Why You’ll Love these Authentic Mexican Charro Beans
Why would anyone pass up the chance to make these authentic Mexican Charro Beans?
Trust me, these aren’t your average beans. They’re rich, smoky, and packed with flavor from bacon, jalapeños, and that magical herb epazote.
I’m particularly fond of how the beans become tender yet maintain their shape, creating the perfect texture in every spoonful.
The combination of pork rind and cilantro adds both substance and freshness.
What really sets these beans apart?
That slow-simmered broth that develops as everything cooks together.
Perfect as a side dish or hearty enough for a meal.
What Ingredients are in Authentic Mexican Charro Beans?
Making authentic Mexican Charro Beans requires a handful of simple ingredients that combine to create deep, complex flavors. The foundation starts with black beans, which develop a rich, earthy taste when cooked properly. But what really transforms these beans into something special are the savory additions like bacon and pork rind that infuse the broth with unmistakable smoky notes. Ready to gather everything you need for this traditional Mexican dish?
- 1 lb black beans, presoaked
- 1½ quarts boiling water
- Salt to taste
- 200g bacon
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil
- ½ onion, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, finely chopped
- 1 sprig epazote
- 1 small jalapeño or serrano chile, seeded and finely sliced
- ½ lb pork rind, cut into small pieces
- 1 sprig cilantro for garnish
When shopping for these ingredients, try to find epazote if possible—it’s an herb that’s essential for authentic Mexican flavor and helps reduce the, ahem, digestive effects of beans. Can’t find it? Mexican oregano makes a decent substitute. As for the chile peppers, feel free to adjust the amount based on your heat tolerance. And while some recipes call for canned beans to save time, using dried beans that you’ve soaked yourself will give you that truly authentic texture and taste that makes Charro Beans so memorable. Aren’t homemade beans worth the extra effort?
How to Make these Authentic Mexican Charro Beans
Preparing authentic Charro Beans starts with cooking 1 lb of presoaked black beans in 1½ quarts of boiling water. Keep them simmering until they reach that perfect tenderness—you’ll know they’re ready when you can squish a bean between your fingers and the skin easily opens up.
One essential tip: if you need to add more water during cooking, make sure it’s very hot, as cold water will toughen the beans (nobody wants that crunchy surprise in their mouth). About 10 minutes before finishing, add salt to taste. This timing lets the beans absorb just enough salt without becoming tough.
Now for the flavor magic. In a separate pan, heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil and brown 200g of bacon until it’s deliciously crisp. Add ½ chopped onion and 1 finely chopped garlic clove to the bacon, sautéing until they’re fragrant and translucent. Can you smell that aroma already?
Next, introduce this savory mixture to your cooked beans, along with 1 sprig of epazote—this herb is what gives Charro Beans their distinctive Mexican flavor. Bring everything to a gentle boil before adding 1 small seeded and sliced jalapeño (or serrano chile if you prefer more heat) and ½ lb of pork rind cut into small pieces.
The pork rind might sound unusual if you’re not familiar with Mexican cooking, but trust me, it adds an incredible depth and richness to the broth.
After a final check of seasoning, your Charro Beans are ready to serve hot. The finishing touch? A fresh sprig of cilantro garnished atop each bowl. This isn’t just for looks—the bright, herbal notes of cilantro cut through the rich, smoky flavors of the beans and meat.
What makes these beans so special is how the flavors meld together during cooking. The bacon and pork infuse the bean broth with their smokiness, while the chile adds just enough heat to keep things interesting.
Worth every minute of that simmering time, wouldn’t you agree?
Authentic Mexican Charro Beans Substitutions and Variations
Flexibility in the kitchen defines traditional Mexican cooking, and Charro Beans are no exception.
Can’t find epazote? Oregano works beautifully in a pinch.
Black beans feeling a bit predictable? Try pinto beans for a lighter flavor profile, or mix them for textural interest.
The bacon and pork rind combo delivers that signature smoky depth, but chorizo makes a wonderful substitute if you’re craving something spicier.
Vegetarians might skip the meat entirely and add a dash of liquid smoke.
Heat-sensitive? Reduce the jalapeño, or swap in mild poblanos.
Heat-seekers can toss in a whole serrano, seeds and all.
What to Serve with Authentic Mexican Charro Beans
These hearty Charro Beans deserve worthy companions on your plate. I love pairing them with grilled carne asada or tender carnitas for a complete meal that’ll transport you straight to Mexico.
Rice is non-negotiable, honestly—either a fluffy Mexican red rice or simple white rice to soak up that savory broth.
Want something lighter? Try them alongside grilled fish tacos or wrapped in warm corn tortillas with a sprinkle of queso fresco.
And don’t forget a side of crisp, tangy curtido or fresh pico de gallo to cut through the richness. Divine.
Final Thoughts
While exploring the rich culinary heritage of Mexico, I’ve found that Charro Beans represent so much more than just a side dish—they’re a celebration of flavor, tradition, and community.
The magic happens when those humble black beans simmer slowly, absorbing the smoky bacon, fragrant epazote, and spicy jalapeño.
What makes these beans special? Perhaps it’s how they bring people together around the table, or how they complement nearly any Mexican feast. If you’re looking for other comfort food options with similar warming qualities, an Italian meatball soup featuring tender turkey meatballs and nutritious escarole makes for an equally satisfying meal.
Ready to transform your meal? Give these beans the time they deserve, and they’ll reward you with comfort in every spoonful. For those busy home cooks seeking another hearty option, a simple meatball and rice soup can provide similar satisfaction with minimal preparation.
