Frijoles Charros con Barbacoa (Cowboy Beans with Beef)
Northern Mexican style pinto beans simmered with bacon, tomato, jalapeño and shreds of barbacoa until rich, smoky and brothy.
Made with Frijoles de la olla (pot beans) and Barbacoa beef. Make a batch of the base first, then this takes minutes. Skip to the method
- Time40 min
- LevelEasy
- Costabout £2.52 a head
Cost is worked out from Aldi and Tesco shelf prices in October 2026. Your shop and brands will differ.
Ingredients
Tick what you need to buy. It goes on your shopping list.
Method
- 1
Fry the bacon in the oil in a large pan over a medium heat for 5 minutes, until the fat runs and it turns crisp.
5 min - 2
Add the onion, jalapeños and garlic and cook for 5 minutes, until soft. Stir in the tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes more, until broken down and saucy.
10 min - 3
Add your ready made pot beans (see the base recipe) with all their liquid, along with the water, and bring to a gentle simmer.
- 4
Stir in your ready made barbacoa beef (see the base recipe) and simmer for 15 minutes, uncovered, until the broth has thickened slightly and the beef is steaming hot all the way through.
15 min - 5
Taste and add salt as needed. Stir in most of the coriander, ladle into bowls and scatter with the rest. Serve with warm corn tortillas.
Tips
- The bacon fat flavours the whole pot, so do not drain it away.
- Mash a few beans against the side of the pan to thicken the broth naturally.
- Frijoles charros are traditionally served in a bowl with the broth, not drained like a side.
Storing and freezing
Cool within 1 to 2 hours and keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Reheat until steaming hot all the way through.
Questions
What does charro mean?
Charro refers to the traditional horsemen of Mexico. Frijoles charros are the cowboy beans of northern Mexico, cooked with meat, tomato and chilli.
Can I make it without bacon?
Yes. Replace the bacon with a little extra oil and a teaspoon of smoked paprika. The barbacoa already adds plenty of savoury depth.
Is it dairy free and gluten free?
Yes, as written the ingredients contain no dairy, gluten, egg or nuts. Check that your bacon is gluten free if you are coeliac.
More made with frijoles de la olla (pot beans)
Double check before you cook. Recipes can contain mistakes. Any diet labels come from the ingredients as written in this recipe and are a guide, not a guarantee. Always check every ingredient and the packet label for allergens and cross contamination, and ask your doctor or dietitian what is right for you, especially with coeliac disease, diabetes or a serious allergy. This is not medical advice.