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Easy Charro Beans

Easy Charro Beans is a smoky, savory Mexican side dish loaded with bacon, jalapeños, and tomatoes that pairs perfectly with any meal. This straightforward recipe delivers authentic flavor in under 45 minutes with minimal fuss.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 280
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 6 slices bacon diced
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 3 jalapeños seeded and minced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • Two 15-ounce cans pinto beans drained and rinsed
  • One 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes with juice
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish optional
  • Lime wedges for serving

Equipment

  • Large skillet or Dutch oven
  • Wooden spoon for stirring
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Can opener
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Colander for draining beans

Method
 

  1. Place your large skillet over medium-high heat and add the diced bacon. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the bacon is crispy and has rendered most of its fat.
  2. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. Leave about 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pan; drain excess if needed.
  3. Add your diced onion to the hot bacon fat and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly golden. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Stir in the minced jalapeños and cook for 1 minute.
  5. Add the cumin, chili powder, and cayenne pepper to the pan. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds until the spices become fragrant and coat the vegetables.
  6. Pour in the drained and rinsed pinto beans and the diced tomatoes with their juice. Stir well to combine everything.
  7. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Once simmering, reduce heat to medium-low and let it cook uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes.
  8. Stir the cooked bacon back into the beans. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper.

Notes

Serve as a side dish, burrito filling, or taco topping. Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges if desired.