My Gringo Version of Charro Beans
After having some incredible charro beans at a Mexican restaurant while visiting Heath Riles BBQ, I knew I had to create my own version. These hearty beans are loaded with bacon, ham and chorizo, then seasoned with Blazing Star BBQ Beef Rub and All In One Seasoning for layers of smoky, savory flavor.
My Gringo Version of Charro Beans
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Prep Time 20 minutes |
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes |
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Servings 6 to 8 |
Difficulty Easy |
Ingredients
For the Beans
- 1 pound dried pinto beans
- 6 cups water
- 1 tablespoon Blazing Star BBQ Beef Rub
- 1 tablespoon chicken bouillon
- 1/2 onion
- 1 whole jalapeño
For the Meat and Flavor Base
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
- 1/2 pound ham, diced
- 9 ounces pork chorizo
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 1 jalapeño, diced
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can fire-roasted tomatoes with green chiles
- 1 8-ounce can tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon Blazing Star BBQ All In One Seasoning
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Start the beans. Add the pinto beans, water, Beef Rub and chicken bouillon to a large pot. Bring everything to a boil.
- Simmer the beans. Reduce the heat to a simmer. Add the half onion and whole jalapeño, cover the pot and cook for approximately 1 hour.
- Cook the bacon. While the beans simmer, add the chopped bacon to a separate large pot and cook until the fat begins to render.
- Add the ham. Stir the diced ham into the bacon and cook until it begins to brown.
- Cook the chorizo. Add the pork chorizo and continue cooking until it is completely cooked and rendered.
- Add the vegetables. Stir in the diced onion and jalapeño. Sauté for a few minutes until they begin to soften.
- Build the sauce. Add the minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant. Stir in the fire-roasted tomatoes with green chiles, tomato sauce, All In One Seasoning and chopped cilantro.
- Combine everything. Remove the whole onion and jalapeño from the bean pot. Stir the prepared meat and tomato mixture into the beans.
- Finish simmering. Cover the pot and simmer everything together for approximately 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve the charro beans hot as a hearty side dish or main course.
Tips for the Best Charro Beans
- Sort and rinse the dried beans before adding them to the pot.
- Soaking the beans overnight can reduce their cooking time.
- Stir the beans occasionally so they do not stick to the bottom of the pot.
- Add a splash of water or broth if the beans become thicker than you prefer.
- Cook the chorizo thoroughly so its flavor blends into the entire dish.
- These beans taste even better the next day after the flavors have had more time to develop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do dried pinto beans need to be soaked overnight?
No, but soaking them can shorten the cooking time and help them cook more evenly. Unsoaked beans may require additional simmering depending on their age and size.
How do I know when the beans are finished?
The beans should be tender and creamy inside without falling completely apart. Continue simmering and adding a little water when necessary until they reach your preferred texture.
Can I make charro beans ahead of time?
Yes. The flavors continue to develop after cooking, making this an excellent make-ahead dish. Cool and refrigerate the beans in a covered container, then gently reheat them before serving.
Are charro beans spicy?
The jalapeños and chorizo provide some heat, but the finished dish can be adjusted. Remove the jalapeño seeds for less heat or add additional diced jalapeño for a spicier version.
Can I serve these beans as a main dish?
Yes. The bacon, ham and chorizo make these beans hearty enough for a main course. They also work well as a side for smoked brisket, ribs, tacos or grilled meats.
Shop the Flavor
- Shop Blazing Star BBQ Beef Rub
- Shop Blazing Star BBQ All In One Seasoning
- Shop Blazing Star BBQ on Amazon
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