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Test Kitchen Approved

Charro Beans

Charro Beans

Charro Beans

Recipe By Wanda Benge, Savory Spice—Austin, TX customer

Yields

6 to 8 servings

Recipe By Wanda Benge, Savory Spice—Austin, TX customer

Note from the recipe author: "This is an old family recipe from Mexico that my niece-in-law shared with us."

Serving Suggestions

Great as a side to any Southwestern meal. Try with eggs, tortillas and avocado for breakfast or brunch.

Recipe Notes

Savory’s Test Kitchen adapted the author's original submitted recipe a bit to show how it works with several of our spices and Southwestern style chile spice blends or chili powders.

Ingredients

1 lb. dried pinto beans

1/2 lb. center cut bacon, diced

1 medium onion, diced

1 small green bell pepper, diced


1 large ripe red tomato, chopped

1 fresh jalapeño, diced

1 Tbsp. seasoning of choice:





1 (12 oz.) bottle amber beer (optional)


1 bunch fresh cilantro, roughly chopped

Savory Spice ingredients in this recipe

  • Minced Garlic

    Using dehydrated, Minced Garlic seasoning can save you time for recipes that may call for fresh garlic. No need for peeling, it doesn't spoil, and ...

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  • Chilean Merquen Seasoning

    Our Chilean Merquen Seasoning is similar to traditional Merken spice seasoning. This merquen blend combines dried and smoked aji cacho de cabra (go...

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  • El Diente Southwestern Seasoning

    El Diente Southwestern Seasoning is a moderately hot southwestern spice blend that packs more flavor than heat. Use this versatile southwestern sea...

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  • Medium Chili Powder

    Our Medium Chili Powder is a salt-free chili powder that blends garlic and earthy flavors, with a medium level of heat and spiciness. If you like s...

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  • Ground Cumin Seeds

    Ground Cumin Seeds are one of the most used spices in the world, right alongside salt & pepper and chiles. Ground cumin is a pantry staple, and...

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  • Salt & Pepper Tableside Seasoning

    Salt & Pepper Tableside Seasoning may seem like an obvious, simple one to always have on hand – but this salt and pepper mix is a Savory Spice ...

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Directions

Rinse and pick over pinto beans. Cover with water by at least 2 inches and soak overnight. In a Dutch oven or large saucepan, cook bacon over medium heat until soft and fat renders. Add onions and peppers and cook until onions are soft, stirring occasionally, about 5 min. Add garlic and cook 2 more min. Drain and rinse beans and add to pot. Stir in tomatoes, jalapeños and chile spice blend of choice. Add beer (if using) plus enough water to cover all ingredients. Bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer and cook until beans are tender, about 2 hours. Add salt & pepper to taste. Stir in cilantro just before serving.