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Charro Frijoles a.k.a. Cowboy Beans

Prep Time:

15 Minutes

Cook Time:

1 Hour, 30 Minutes

Serves:

8

Level:

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About the Recipe

Frijoles Charros or “cowboy beans” are Mexican-style pinto beans cooked in a broth made from bacon, onions, garlic, chipotle peppers, tomatoes and other delicious spices. The beans are simmered in the flavorful broth until the liquid has reduced and thickened.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound dried pinto beans

  • 6 ounces bacon, diced

  • 1 medium white or yellow onion, diced

  • 2 jalapeno peppers, minced

  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic (about 4 cloves)

  • 2 14-ounce cans diced tomatoes

  • 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, diced

  • 6 cups chicken stock

  • 1 teaspoon dried (mexican) oregano

  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin

  • 1 pinch sea salt

  • 2 bay leaves

  • For serving: cilantro, jalapenos, bacon bits, diced white onions, lime wedge

Preparation

  1. Place dried pinto beans in a large bowl and cover with about double the amount of water. Beans should be fully submerged. Let soak for 4 to 8 hours. Drain and rinse.

  2. Heat a large pot or dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add diced bacon and cook for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fat is rendered and bacon is starting to crisp up on the edges.

  3. Add the onions and jalapenos. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally,  until onions become translucent and begin to soften. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.

  4. Add diced tomatoes and chipotle pepper. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture begins to bubble and thicken.

  5. Add soaked pinto beans, chicken stock, oregano, cumin, a generous pinch of sea salt, and bay leaves. Turn up the heat to high, stir to combine and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to simmer, cover and cook until beans are barely tender, about 35-40 minutes.


  7. Uncover the pot, turn the heat up to medium-high and continue cooking for 35-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beans are fully cooked and the liquid has reduced and thickened.

  8. Taste and season with more salt as necessary. Serve with fresh cilantro, jalapenos, crunchy bacon bits and diced onions and a lime wedge!

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