Easy Charro Beans Recipe with Canned Beans

Charro Beans, also known as “frijoles a la charra”, are a popular side dish in Mexican cuisine. Charro beans are made with pinto beans that are simmered with diced tomatoes, onions, jalapenos, and aromatic spices like cumin and oregano. Traditionally, these beans are slow-cooked, which transforms these simple ingredients into a savory masterpiece that pairs well with fajitas, or any Mexican entree, including this chicken stuffed avocado. Whether you make them for a weeknight family dinner, casual get-togethers, or big events, Mexican charro beans are always a hit!

Below, I share a recipe that my sister’s mother-in-law shared with her, who then shared with me. This semi-homemade recipe uses canned pinto beans to speed up the cooking process but is just as flavorful and sure to delight your loved ones! I enjoyed these charro beans (and the fact they took only 15 minutes to make) so much, I made them twice in a week when I first discovered it! I hope it’s one you add to your regular menu.

Why You’ll Love These Frijoles a la Charra

• Easy – This charro beans recipe is quick and easy, omitting the traditional slow cooking of the beans, making it perfect for when you’re short on time.
• Versatile – Make this recipe your own by adding in chopped bacon, or kick up the spice a notch by adding diced jalapenos.
• Classic – Charro beans are a classic side dish in Mexican cuisine – pairing well with fajitas, tacos, enchiladas, even this stuffed avocado recipe. Add this recipe to your repertoire, so you can make it again and again!

Canned Charro Beans Ingredients

• Bush’s Best Pinto Beans – This recipe calls for Bush’s canned beans, which are meticulously selected and slow-cooked, bringing convenience and quality to your dining table.
• Diced Tomatoes – Use your preferred brand of canned dice tomatoes to continue in the spirit of convenience! Bonus if you use fire roasted tomatoes or tomatoes with diced chilis.
• Knorr Tomato Bouillon with Chicken Flavor – Enhanced with onions and parsley, this tomato bouillon will help add color and flavor to your charro beans.
• Yellow Onion – Rich in antioxidants and nutrients, the yellow onion will be sauteed as a savory base for this charro beans recipe.

Recommended Tools for This Recipe

• Can Strainer – While not necessary, a strainer can help you easily drain the canned beans and tomatoes that this recipe calls for!
• Chopping Board – Use a chopping board to finely dice your onion and jalapeno if you decide to add it to your beans.
• Pot – This is a one-pot recipe, so make sure to use a pot that’s big enough to contain all ingredients. I suggest using a pot that is at least 3 quarts.

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Print Recipe

Easy Charro Beans Recipe with Canned Beans

Courses: Side Dish Recipes

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 5 min Cook Time 10 min Total Time 15 mins

Servings: 6

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Ingredients

Servings

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 5 ounces bacon
• 2 tablespoons tomato bouillon
• 1 yellow onion (diced)
• 16 ounces tomatoes (canned)
• 3 cups water
• 32 ounces pinto beans (drained)
• 1 pinch cilantro (chopped)

How to Make Charro Beans

1. Heat pot

   Heat oil in a large pot on medium heat.

2. Cook onion and bacon

   Add onion and bacon. Cook until onion is translucent.

3. Stir in vegetables and spices

   Add tomatoes, tomato bouillon, and salt. Stir.

4. Add water

   Add water and bring to a boil.

5. Add pinto beans

   Add drained pinto beans. Cover and cook for 10 minutes.

6. Add cilantro

   Add chopped cilantro, and turn off heat.