Frijoles Charros con Carnitas (Cowboy Beans with Pork)
Brothy pot beans simmered with tomato, onion, jalapeno and crisp pork, a northern Mexican favourite that works as a soup or a side.
Made with Frijoles de la olla (pot beans) and Carnitas (slow cooked pork). Make a batch of the base first, then this takes minutes. Skip to the method
- Time35 min
- LevelEasy
- Costabout £2.01 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
Heat the oil in a large pot over a medium heat. Cook the onion, jalapenos and garlic for 5 minutes until soft.
5 min - 2
Add the tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes, until they break down into a thick sauce.
5 min - 3
Add your ready made frijoles de la olla (see the base recipe) with their liquid and bring to a gentle simmer.
- 4
Stir in the carnitas (see the base recipe) and simmer for 10 minutes, until the beans are creamy and the pork is steaming hot all the way through.
10 min - 5
Taste and add salt. Ladle into bowls and top with coriander and lime wedges.
Tips
- Use the bean cooking liquid. It is full of flavour and gives the dish its body.
- Mash a few beans against the side of the pot to thicken the broth without cream or flour.
- Add fresh chopped jalapeno or a spoonful of salsa at the table for extra heat.
Storing and freezing
Cool quickly and keep in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat until steaming hot all the way through.
Questions
What are charro beans?
Frijoles charros are pinto beans cooked in a tomato, onion and chilli broth with pork, traditionally bacon or sausage, and eaten as a soup or side in northern Mexico.
Can I use tinned beans?
Yes. Use two 400 g tins of pinto beans with their liquid and add a little water. The flavour is lighter than dried beans cooked from scratch.
Is it gluten free?
Yes, as written. Check any bacon or sausage you add for gluten free labels.
More made with frijoles de la olla (pot beans)
Caldo de Frijol con Mole (Pot Bean Soup with a Swirl of Mole)
DFEFNFFrijoles Puercos (Sinaloa Chorizo and Cheese Bean Dip)
GFEFNFQuesadillas de Frijol y Quesillo (Bean and Oaxaca Cheese Quesadillas)
GFEFNFChuletas de Cordero con Salsa Verde y Frijoles (Lamb Chops with Green Sauce)
DFEFNFDouble 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.