Frijoles Charra (Charro Beans)

Whip up a batch of Frijoles Charra, a.k.a. Charro Beans, a flavorful broth-based Mexican bean recipe loaded with creamy pinto beans, bacon, tomatoes, peppers and spice.

Serve this charro beans recipe alongside other popular Mexican recipes: carne asada, Achiote Chicken, flour tortillas, tacos, pollo asado, birria, Camarónes a la Diabla and Instant Pot carnitas.

What are Charro Beans

Charro beans is a traditional Mexican dish originating in Northern Mexico. The dish is named after the traditional Mexican cowboy horsemen, or charros. Hence why they’re also referred to as “cowboy beans”. This Mexican bean recipe is served warm and as a soup. 

Ingredients

Here are a few non-staple ingredients required to make Frijoles Charra. For the full list of ingredients, reference the recipe card below.

• Pinto Beans
• Bacon
• Chicken Broth

Charro Beans Recipe

You can use either dried beans or canned beans to make Mexican charro beans. 

Dried Beans

We prefer to use dried pinto beans as to better control the texture, taste, and sodium content. Of course not everyone has access to dried beans or the extra time required to cook. 

Canned Beans 

To use canned beans, drain and rinse the beans in a colander to remove the excess liquid. Add them in when the dried beans are called for. You’ll need to cut back on the cook time as the beans are already softened. Think 12-15 minutes.

How To Make Frijoles Charros

Making Frijoles Charra is extremely easy. Here are a few key steps to make them. Reference the recipe card below for full details.

• Soak the Beans (6-24 Hours)
• Crisp the Bacon & Soften the Vegetables
• Simmer The Rest Of The Ingredients

Variations

Frijoles Charra is highly customizable – here are a few popular variations to consider when making Frijoles Charra:

Vegetarian

Omit the bacon and use vegetable stock vs. chicken broth.

Low Sodium

Utilize water or low sodium broth and forego the added salt. 

Spicy

To amp up the heat of Frijoles Charra, throw in some red pepper flakes, hot sauce, cayenne pepper or extra diced jalapeños. Anything goes!

Frijoles Borrachos

To make “drunken beans”, add a cup of your favorite beer when simmering.

Pinto Beans and Rice

Make a batch of Mexican rice  or Cilantro Lime Rice to serve along side, to create pinto beans and rice.

Recipe Tips

• For maximum nutrition, use Instant Pot Bone Broth when making Frijoles Charra.
• Don’t have broth on hand? Here’s substitute for beef broth and chicken broth substitute lists, if you need some ideas.
• Hard beans? If your beans aren’t softening they’re likely old. It’s best to purchase fresh pinto beans. Keep cooking and they’ll soften up.
• Use a large pot for this beast of a recipe. It makes a ton of Frijoles Charra! We utilize our handy large dutch oven.

Drink Pairings

When enjoying Instant Pot Mexican Recipes, we always reach for a Michelada, Mango Michelada or Margarita.

More Bean Recipes

Refried Bean Dip
Smoked Baked Beans
Instant Pot Beans Recipe
Instant Pot Pinto Beans

Mexican Beans

These beans would be a perfect addition to a Carne Asada Platter.