
What Seasonings Go in Charro Beans Recipe?
Behind every great charro beans recipe is a seasoning blend that turns basic beans into something bold, rich, and deeply satisfying. While the beans and chorizo bring body, it’s the spices and aromatics that give this dish its signature warmth and character.
Let’s break down what seasonings go into authentic charro beans recipe, and how each one layers into that smoky, comforting flavor.
Essential Spices for Charro Beans Recipe
| Seasoning | Flavor Profile | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Cumin | Earthy, warm, slightly bitter | Grounds the dish and enhances the beans’ natural depth |
| Paprika | Mild, smoky, slightly sweet | Adds color and a warm smokiness, especially if using smoked type |
| Oregano | Herbaceous, slightly minty | Balances the rich broth with a clean, green note |
| Salt & Black Pepper | Foundational | Amplifies the other ingredients and controls flavor balance |
Aromatics That Make It Complete
While dried seasonings are key, fresh aromatics transform good charro beans into great ones:
- Garlic: Provides depth and rounds out every bite
- Onion: A base flavor that caramelizes slightly with the chorizo
- Fresh Cilantro: Bright, clean, and added at the end for freshness
- Chipotle in Adobo (optional): Smoky heat with a little sweetness and tang
Controlling Heat and Smoke
Charro beans don’t have to be fiery—but they do need flavor.
- For more spice: Use serrano peppers or a full chipotle
- For less heat: Stick with jalapeño (seeded), or use only a small piece of chipotle
- For more smoke without spice: Add a dash of smoked paprika instead of chipotle
A Balanced Blend
There’s no need to overdo it. One of the reasons this dish is so comforting is its balance. Every spoonful should taste rich, a little spicy, and incredibly layered without any one flavor overpowering the rest.
Charro Beans vs. Borracho Beans — What’s the Difference?
If you’ve ever come across borracho beans while browsing Mexican recipes, you might be wondering—aren’t they basically the same as charro beans? Not quite.
While they share a base of pinto beans, broth, and similar seasonings, the difference between borracho and charro beans comes down to one bold ingredient: beer.
What Are Borracho Beans?
Borracho means “drunk” in Spanish—and that’s exactly what sets these beans apart. Borracho beans are simmered in beer instead of just broth or water. This creates a rich, malty flavor with a slightly bitter finish that balances well with spicy ingredients like jalapeños, chorizo, and chipotle.
Think of borracho beans as the bold cousin of charro beans—perfect for cookouts, carne asada nights, or when you want a boozier, deeper flavor.
How Are Charro Beans Different?
Charro beans skip the alcohol and rely on a savory, smoky broth made from bean liquid, spices, tomatoes, chorizo, and sometimes bouillon. The flavor is rich but clean, and a little more versatile for everyday meals or family dinners.
They’re also more kid-friendly and weeknight-ready, since there’s no alcohol involved.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Charro Beans | Borracho Beans |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking Liquid | Broth or bean water | Beer + broth |
| Alcohol Content | None | Cooked with beer |
| Flavor Profile | Savory, smoky, balanced | Malty, richer, slightly bitter |
| Family-Friendly | ✅ Yes | 🚫 May not be ideal for kids |
| Common Use | Everyday meals, BBQ sides | Cookouts, carne asada nights |
Whether you choose charro or borracho, both recipes are full of flavor, loaded with protein, and rooted in rich tradition. But if you’re looking for something bold without the booze, charro beans are the perfect fit.
Want to explore another flavorful, protein-rich dish?
Try our kale and white bean salad with tahini dressing for a fresh take on beans.
Pairing Ideas — What Goes Well with Charro Beans?
You’ve made a pot of perfectly smoky, hearty charro beans recipe—now what do you serve them with?
The beauty of this dish is its versatility. While it shines on its own, charro beans also make a bold companion to grilled meats, warm tortillas, fresh salads, and classic Mexican sides.
Best Main Dishes to Pair with Charro Beans
| Main Dish | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Carne Asada | Grilled beef and smoky beans are a match made in heaven |
| Chicken Tinga | The heat and tang of tinga balance the creamy beans |
| Grilled Shrimp Tacos | Adds freshness and lightness to the hearty beans |
| Spicy Roasted Cauliflower | A plant-based option with bold, matching flavors |
Delicious Sides That Complement the Flavor
| Side | Pairing Tip |
|---|---|
| Mexican Rice | A classic combo that soaks up every bit of broth |
| Warm Corn Tortillas | Perfect for scooping and soaking in bean broth |
| Grilled Corn | Adds sweetness and crunch next to the soft beans |
| Avocado Slices | Creamy and cooling against the spice |
Creative Ways to Serve Leftovers
Don’t let a single spoonful go to waste—charro beans are even better the next day.
- Burrito or Taco Filler: Add rice, avocado, and charro beans to a tortilla
- Topped Over Rice Bowls: Quick lunch idea with veggies and lime
- Layered Nachos: Spoon warm beans over tortilla chips and top with cheese
- Protein-Packed Breakfast: Serve with scrambled eggs and salsa
If you’re craving another side dish that brings big flavor and simple ingredients, check out how to make dense bean salad in 4 simple steps—a clean, high-protein option to balance out any meal.
FAQs About Charro Beans Recipe
What seasonings go in Charro Beans?
Charro beans are seasoned with a warm, earthy blend that typically includes cumin, paprika, oregano, garlic, onion, black pepper, and salt. Fresh cilantro is stirred in at the end, and some recipes add chipotle in adobo for a smoky kick.
What is the difference between borracho and Charro Beans?
Borracho beans are similar to charro beans but are cooked with beer for added depth and maltiness. Charro beans recipe, on the other hand, are simmered in broth or bean liquid and are alcohol-free—making them a great everyday or family-friendly option.
Why are they called Charro Beans?
They’re named after charros, the traditional Mexican horsemen or cowboys who needed hearty, one-pot meals to fuel their days. This dish was easy to make on ranches, packed with nutrition, and full of flavor—hence the name frijoles charros.
What goes well with Charro Beans?
Charro beans pair beautifully with carne asada, tacos, Mexican rice, grilled corn, and warm tortillas. You can also serve them as a main with avocado, turn leftovers into burrito filling, or top over rice for a satisfying bowl.
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