Easy Charro Beans with Canned Beans

Easy Charro Beans are an authentic Mexican bean recipe made quickly by using canned beans and tomatoes, bacon, spices, and fresh produce.

This recipe was compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and my local Smith’s Store, a Kroger brand store, with a focus on highlighting canned goods and the floral department for family gatherings. The recipe, thoughts, and opinions are mine.

It has been updated from its original June 20, 2016 publication with new content, re-edited photography, and clarified recipe card.

Like most, the childhood extended family memories that have remained decades later center on food. There is something magical about eating together with loved ones.

My ethnicity is a mixed bag of Western European and North American origins. Simply broken down, I always said 1/4 Mexican, 1/4 Italian, 1/2 White (Irish, English, Scottish blends). A for-fun DNA test last year mostly confirmed that, but was way more specific than my description.

My Mexican side (paternal grandfather’s family) gathered once or twice a year (or I attended once or twice a year).

Not every meal was authentic Mexican food. We had plenty of gatherings where hamburgers and hot dogs were grilled, or fried chicken was served.

But every meal, without exception, whether burgers and dogs or tamales and carne asada, there was rice and beans, not refried beans either. A big, bubbling pot of charro beans, a term I only learned about a decade or so ago. Beans this style were just frijoles.

What are Charro Beans?

Frijoles charros have many names. Frijoles rancheros or ranchero beans is another common name for this style of beans.

Roughly translated, they are cowboy or ranch beans. Named because the cowboys or vaqueros who were camping out would dine on these.

Instead of being a big pot of pinto beans, charro or ranch style beans are fortified with meat, usually pork: bacon, chorizo, ham, etc. The cowboys needed a heartier dish to keep them going while out on the range.

What’s the difference between charro beans and borracho beans?

Borracho beans are a cousin to frijoles charros. Most of the ingredients are the same, however they cooked traditional in a dark Mexican beer instead of broth or water.

What is the difference between charro beans and refried beans?

Refried beans and charro beans both begin with pintos beans. That’s basically the only similarity.

Refried beans are cooked (sometimes with onions and herbs), then smashed with lard to make them smooth.

Are pintos de la Olla the same as charro beans?

No, they are not the same thing, but are closer related than say refried beans. Pintos de la Olla are probably the most commonly made Mexican style pinto bean in the every day home.

Stereotypically, as one thinks of cooked rice always being available in an Asian home, a pitcher of sweet tea in the American South, this style of beans would be that equivalent in the Mexican home.

Pintos de la Olla often are turned into refried beans.

Can I make charro beans vegetarian or vegan?

Meat is what makes charro or ranch beans, well, charro or ranch beans. That being said, you can omit the animal protein and still have a wonderful dish.

There will be a bit less smoky flavor by simply omitting the bacon. You could add a bit of smoked paprika or even a tiny bit of liquid smoke.

Additionally, using vegan bacon or chorizo to help retain the flavor I’ve intended.

How to Make Easy Charro Beans

First off, I used canned beans, but you’re more than welcome to make these with dried beans.

These are quite perfect for a random Tuesday night dinner, or any big party (fiesta) you may have on the calendar.

Ingredients for making easy charro beans.

Most of these are pantry staples, or are for me. They are available at any grocery store and won’t break the budget.

• pintos beans (I used canned)
• thick cut bacon
• fire-roasted diced tomatoes (I used canned)
• white onion
• jalapeño (s)
• garlic
• bay leaves
• salt/pepper
• fresh cilantro

Prep all the ingredients before beginning to cook.

Use a large cast iron skillet, dutch oven, or heavy-bottom pan for this recipe.

Start with the bacon, then as it renders, add the onion. A few minutes later add the garlic and peppers.

I only used 1 jalapeño, but please, use as many as you’d like according to your own desired heat level.

Add the UNDRAINED tomatoes and cilantro. Use the liquid to pull up any stuck on bits or as I like to thing of them, the flavor enhancers.

Then add the UNDRAINED beans and stir gently. Get them up to a low boil, then reduce to a low simmer.

When ready to serve, garnish with the remaining cilantro.

What to serve with charro beans?

I have no problem eating these as my meal, they’re that good. However, to round out a proper meal, these beans are wonderful with the following dishes:

• Carne Asada
• Slow Cooker Pollo Tacos al Pastor
• Chipotle Roasted Sweet Potatoes
• Pork Verde Tostadas
• Cilantro Lime Rice
• Steak Picado
• Green Chile Corn
• Lighter Carnitas

Brightly dyed daisies to cheer up my table.

Thank you for sharing!