How to Make Frijoles Charros

bacon

🥗Healthier: turkey bacon

💰Cheaper: smoked sausage

Turkey bacon is lower in fat, while smoked sausage can be more affordable.

chorizo

🥗Healthier: lean ground turkey

💰Cheaper: ground beef

Lean ground turkey has less fat, while ground beef is often cheaper.

Pick and clean the pinto beans.

In a large pot, add the 4 pounds of pinto beans and 2 garlic cloves.

Fill the pot halfway with water.

Put the pot on medium-high heat and cook for about 2 hours, checking every 30 minutes to ensure there is enough water.

Chop the vegetables and the bacon and wieners while the beans are cooking.

Preheat the pan for cooking the bacon, chorizo, and vegetables.

Add the bacon to the pan without oil, as it has enough fat.

Once the bacon is cooked down, add the wieners and cook together for about 5 minutes.

Transfer the bacon and wieners mixture to the pot with the beans.

Add the chopped chile de árbol to the beans.

Add more water to the pot, about 4 cups, to ensure there is enough liquid.

Wait for the mixture to come to a simmer, then add the oregano and taste for salt.

If needed, adjust the salt, then add the chorizo and mix again.

Let it come to a simmer again before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: