Recipe for Charro Beans
Charro Beans are a smoky, flavor-packed Mexican side dish made with bacon, fire-roasted tomatoes, and pinto beans simmered low and slow until every bite is loaded with bold, layered flavor. Made easy in the Instant Pot or the traditional way, simmered on the stove, this recipe delivers tender beans and rich, smoky flavor every time.
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound dried pinto beans rinsed
- 8 ounces of bacon chopped
- ¼ cup yellow onion diced
- 1 jalapeno seeds removed, diced, (if you want spicy you can leave some seeds in)
- 2 teaspoons sea salt (or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon cumin (optional)
- 2 teaspoons roasted minced garlic I used spice world brand
- 1 can fire roasted tomatoes or diced tomatoes
- 5 cups chicken stock or broth
- 2 bay leaves
Instructions
Instant Pot Instructions
- Set Instant Pot {6 Quart} to sauté and let get hot. Add in the bacon and cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Add in onion, garlic, and jalapeno and cook another 1 to 2 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth and scrape any bits off the bottom.
- Add in salt, tomatoes, beans, cumin and bay leaves, Stir. Lock on lid and set to manual high pressure and cook for 60 minutes.
- Once cooking is done let the beans NATURAL RELEASE. This will take about 30 to 40 minutes.
- Once done, remove the lid and take out the bay leaves. Stir and serve.
Stove Top Instructions
- Cover the dried beans with water, add the salt, and let them soak overnight. Drain before cooking.
- In a large Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until it starts to render.
- Add the onion and jalapeño and cook until softened, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add the garlic during the last minute.
- Pour in the chicken broth and scrape any browned bits off the bottom of the pot.
- Add the tomatoes, drained beans, cumin, and bay leaves. Stir to combine.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to medium or medium-high heat. Add a lid and simmer for at least 1 hour, or until the beans are tender.
- Once done, remove the lid and take out the bay leaves. Stir and serve.
Notes
- Instant Pot Burn Notice Prevention: Scrape the bottom of the Instant Pot well after adding the broth. Any bits left stuck to the bottom can trigger a burn notice once the pot comes up to pressure.
- Instant Pot Natural Release Matters: Let the pressure release naturally rather than venting manually. It takes 30 to 40 minutes, but rushing it can leave the beans undercooked.
- Soaking for Stovetop: If making the stovetop version, soak the beans overnight before cooking. This isn't needed for the Instant Pot method.
- Chorizo or Ham: For a more traditional flavor, add chorizo or ham alongside the bacon. Adjust the amount to your taste, and brown it along with the bacon for the best flavor.
Nutrition
Serving: 1 serving | Calories: 292 kcal | Carbohydrates: 25 g | Protein: 20 g | Fat: 13 g | Saturated Fat: 4 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8 g | Cholesterol: 33 mg | Sodium: 1320 mg | Fiber: 6 g | Sugar: 5 g
Find it online:
www.soulfullymade.com/charro-beans/To see the web version with photos, tips
and FAQs, visit the recipe URL or scan the QR code:
https://www.soulfullymade.com/charro-beans/