Frijoles Charros (Mexican Cowboy Beans)
Frijoles Charros (Mexican Cowboy Beans) are loaded with smoky ham hocks, crispy bacon, and spicy chorizo, creating a rich broth that clings to tender pinto beans. Fresh tomatoes, jalapeños, cilantro, and garlic brighten each bite with a gentle heat and herbal finish. Serve as a hearty side at a cookout or as a comforting main with warm tortillas on a cool evening.
- Prep25 mins
- Cook2 hrs 45 mins
- Serves8
- DifficultyMedium
- 1
Put the ham hocks in a large pot and cover them with water; bring to a boil.
- 2
Boil until the meat pulls back from the bone, about 2 hours.
- 3
Remove the meat from the bones and cut it into bite-sized pieces.
- 4
Save the bones but discard any fat.
- 5
Chop 1/2 of the white onion and leave the other 1/2 whole; set aside.
- 6
Put the bacon in a large skillet and cook over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until evenly browned, about 10 minutes.
- 7
Drain the bacon on paper towels, and chop it when cool enough to handle.
- 8
Pour the bacon grease into a small bowl.
- 9
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- 10
Cook and stir the chorizo in the hot skillet until browned and crumbly, 5 to 7 minutes.
- 11
Transfer the chorizo to a bowl with the chopped bacon, tomatoes, chopped onion, and jalapenos.
- 12
Place the ham chunks and bones in a large pot, then pour the pinto beans over the top.
- 13
Add water to cover and bring to a boil over medium or medium-high heat.
- 14
Meanwhile, heat the bacon grease in a large skillet over medium heat.
- 15
Add the chorizo and vegetable mixture and cook, stirring, until the vegetables are soft, 5 to 7 minutes.
- 16
When the beans come to a boil, add the remaining onion half and the garlic.
- 17
Let it boil for 3 to 4 minutes; add the sauteed vegetables and meat.
- 18
Return to a boil; add the cilantro and chicken bouillon.
- 19
Continue boiling for 15 to 20 minutes.
- 20
Remove the bones, season with salt, and serve.
- Calories 427.08 kcal High
- Protein 26.62 g Good Source
- Carbs 55.96 g Moderate
- Total Fat 13.86 g Moderate
- Saturated Fat 5.46 g High
- Trans Fat 0.0 g Low Source
- Cholesterol 59.58 mg Moderate
- Sodium 1643.51 mg High
- Fiber 18.32 g Good Source
- Sugar 9.63 g Moderate
- Added Sugar 4.96 g Moderate
- Calcium 115.82 mg Low Source
- Iron 4.73 mg Good Source
- Potassium 851.1 mg Moderate
- Vitamin A 196.39 mcg_rae Good Source
- Vitamin C 8.02 mg Low Source
- Vitamin D 0.0 mcg Low Source
Values are per serving. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet.
- Tomatoes 🍅
- Garlic 🧄
- Onions 🧅
About This Recipe
Frijoles Charros (Mexican Cowboy Beans) is a Mexican side dish recipe made with 11 ingredients. It takes about 3 hrs 10 mins, serves 8, and is rated medium. Key ingredients include Chicken Bouillon, Diced Tomatoes, Fresh Cilantro, and Garlic. Each serving provides about 427.08 kcal, and is a good source of protein.
Recipe Questions
- What is Frijoles Charros (Mexican Cowboy Beans)?
- It is a Mexican recipe made with 11 ingredients, usually served for side dish or dinner or lunch or soup.
- What is Frijoles Charros (Mexican Cowboy Beans) made of?
- The main ingredients are Chicken Bouillon, Diced Tomatoes, Fresh Cilantro, Garlic, Mexican Chorizo. The full list of 11 is above.
- How long does it take to make Frijoles Charros (Mexican Cowboy Beans)?
- About 3 hrs 10 mins in total: 25 mins to prepare and 2 hrs 45 mins to cook.
- How many calories are in one serving?
- One serving provides about 427.08 kcal. The full nutrition breakdown is above.
- Is Frijoles Charros (Mexican Cowboy Beans) easy to make?
- This recipe is rated medium, with 11 ingredients and 20 steps.
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