Charro Beans, or Frijoles Charros, is a robust and hearty Mexican side dish that will take your taste buds on a flavorful journey. This traditional recipe, often a staple at Mexican barbecues and celebrations, is packed with ingredients that create a smoky, savory, and slightly spicy dish. The best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make and perfect for feeding a crowd.
Why You’ll Want These With Your Next Mexican-Inspired Meal
- Hearty and Filling . Packed with protein-rich beans and various cuts of meat, this dish is a meal in itself.
- Flavor Explosion . Every bite offers a blend of smoky, spicy, and savory flavors.
- Versatile . Serve as a main dish, or a side, or use it to complement other Mexican favorites like tacos or nachos.
- Easy to Make . With straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for cooks of any skill level.
Embrace the heartiness and warmth of traditional Mexican cuisine with this foolproof Charro Beans recipe.
Are Charro Beans Good For You?
Charro beans can be a nutritious addition to your diet when prepared with health-conscious modifications. As with any dish, moderation and balance are key to maintaining a healthy diet.
What Is The Difference Between Charro Beans And Borracho Beans?
While both charro and borracho beans are hearty, flavorful dishes made with pinto beans and various meats and spices, the key difference lies in the cooking liquid—water or broth for charro beans and beer (and occasionally other alcohols) for borracho beans.
This difference in liquid contributes to the distinct taste profiles of each dish.
What Are Charro Beans Made Of?
- Pinto Beans - The base of this dish, offers a creamy texture and neutral palette.
- Bacon and Chorizo - For that deep, meaty flavor and extra fat for richness.
- Onion and Garlic - Essential aromatics that form the backbone of the flavor.
- Tomatoes, Jalapeños, and Cilantro - Fresh vegetables and herbs that add brightness and a hint of spice.
- Spices - A blend of cumin, paprika, and bay leaves to enhance the overall taste.
- Broth- This serves as the liquid to cook the beans.
How To Make Charro Beans
- Prep Your Beans . Start by soaking the pinto beans overnight. This step is crucial for speeding up the cooking time and ensuring your beans are tender.
- Cook the Meat . Fry the bacon and chorizo in a large pot until they’re beautifully browned and crisp. This not only cooks the meat but also releases a pool of flavorful fat.
- Sauté the Aromatics . In the same pot, cook the onions and garlic until translucent, soaking up all the meaty flavors.
- Simmer . Add the beans, chopped vegetables, spices, and liquid into the pot. Let everything simmer until the beans are perfectly tender.
- Season and Serve . Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, then garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Tips And Tricks
Making charro beans, a flavorful Mexican bean dish packed with meats and spices, can be an art. Here are some tips and tricks to help you create the perfect pot:
- Soak the Beans . If you’re using dried beans, soak them overnight to reduce cooking time and make them easier to digest. If you’re short on time, use the quick soak method by boiling the beans for a few minutes, then letting them sit for an hour before cooking.
- Cook Slowly . Charro beans are best when simmered slowly. This allows the flavors to meld together and the beans to become tender without falling apart. Consider using a slow cooker or a low heat setting on the stove.
- Balance Your Meats . Traditional charro beans include bacon, chorizo, and sometimes ham or other pork products. Balancing these meats ensures a rich but not overwhelming flavor. You can adjust the types and amounts of meat based on your preference.
Variations
Charro beans, traditionally known for their savory and slightly smoky flavor, are versatile and can be adapted to suit various taste preferences and dietary needs. Here are some variations to consider when making them:
- Vegetarian and Vegan Version - Skip the traditional meats like bacon and chorizo. Instead, enhance flavors with smoked paprika, chipotle peppers, or liquid smoke to mimic the smokiness usually provided by meat. Add more vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini for added texture and nutrition.
- Spicy Charro Beans - For those who enjoy a kick, add jalapeños, serrano peppers, or a few dashes of hot sauce. Adjust the level of heat to suit your taste.
- Beer-infused Charro Beans (Borracho Beans Variant) - Replace some of the broth with a dark Mexican beer for an added depth of flavor and a subtle hint of bitterness. This variation is known as “Borracho Beans,” which means “drunken beans.”
What To Serve With Charro Beans
Charro beans, with their rich and hearty flavors, pair well with a variety of Mexican and Tex-Mex dishes. Here’s a list of foods that complement them perfectly:
- Tacos - Serve charro beans as a side with any type of taco, such as fish tacos, carnitas , or shrimp tacos , to add a hearty element to your meal.
- Enchiladas - A side of beans complements the rich flavors of enchiladas, whether they’re filled with cheese, chicken, beef, or vegetables.
- Fajitas - Pair charro beans with beef, chicken, or shrimp fajitas and some warm tortillas for a complete and satisfying meal.
- Rice - Serve charro beans alongside Mexican rice or cilantro lime rice to create a balanced and filling side dish duo.
How Long Do They Last?
Charro beans, when stored properly, can last in the refrigerator for about 3 to 5 days. Make sure to cool them down to room temperature quickly after cooking, and then store them in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent contamination.
Can You Freeze Them?
For longer storage, charro beans can be frozen. When frozen in an airtight, freezer-safe container or a sealed freezer bag, they can last for up to 6 months. Remember to leave some space in the container as the beans will expand when frozen.
To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm up on the stove over low heat, adding a little water or broth if they seem too thick.
More Bold Bean Recipes
- Red Beans And Rice
- Instant Pot Baked Beans
- Black Beans And Rice
- Instant Pot Pinto Beans
- Black Beans And Chorizo Soup
- Crockpot Baked Beans
Charro Beans Recipe | Frijoles Charros
Ingredients
- ▢ 1 pound Dried Pinto Beans
- ▢ 6 slices Bacon
- ▢ 6 oz Chorizo
- ▢ 1 Onion , chopped
- ▢ 4 cloves Garlic , minced
- ▢ 2 Tomatoes , diced
- ▢ 1/4 Cilantro , chopped
- ▢ 1 tsp Ground Cumin
- ▢ 1 tsp Paprika
- ▢ 2 Bay Leaves
- ▢ 2 cups Chicken Broth
- ▢ 1/2 tsp Salt
- ▢ 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
Instructions
- Start by soaking the pinto beans overnight. This step is crucial for speeding up the cooking time and ensuring your beans are tender.
- Fry the bacon and chorizo in a large pot until they’re beautifully browned and crisp.
- In the same pot, cook the onions and garlic until translucent.
- Add the beans, chopped vegetables, spices, and liquid into the pot. Let everything simmer for 1 1/2- 2 hours until the beans are perfectly tender.
- Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, then garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Get support & connect with our community on Facebook!
Nutrition
If you already signed up, you should have received an email with a password to give you unlimited access to our FREE Printable Library. The password is case sensitive. Enter it below and get printing!
Password:
Charro Beans Recipe | Frijoles Charros
Ingredients
- 1 pound Dried Pinto Beans
- 6 slices Bacon
- 6 oz Chorizo
- 1 Onion chopped
- 4 cloves Garlic minced
- 2 Tomatoes diced
- 1/4 Cilantro chopped
- 1 tsp Ground Cumin
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 2 Bay Leaves
- 2 cups Chicken Broth
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
Instructions
- Start by soaking the pinto beans overnight. This step is crucial for speeding up the cooking time and ensuring your beans are tender.
- Fry the bacon and chorizo in a large pot until they’re beautifully browned and crisp.
- In the same pot, cook the onions and garlic until translucent.
- Add the beans, chopped vegetables, spices, and liquid into the pot. Let everything simmer for 1 1/2- 2 hours until the beans are perfectly tender.
- Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, then garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Charro Beans Recipe | Frijoles Charros https://twosleevers.com/charro-beans-recipe/
Southern Potato Salad is the ultimate comfort food and a staple at any picnic, barbecue, or family gathering. If you’ve been searching for a potato salad recipe that strikes the perfect balance between creamy and tangy, this is it!
Why You’ll Love This Southern-Style Dish
- Flavorful . Combines the comforting taste of tender potatoes with a creamy, tangy sauce.
- Easy to Make . With simple ingredients and clear instructions, this dish is straightforward and fuss-free.
- Versatile . Perfect for any event, from casual picnics to elegant celebrations.
- Crowd-Pleaser . A beloved classic that appeals to both adults and children alike.
Our Classic Southern Potato Salad is bound to become a staple in your culinary repertoire, offering a delightful blend of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds and leave your guests coming back for seconds.
What Is The Difference Between Southern Potato Salad And Regular Potato Salad?
Southern Potato Salad often includes hard-boiled eggs, which are chopped and mixed into the salad. It might also feature ingredients like sweet pickles or pickle relish, mustard (typically yellow mustard), and sometimes even paprika or cayenne pepper for a bit of heat.
In contrast, a “regular” potato salad, which could refer to a more traditional American or European style, might lean more on ingredients like dill, chives, or red onions, and use different types of mustard or mayonnaise.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Potatoes - The star of the show, providing a soft and chunky base.
- Mayonnaise and Mustard - For that creamy, tangy kick.
- Eggs - Hard-boiled and chopped, adding texture and richness.
- Onions and Celery - Offering crunch and a burst of freshness.
- Relish and Seasonings - To enhance flavors and bring the classic Southern taste.
How To Make Southern Potato Salad
- Prepare the Potatoes . Boil for 13-15 minutes or until tender, then cool and chop.
- Cook the Eggs. Hard boil the eggs according to your favorite method (try Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs or Air Fryer Hard Boiled Eggs to keep things simple).
- Mix the Dressing . Combine mayonnaise, mustard, and seasonings in a large bowl.
- Combine . Add the potatoes, eggs, onions, and celery to the dressing and mix gently.
- Chill . Refrigerate for at least an hour before serving.
Tips And Tricks
Making Southern Potato Salad can be an art form, with traditions passed down through generations. However, there are some universal tips and tricks that can help anyone make a delicious version of this classic dish:
- Choose the Right Potatoes . For authentic Southern Potato Salad, opt for starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds. They break down a bit when mixed, giving the salad a creamy texture without being mushy.
- Cook Potatoes Properly . Start with cold water, then bring to a boil to ensure even cooking. Add salt to the water for flavor. Be sure not to overcook; the potatoes should be tender but still hold their shape. Drain well and let them cool slightly before dressing them to avoid a watery salad.
- Season at Every Stage . Season the water in which you boil the potatoes with salt. Once drained, season the warm potatoes with a splash of vinegar and salt while they’re still warm to help them absorb more flavor.
Variations
Southern Potato Salad is known for its creamy, rich flavor, but there are numerous ways to tweak this classic dish to fit personal tastes or dietary needs. Here are some variations:
- Spicy- Add a kick to your potato salad by incorporating diced jalapeños, a dash of cayenne pepper, or a spoonful of hot sauce. This can add a pleasant heat that cuts through the creamy dressing.
- Mustard-Forward- For a tangier salad, increase the amount of mustard, or try using a combination of yellow mustard and whole-grain or Dijon mustard for deeper flavor.
- Bacon Lover’s- Add crispy, crumbled bacon to your salad for a smoky, savory element. You can also use the bacon grease to add flavor to the dressing.
What To Serve With Southern Potato Salad
Southern Potato Salad is a versatile side dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of main courses, especially those suited for picnics, barbecues, or casual dining. Here are some excellent options to consider serving alongside it:
- Grilled Meats - This potato salad goes wonderfully with grilled foods such as barbecue ribs, grilled chicken, pork chops, or steaks. The creamy and tangy flavors of the salad complement the smoky and savory notes of the grilled meats.
- Fried Chicken - A classic pairing, Southern-style fried chicken and potato salad are a match made in culinary heaven. The crunchy and juicy chicken alongside the creamy potato salad creates a satisfying contrast.
- Sandwiches and Burgers - Whether it’s a pulled pork sandwich, a classic hamburger, or a veggie burger, Southern Potato Salad serves as a great side dish that adds depth and creaminess to your meal.
How Long Does It Last?
Southern Potato Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it perfect for prepping ahead.
Can You Freeze It?
It’s best not to freeze mayonnaise-based potato salad, as the texture can change upon thawing.
More Spectacular Side Dishes
- Keto Broccoli Salad
- Cheesy Potatoes
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts
- Keto Bread
- Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
- Vegan Pasta Salad
- Cucumber Kimchi
Southern Potato Salad Recipe | Southern Style Potato Salad
Ingredients
- ▢ 2 pounds Yukon Gold Potatoes
- ▢ 1 cup Mayonnaise
- ▢ 2 tbsp Mustard
- ▢ 4 Hard Boiled Eggs
- ▢ 1/2 cup Onion , finely chopped
- ▢ 1/2 cup Celery , chopped
- ▢ 1/2 cup Sweet Relish
- ▢ 1/2 tsp Kosher Salt
- ▢ 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
- ▢ 1/4 tsp Paprika , for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes . Boil for 13-15 minutes or until tender, then cool and chop.
- Cook the Eggs. Hard boil the eggs according to your favorite method (try Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs or Air Fryer Hard Boiled Eggs to keep things simple).
- Mix the Dressing . Combine mayonnaise, mustard, and seasonings in a large bowl.
- Combine . Add the potatoes, eggs, onions, and celery to the dressing and mix gently.
- Chill . Refrigerate for at least an hour before serving.
