Here’s an authentic, hearty, and flavorful Frijoles Charros recipe—Mexican cowboy-style beans simmered with bacon, sausage, chiles, aromatics, and herbs. These are perfect as a side or even a full meal with tortillas!

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🫘 FRIJOLES CHARROS (Authentic Mexican Cowboy Beans)

Ingredients

Beans

• 1 lb pinto beans, rinsed

• 8 cups water (or enough to cover by 2 inches)

• 1 bay leaf

• ½ onion, large chunk

Meats (traditional)

• 4–6 slices bacon, chopped

• ½ lb smoked sausage, chorizo, or hot dogs (optional but authentic)

• ½ cup ham or leftover pork (optional)

Vegetables & Flavorings

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 3–4 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 Roma tomatoes, diced

• 1–2 jalapeños, sliced

• 1 serrano, sliced (optional for heat)

• ½ cup cilantro, chopped

• 1 teaspoon salt (more to taste)

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon cumin (optional but common)

• 2 cups bean broth (from the pot)

• Optional: splash of beer for traditional flavor

Garnish

• Fresh cilantro

• Lime wedges

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🍳 Instructions

1. Cook the Beans

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, add pinto beans, water, bay leaf, and onion chunk.

2. Bring to a boil, then simmer 1.5–2 hours until tender.
   (You can use canned beans in a pinch — about 3 cans drained, but homemade broth is best.)

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2. Cook the Meats

1. In a skillet, cook bacon until crispy.

2. Add sausage or chorizo, browned lightly.

3. Add ham or pork if using.

Do not drain — the fat adds flavor.

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3. Add Vegetables

Add to the skillet with the meats:

• onion

• garlic

• tomatoes

• jalapeños and serrano

Cook 5–7 minutes until softened and fragrant.

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4. Combine Everything

Add the meat/vegetable mixture into the pot of cooked beans.
Season with:

• salt

• pepper

• cumin (optional)

Add 1–2 cups of bean broth to make it soupy.
Simmer 15–20 minutes.

For extra depth: add a splash of beer during the simmer.

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5. Serve

Ladle into bowls and garnish with:

• chopped cilantro

• a squeeze of lime

• warm tortillas or cornbread on the side

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⭐ Tips & Variations

Charros Con Queso

Add 1 cup shredded queso Oaxaca or Monterey Jack at the end.

Cowboy-Style Spicy Beans

Use 2 serranos + chipotle in adobo for smoky heat.

Frijoles Borrachos (Drunken Beans)

Replace 1 cup bean broth with Mexican beer.

Slow Cooker Version

Add everything to the slow cooker on LOW 6–8 hours or HIGH 4 hours.

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If you want, I can also give you:
🌶️ Frijoles Borrachos
🫘 Refried bean version using leftover charros
🔥 Spicy charro beans with chipotle

Just tell me!