Charro Beans Recipe (Ranchero Beans) Recipe

If you’re craving a rich, soulful dish that bursts with flavors of smoky bacon, tender pinto beans, and warm spices, you’ll fall head over heels in love with this Charro Beans Recipe (Ranchero Beans). It’s a beloved classic from Mexican kitchens, perfect as a hearty side or a satisfying main, and wonderfully easy to make with pantry staples. This recipe is the kind of dish that warms your heart and fills your home with irresistible aromas, inviting everyone to gather around the table for a comforting, flavorful meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These simple yet essential ingredients come together beautifully to create the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color in your Charro Beans Recipe (Ranchero Beans). Each component plays its part, whether it’s the smoky bacon, fragrant spices, or juicy tomatoes that bring everything to life.

• 1 pound dried pinto beans: The hearty base of the dish, soaking softens them perfectly for cooking.
• 12 ounces bacon, chopped: Adds irresistible smoky richness and depth.
• 1 small yellow or white onion, chopped: Provides sweetness and a gentle bite once sautéed.
• 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced: Delivers just the right touch of heat; remove seeds for milder flavor.
• 4 garlic cloves, minced: Brings aromatic warmth that complements the beans wonderfully.
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth: Offers a savory liquid base that infuses flavor without overpowering.
• 2 cups water: Maintains moisture for perfect bean tenderness.
• 1 (15-ounce) can fire-roasted tomatoes with juice: Adds smoky tomato goodness and vibrant color.
• 2 teaspoons chili powder: Provides that classic southwestern kick.
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin: Imparts earthy, warm notes that bring the dish together.
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds subtle heat and complexity.
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Infuses herbal brightness, a key Mexican flavor.
• 1/2 bunch cilantro, chopped: Fresh and zesty, stirred in at the end for a burst of green freshness.
• Salt to taste: Balances all the flavors beautifully.

How to Make Charro Beans Recipe (Ranchero Beans)

Step 1: Soak and Prepare the Beans

Start by giving your dry pinto beans a good soak to ensure they cook evenly and become tender. Cover them with water in a large bowl and let them sit for at least six hours or overnight. This soaking step helps soften the beans, reducing cooking time and improving their texture once they simmer in the flavorful broth.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon to Crispy Perfection

Next, crisp up the chopped bacon in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Cook until it reaches your favorite crispy stage. This smoky, savory bacon not only flavors your beans, but its fat is key to sautéing the veggies that come next—so don’t drain it all, just keep a few tablespoons in the pot.

Step 3: Sauté Onion, Jalapeno, and Garlic

Using that flavorful bacon grease, gently sauté the chopped onions and jalapenos until the onions turn tender and translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant, about 30 seconds to a minute. This aromatic mix forms the heart of your Charro Beans Recipe (Ranchero Beans), layering in warmth and spice.

Step 4: Combine Beans, Broth, and Bacon

Return the crispy bacon to the pot alongside the drained beans. Pour in the chicken broth and water, then bring everything to a boil. Lower the heat, cover, and let it simmer gently. Stir occasionally and check the liquid level to keep the beans covered—adding hot water if necessary. This slow simmer softens the beans while blending the flavors deliciously.

Step 5: Add Tomatoes and Seasonings

Once the beans are nearly tender, stir in the fire-roasted tomatoes with their juices, chili powder, cumin, black pepper, oregano, and chopped cilantro. Remove the lid and simmer uncovered to thicken the broth and deepen the flavors. This step infuses your dish with that signature smoky, spicy character that makes this Charro Beans Recipe (Ranchero Beans) a real standout.

How to Serve Charro Beans Recipe (Ranchero Beans)

Garnishes

Top your bowl of charro beans with fresh chopped cilantro and, if you like a little more heat, sliced jalapenos. These simple garnishes add freshness and a zing of brightness that perfectly complement the deep, savory beans.

Side Dishes

Charro Beans pair beautifully with classic Mexican plates like fluffy Mexican rice, grilled meats, or freshly made tortillas. They work great alongside tacos, enchiladas, or even as a hearty side to a Sunday chili cook-off.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving the beans over baked potatoes or as a filling for stuffed peppers. You can also use them as a flavorful dip, garnished with cheese and avocado, making this Charro Beans Recipe (Ranchero Beans) versatile and exciting for any meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your charro beans cool completely before transferring them to airtight containers. Stored in the refrigerator, they’ll stay delicious for up to 4 days, making them perfect for easy meal prep or a quick reheat on busy days.

Freezing

Charro beans freeze wonderfully! Portion them into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving a little space for expansion. They keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months—ideal for batch cooking or when you want to savor these flavors anytime.

Reheating

Reheat your leftover charro beans gently over low heat on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or broth if the beans look too thick, stirring often to revive that fresh-from-the-pot texture and taste.

FAQs

Can I use canned beans instead of dried for this Charro Beans Recipe (Ranchero Beans)?

While dried beans give the best texture and flavor, you can use canned pinto beans in a pinch. Just drain and rinse them well, then add toward the end of cooking as they require less time to heat through.

What can I substitute if I don’t have fire-roasted tomatoes?

If you don’t have fire-roasted tomatoes, regular diced tomatoes work just fine. To replicate the smoky flavor, you might add a small pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of chipotle powder.

Is it necessary to soak the beans before cooking?

Soaking helps beans cook faster and more evenly, but if you’re using an Instant Pot or slow cooker, soaking is optional. The recipe includes instructions both ways so you can choose what fits your schedule.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add smoked paprika or liquid smoke to lend that smoky depth bacon usually provides.

How spicy is this Charro Beans Recipe (Ranchero Beans)?

The heat level is mild to moderate, thanks to the jalapeno. You can adjust spiciness by removing the seeds or substituting with a milder pepper. Adding sliced jalapenos as a garnish lets everyone customize their own heat.

Final Thoughts

This Charro Beans Recipe (Ranchero Beans) is one of those magical dishes that turns humble ingredients into a truly memorable meal. Whether you’re feeding a family dinner or looking for a comforting side, it’s guaranteed to deliver warmth, flavor, and a touch of tradition to your table. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite bean recipe to cherish for years to come!

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