Easy Charro Beans with Canned Beans
Authentic Mexican charro beans, made quick and easy using canned beans and tomatoes, bacon, and fresh produce.
Ingredients
- 4 oz thick cut bacon chopped
- 1 cup white onion finely chopped
- 1 tbsp garlic cloves minced/grated; 4-8 cloves depending on plumpness
- 1 jalapeños seeds and veins removed; minced. Use up to 5
- 14½ oz fire-Roasted diced tomatoes UNDRAINED; I used Kroger brand
- ½ cup fresh cilantro chopped; divided equally
- 46½ oz pinto beans Three-15.5 oz cans UNDRAINED; I used Kroger brand
- 2 bay leaves
- ½ tsp black pepper +/-, to taste
- ⅛ tsp salt +/-, to taste
Instructions
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Place a large, heavy bottom pot on the stove, heat over medium heat.
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Chop the bacon, or use kitchen shears to make small pieces and brown in the heated pot for about 3 minutes, just until it begins to render fat and start to cook.
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Add the chopped onion, stir well and often with the bacon until the onions begin to cook and deepen in color, about 6 minutes.
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Add the garlic and jalapeño, stir constantly so the garlic doesn't burn, but does brown and everything becomes aromatic, 1-2 minutes.
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Add the canned tomatoes with juices and half of the chopped cilantro, scraping the bottom of the pan to get all the stuck on bits up.
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Add the UNDRAINED beans, black pepper, and bay leaves.
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Bring to a high simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
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Once bubbling nicely, reduce the heat to low, taste for seasoning, if needed, add salt to taste, a bit at time.
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Cover, and keep on warm for 20 minutes, giving all the flavors time to come together.
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When ready to serve, garnish with the remaining chopped cilantro.
Recipe Video
Recipe Notes
Slow Cooker Directions:
Sauté the bacon and produce as directed in the stove top instructions above.
Once cooked, add to the slow cooker, 4 quart or larger.
Add the remaining ingredients EXCEPT the reserved cilantro and salt.
Cook on LOW for 2 hours or HIGH for 1 hour.
Stir and taste for salt, add if needed.
Return to cook on LOW for an additional hour or HIGH for 30 minutes.
Switch to keep warm until serving.
Garnish with remaining cilantro when serving.