Here’s a classic Frijoles Charros (Cowboy Beans) recipe—a traditional Mexican dish full of hearty beans, smoky bacon, chorizo, tomatoes, and spices. It’s perfect as a side dish or even a main with tortillas or rice.
Ingredients (Serves 6–8)
- 2 cups dried pinto beans (or 4 cups cooked/canned, drained)
- 6 cups water or chicken broth (if using dried beans)
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1/2 lb (225 g) Mexican chorizo, casings removed
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium tomatoes, diced (or 1 cup canned diced tomatoes)
- 1–2 jalapeños, chopped (optional, for heat)
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Prepare the Beans (if using dried)
- Rinse beans and soak overnight or do a quick soak: boil for 2 minutes, cover, and let sit 1 hour.
- Drain and rinse.
- In a large pot, cover beans with 6 cups water or broth, bring to a boil, then simmer 1–1.5 hours until tender.
If using canned beans, skip this step and just rinse.
2. Cook the Meats
- In a large skillet, cook bacon until crisp. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, cook chorizo until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. Sauté Aromatics
- In the same skillet, sauté onion, garlic, and jalapeños (if using) until soft and fragrant.
4. Combine Everything
- Add cooked beans, bacon, chorizo, and diced tomatoes to the pot/skillet.
- Stir in cumin, salt, and black pepper.
- Simmer for 15–20 minutes to let flavors meld.
5. Finish & Serve
- Stir in fresh cilantro just before serving.
- Serve hot as a side dish with tortillas, rice, or grilled meats.
💡 Tips for the Best Frijoles Charros
- For extra smoky flavor, add a small piece of smoked ham hock or smoked sausage.
- Adjust spiciness by adding more or fewer jalapeños.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day as flavors continue to meld.
If you want, I can also give a “quick 30-minute version” using canned beans and pre-cooked sausage that still has authentic Frijoles Charros flavor—perfect for busy weeknights.
Do you want me to share that faster version?
