Charro Beans (Frijoles Charros)

5.0
(1)

A hearty Mexican charro bean soup that is perfect for any day of the year.

Prep Time:
25 mins
Cook Time:
2 hrs 45 mins
Total Time:
3 hrs 10 mins
Servings:
8
Yield:
8 servings
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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 8 servings

  • 4 smoked ham hocks

  • 1 white onion

  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cut into chunks

  • ½ pound fresh chorizo sausage

  • 2 tomatoes, chopped

  • 2 jalapeno peppers, sliced

  • 5 (15 ounce) cans pinto beans, undrained

  • 4 cups water as needed

  • 2 cloves garlic, chopped

  • 3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

  • 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon granules

  • 1 pinch salt to taste

Directions

  1. Place ham hocks into a large pot and cover with water; bring to a boil. Boil until meat pulls back on bone, about 2 hours. Remove meat from bones, cut into bite-sized chunks. Reserve the bones but discard any fat.

  2. Chop 1/2 of the white onion, and leave other 1/2 whole; set aside.

  3. Place bacon in a large skillet and cook over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until evenly browned, about 10 minutes. Drain bacon slices on paper towels, and chop when cool enough to handle. Pour bacon grease into a small bowl.

  4. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook and stir chorizo in the hot skillet until browned and crumbly, 5 to 7 minutes. Place chorizo into a bowl with chopped bacon, tomatoes, chopped onion, and jalapenos.

  5. Place ham chunks and bones into a large pot, pour pinto beans over top. Add water to cover and bring to a boil over medium or medium-high heat.

  6. Meanwhile, heat bacon grease in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chorizo and vegetable mixture and saute until vegetables are soft, 5 to 7 minutes.

  7. When beans boil, add the remaining onion half and garlic. Let boil for 3 to 4 minutes; add sauteed vegetables and meat. Return to a boil; add cilantro and chicken bouillon. Continue to boil for 15 to 20 minutes. Remove bones, season with salt, and serve.

Recipe Tips

You can use any long, hot chile peppers you like.

You can substitute any pork meat for ham hocks.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

583 Calories
34g Fat
33g Carbs
35g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 8
Calories 583
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 34g 44%
Saturated Fat 12g 59%
Cholesterol 96mg 32%
Sodium 1113mg 48%
Total Carbohydrate 33g 12%
Dietary Fiber 10g 34%
Total Sugars 3g
Protein 35g 70%
Vitamin C 10mg 11%
Calcium 104mg 8%
Iron 4mg 23%
Potassium 995mg 21%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.