Name: Charro Beans (Frijoles Charros) Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 15 min
Total time: 1 h 35 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 lb/454 grams dried pinto beans; 1 yellow onion, diced; 1 tablespoon oil; 3 – 4 cloves garlic, chopped; 5 cups water; 2 tablespoons better than bouillon no chicken vegetarian soup base (vegan); 1 10 oz can chopped tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel mild); 3/4-1 cup cilantro, chopped; 2 teaspoons ground cumin; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon Ancho chili powder; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; Salt and pepper to taste

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Introduction

Charro Beans, or Frijoles Charros, are a flavorful and comforting Mexican dish made with pinto beans simmered in a savory broth with tomatoes, spices, and fresh cilantro. This hearty recipe brings warmth to any meal and pairs perfectly with warm tortillas or your favorite Mexican dishes.

A bowl of bean stew is shown in a shallow white bowl filled with a thick brown broth, containing many small light brown beans and some pieces of red tomato, garnished with a few green cilantro leaves scattered on top. A spoon rests inside the bowl on the right side. The bowl sits on a wooden surface with some green cilantro stems nearby. Behind the bowl, there is a red Instant Pot and a white cloth with red stripes, all set against a white marbled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb (454 grams) dried pinto beans
1 yellow onion, diced
1 tablespoon oil
3–4 cloves garlic, chopped
5 cups water
2 tablespoons Better Than Bouillon no chicken vegetarian soup base (vegan)
1 (10 oz) can chopped tomatoes with green chilies (e.g., Rotel, mild)
3/4–1 cup cilantro, chopped
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ancho chili powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Place the dried pinto beans in a large heatproof bowl and cover with boiling water from a kettle. Let soak for at least 15 minutes while preparing other ingredients. Drain and rinse thoroughly with cold water.
Step 2: Set your Instant Pot to the sauté function for 5 minutes. Add the diced onion, oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Sauté until the onions are softened.
Step 3: Stir in the chopped garlic. Then add water, bouillon, drained beans, chopped tomatoes with green chilies, cilantro, cumin, chili powders, and oregano. Close the lid and set the valve to the sealing position.
Step 4: Select the bean/chili button and set the cooking time to 60 minutes, or use the pressure cooker button on high pressure for the same time.
Step 5: When cooking completes, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then carefully turn the valve to venting to release any remaining pressure. Open the lid, stir, and taste. Adjust salt and pepper as needed.
Step 6: Serve the beans hot with warm tortillas and an optional spoonful of fresh pico de gallo for added brightness.

Tips & Variations

For a spicier version, use a hotter variety of canned tomatoes with chilies or add fresh jalapeños while cooking.
Substitute vegetable broth for water and bouillon to add extra depth of flavor.
Soaking the beans overnight can reduce cooking time if you prefer to cook them on the stove rather than in an Instant Pot.
Add cooked bacon or chorizo for a non-vegetarian twist if you are not vegan.

Storage

Store leftover charro beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce. These beans can also be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

How to Serve

A rustic bowl filled with thick, brown bean soup with visible whole beans and chunks of red tomato throughout, garnished with small bright green cilantro leaves scattered on top. A woman's hand is holding a silver spoon scooping some of the soup from the bowl. The bowl is terracotta colored and sits on a wooden surface, with a white cloth featuring red stripes partially visible in the background and a bit of fresh green cilantro off to the side. The textures of the beans and broth look hearty and comforting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use canned beans instead of dried beans?

While you can use canned beans, the flavor and texture will be different. If using canned, reduce the cooking time and adjust water accordingly to avoid excess liquid.

What can I serve with charro beans?

Charro beans pair wonderfully with warm corn or flour tortillas, rice, grilled meats, or as a hearty side to any Mexican or Southwestern meal.