Frijoles Charros (Cowboy Beans with Chorizo)
A soupy pot of pinto beans simmered with chorizo, bacon, tomato and jalapeño, finished with fresh coriander and lime.
Made with Fresh pico de gallo and Frijoles de la olla (pot beans) and Homemade Mexican chorizo. Make a batch of the base first, then this takes minutes. Skip to the method
- Time45 min
- LevelEasy
- Costabout £1.27 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 a large pot over a medium heat for 5 minutes until the fat runs. Add your homemade Mexican chorizo (see the base recipe) and cook for 8 minutes, breaking it up.
8 min - 2
Add the onion and jalapeño and cook for 4 minutes until soft. Stir in the garlic and tomatoes for 3 minutes.
7 min - 3
Add your pot beans with their broth (see the base recipe) and the water. Bring to the boil, then simmer gently for 20 minutes until the broth thickens slightly.
20 min - 4
Mash a ladleful of beans against the side of the pot and stir back in to thicken. Taste and season.
- 5
Ladle into bowls, top with your pico de gallo (see the base recipe) and serve with lime wedges.
Tips
- Check the bacon label if cooking for coeliacs, and use gluten free stock instead of water for a richer broth.
- Skip the bacon for a lighter pot. The chorizo alone gives plenty of smoky, red flavour.
- A pinch of cumin and a bay leaf deepen the broth.
Storing and freezing
Keeps in the fridge for up to 4 days once cooled within 2 hours. Reheat in a pan until steaming hot all the way through. Freezes for up to 3 months in portions.
Questions
What are charro beans?
Frijoles charros are a Mexican cowboy bean stew from the north, cooked in a soupy broth with sausage, bacon and chillies. They are eaten as a main or alongside grilled meat.
Can I use tinned beans?
Yes. Use two 400 g tins of pinto beans, drained, and add 400 ml of water or stock. Simmer for 15 minutes.
Is it gluten free?
Yes, as written, if the bacon is labelled gluten free. It is also dairy free, egg free and nut free.
More made with fresh pico de gallo
Pescado al Mojo de Ajo con Arroz Verde (Garlic Fish with Green Rice)
GFDFEFPapas Asadas Rellenas de Frijol Negro y Queso (Black Bean and Queso Baked Potatoes)
GFEFNFBurritos de Carne Asada (Grilled Steak Burritos)
EFNFSalpicón de Res (Shredded Beef Salad)
GFDFEFDouble 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.