Name: Charro Beans
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Ingredients: 3 cups cooked pinto beans in their broth; 1 medium white onion, diced; 2 serrano chiles, seeded and minced (optional, see tips); 4 garlic cloves, minced; 2 medium tomatoes, diced or 1 cup diced grape tomatoes; ½ cup plant-based chorizo or ¼ cup diced tempeh bacon; ½ tsp smoked paprika; 1 ½ cups cup low-sodium vegetable broth; ¾ tsp salt or to taste; ¾ cup chopped cilantro or to taste

Recipes » Main Dish » Charro Beans

By Evelisse Capó, PharmD, DipACLM

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Frijoles charros or Mexican cowboy beans is an authentic Mexican recipe that originated in northern Mexico. These beans are also a Tex Mex favorite dish usually served as a main course or side dish.

Prep: 15 mins Cook: 25 mins Yield: 4-6 servings

Gluten Free Low Sugar Nut Free

Traditional Charro beans are cooked with bacon, sausage, and/or chorizo. Bursting with wholesome ingredients, this recipe showcases the versatility of plant-based cooking while still capturing the essence of the original charro beans.

Ingredients

3 cups cooked pinto beans in their broth
1 medium white onion, diced
2 serrano chiles, seeded and minced (optional, see tips)
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 medium tomatoes, diced or 1 cup diced grape tomatoes
½ cup plant-based chorizo or ¼ cup diced tempeh bacon
½ tsp smoked paprika
1 ½ cups cup low-sodium vegetable broth
¾ tsp salt or to taste
¾ cup chopped cilantro or to taste

Whole Food, Plant-Based Living: Getting Started

Instructions

1. In a heated medium pan, sauté the onions for 4-5 minutes or until softened.
2. Add beans, serrano chiles (if using), garlic, and tomatoes and sauté for 5-6 minutes.
3. Add plant-based chorizo or tempeh bacon, smoked paprika, vegetable broth and salt. Cook for 15 minutes.
4. Add cilantro just before serving.

Cooking Tips

1. You can use red or white beans instead of the pinto beans.
2. Serrano peppers are quite hot. For a mild version of this recipe, omit them or use ¼ cup sweet bell pepper instead.
3. Add more or less vegetable broth depending on how thick you want your Charro beans. They are sometimes cooked like a soup and other versions are thick like a stew.
4. Serve with Mexican Rice or Green Rice, corn tortillas, and guacamole for a hearty meal.