Authentic Homemade Frijoles Charros: Mexican Cowboy Beans Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 lb Pinto Beans
  • 10 cups Water
  • 1 lb Bacon, chopped
  • 1 large White Onion, diced
  • 5 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 2 Jalapeno Peppers, seeds removed and diced
  • 2 Tomatoes, diced
  • 1 bunch Cilantro, chopped
  • 2 cups Cooked Ham, diced
  • 1 lb Sausages, sliced
  • 12 oz Beer
  • 2 Avocados, diced (for serving)
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Steps and instructions

  1. Soak the pinto beans in water overnight or at least 8 hours before you start cooking.
  2. After soaking, drain and rinse the beans. Place them in a large pot, add 10 cups of water and bring it to a boil on a high heat.
  3. Once boiling, lower the heat to medium-low, cover the pot and let it simmer for about 2 hours or until the beans are tender. Check occasionally to make sure water level is okay, add more water if necessary.
  4. While the beans are simmering, in a separate large pan over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until it's crispy. Remove the bacon from the pan but leave the bacon grease.
  5. In the same pan with the bacon grease, add diced onions, minced garlic, diced jalapenos, and cook until the onions are translucent.
  6. Add diced tomatoes to the pan and cook until the tomatoes are soft.
  7. Add the cooked ham and sliced sausages to the pan and sauté for a few minutes until they are browned.
  8. Pour the cooked meat and vegetables into the pot with the beans. Add the chopped cilantro and beer to the pot and stir well.
  9. Let the mixture simmer for another 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend together. Add salt and pepper to taste.
  10. Serve the Frijoles Charros hot, garnished with diced avocados.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Vegetarian Option: Omit the bacon, ham, and sausages, and use vegetable broth instead of water for a meat-free version.
  • Spicy Kick: Add a diced chipotle pepper in adobo sauce for a smoky and spicy flavor.
  • Corn Addition: Include a cup of corn kernels for added sweetness and texture.
  • Cheesy Twist: Top the Frijoles Charros with shredded Mexican cheese blend before serving.
  • Cilantro Lime Rice: Serve the Frijoles Charros over a bed of cilantro lime rice for a complete meal.
  • Extra Veggies: Mix in diced bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots for more vegetables and colors.

Recipe overview

Frijoles Charros, also known as Cowboy Beans, is a hearty, flavorful dish that originates from Mexico. This recipe is filled with pinto beans, bacon, ham, sausages, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and jalapenos, all simmered together with a dash of beer for an extra kick. It's perfect as a main dish with a side of rice or as a topping for nachos or tacos. This recipe does require a bit of time to prepare, mainly due to the soaking and simmering of the beans. However, your patience will definitely be rewarded with a mouthwatering, smoky, and slightly spicy dish. Serve hot and garnished with fresh diced avocados for a creamy touch. Prepare your taste buds for a truly savory experience!

Common questions

  1. Can I use canned beans instead of dried beans?
    Yes, you can substitute canned pinto beans for dried beans. Be sure to drain and rinse the canned beans before using them in the recipe.
  2. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
    Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon, ham, and sausages, and use vegetable broth instead of beer for a delicious vegetarian version of Frijoles Charros.
  3. How can I make this recipe spicier?
    If you prefer a spicier dish, you can increase the amount of jalapenos or add some cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the recipe.
  4. Can I freeze Frijoles Charros?
    Yes, you can freeze Frijoles Charros. Let the dish cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers or freezer bags. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat on the stovetop before serving.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large Pot - Needed for cooking the pinto beans.
  • Large Pan - Used for cooking the bacon, onions, and other ingredients.
  • Sharp Knife - For chopping ingredients like onions, garlic, and jalapenos.
  • Cutting Board - To provide a stable surface for chopping and preparing ingredients.
  • Wooden Spoon - Handy for stirring the beans while they simmer.
  • Measuring Cups - To accurately measure water and beer for the recipe.
  • Ladle - Useful for serving the Frijoles Charros into bowls.
  • Soup Bowls - Ideal for serving the finished Frijoles Charros.
  • Avocado Slicer - Optional tool for easily slicing and dicing avocados for garnish.

Origin stories

Frijoles Charros, also known as cowboy beans, are a robust and hearty dish that originated in northern Mexico, specifically in the state of Chihuahua. This region is known for its ranching and cowboy culture, and the dish is named after the charro, a traditional horseman from Mexico. It's said that cowboys (charros) would make this dish over an open fire while tending to their cattle, using whatever ingredients they had on hand. The dish became a staple in their diet due to its high protein and energy content, ideal for long days of hard work on the ranch. The addition of beer to the recipe, a common ingredient in many charro dishes, is believed to be a remnant of the communal cowboy culture where sharing a cold one at the end of the day was a cherished tradition. Today, Frijoles Charros is still loved for its smoky, savory flavors and the sense of camaraderie it embodies, making it a popular choice at family gatherings, community events and festive occasions all across Mexico and beyond.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.