Charro Beans (Frijoles Charros) Recipe
Charro Beans, or Frijoles Charros, is a hearty and flavorful Mexican-style bean stew made with pinto beans, tomatoes, aromatic spices, and fresh cilantro. This comforting dish is pressure-cooked in an Instant Pot for a rich, deeply savory taste, perfect as a side or main dish served with warm tortillas and fresh pico de gallo.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (including pressure release)
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup/Stew
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
Scale
Main 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
Instructions
- Soak the Beans: Add the dried pinto beans to a large heat-proof bowl and cover them with boiling water from a kettle. Let them soak for at least 15 minutes to soften. After soaking, drain and rinse the beans thoroughly with cold water.
- Sauté Onions: Set your Instant Pot to the sauté function for 5 minutes. Add the diced onions, oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper to the pot. Cook the onions until they are translucent and fragrant.
- Add Garlic and Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the chopped garlic, then add the water, vegetarian soup base, soaked beans, canned tomatoes with green chilies, cilantro, cumin, chili powders, and oregano. Mix well.
- Pressure Cook the Beans: Close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to the sealing position. Use the bean/chili preset button and set the timer for 60 minutes. Alternatively, use the pressure cooker setting on high pressure for the same time.
- Release Pressure and Season: When cooking is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then carefully turn the valve to venting to release any remaining pressure. Remove the lid, stir the beans, and taste. Adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Serve the charro beans hot with warm tortillas. For extra freshness, add a spoonful of fresh pico de gallo to your bowl if desired.
Notes
- Soaking the beans helps to reduce cooking time and improves digestibility.
- You can substitute the vegetarian soup base with vegetable broth or bouillon powder if preferred.
- Adjust chili powders based on your spice tolerance; mild canned tomatoes with chilies are recommended for balanced heat.
- Natural pressure release ensures beans are tender without becoming mushy.
- This recipe is vegan, making it a great plant-based protein option.
Keywords: Charro Beans, Frijoles Charros, Instant Pot Beans, Mexican Bean Soup, Vegan Bean Stew, Pinto Beans, Vegetarian Chili
Find it online: https://leofoster.com/charro-beans-frijoles-charros-recipe/
