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The Magical Slow Cooker » Recipes » Soups » Slow Cooker Charro Beans

Slow Cooker Charro Beans

by Sarah Olson on May 10, 2023 | Updated November 21, 2023 9 Comments

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2 images of charro beans.
images of pinto beans with text for facebook.
Charro beans images text of the ingredients for facebook and pinterest.
charro beans images with text for pinterest.

One heaping pound of dried pinto beans marries together with tomatoes, onions, jalapenos, and bacon all in a chicken broth base to make the best-tasting Slow Cooker Charro Beans. I highly recommend you make this recipe if you want a side dish everyone will enjoy.

There are many ways to season beans like in my Slow Cooker Pinto Bean and Bacon Soup or Spicy Pinto Beans.

Cooked charro beans in a slow cooker.

What are Charros Beans?

Charro beans are also known as cowboy beans, borracho beans, or frijoles charros. It’s a traditional Mexican dish that happens to be named after the traditional Mexican cowboy. This authentic Mexican recipe harnesses the taste of flavorful broth thanks to the cumin, garlic, and oregano seasonings.

Recreating these Mexican cowboy beans is easy thanks to this low-prep, dump-and-go recipe and moderate cooking time. These are the perfect beans to cook up for a Cinco de Mayo celebration.

Recipe Ingredients

Ingredients for charro beans on a table.
  • Pinto Beans: You’ll use a pound of dry pinto beans that will need to be thoroughly rinsed to remove any dirt, rocks, and other debris.
  • Tomatoes: I like to use fresh Roma tomatoes. They’ll be diced before being added to the crockpot.
  • Sweet Yellow Onion: This type of onion doesn’t add much spice but does help add texture and a bit of sweet spice.
  • Bacon: Thick cut bacon works great in this recipe. Be sure to cook bacon before adding it to the slow cooker.
  • Jalapenos: One jalapeno pepper is all you need for this recipe. It will only add medium heat. If you want it spicier, you can always add more or be sure to include the seeds.
  • Chicken Broth: Broth helps add flavor and gives the beans a base to cook in.
  • Seasonings: Fresh garlic, salt, cumin, and oregano (mexican oregano if you have it) add the perfect amount of flavor to these charro beans.

Step-by-Step Directions

Four images showing how to make charro beans in a crockpot.

Step One – Add the rinsed beans to the bottom of the slow cooker. Then add in the cooked bacon, diced tomatoes, chopped yellow onion, jalapeno, garlic, oregano, and cumin on top of the beans.

Step Two – Pour over the chicken broth and stir until everything is well combined.

Step Three – Cover and cook beans on HIGH for 5-7 hours, or until the beans are tender. After cooking time, add salt and cilantro.

Step Four – Give the Mexican pinto beans a good stir, then serve and enjoy!

Pinto beans with cilantro in a slow cooker.

How to serve

  • Charro beans served alongside carne asada is one of the most popular and authentic ways to eat them.
  • They are also delicious with a sprinkle of pico de gallo and fresh cilantro.
  • You can also scoop the cooked beans into warm flour tortillas to create a Mexican food similar to a Tex Mex meal, like enchiladas or tacos.
  • A helping of these beans also pairs well with beef franks.
close up of charro bean on a wooden spoon.

Recipe FAQs and Variations

Can I use chicken stock in these Mexican beans instead?

Sure. Stock and broth are very similar, and either works well for charro beans. You can also try this recipe using vegetable broth.

Can I use canned beans instead of dried beans?

This recipe was developed especially for dried beans; the results are best with dried. If you were to use canned beans, you would want to cut down on the liquid and the cooking time. I do not have exact timing or measurements.

What are some other substitutions I can use?

Some recipes call for chipotle peppers, serrano peppers, fire-roasted tomatoes, green chiles, smoked paprika, and adobo sauce.

How do I store leftover beans?

Pour any leftovers into an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat the leftovers on the stovetop over medium heat.

How can I make this Mexican charro beans recipe heartier?

If you want to stay true to the Mexican touch of this recipe, you can’t go wrong with adding bell pepper, serrano pepper, and extra meat like chorizo.

Can I freeze charro beans?

Yes. Allow them to cool before putting them in a freezer-safe container. They will keep for up to 3 months.

Bowl of charro beans.

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close up of charro bean on a wooden spoon.

Slow Cooker Charro Beans

5 from 5 votes
Easily whip up a batch of deliciously tasting charro beans using just a few pantry staples.
Print Pin Rate Share by Text
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 5 hours hours
Total Time: 5 hours hours 15 minutes minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 427kcal
Author: Sarah Olson

Equipment Needed:

  • Slow Cooker- 6 quart or larger

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb. dried pinto beans (no need to presoak)
  • 8 slices bacon sliced and cooked
  • 1 sweet yellow onion diced
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 2 Roma tomatoes diced
  • 1 jalapeno minced
  • 1 tsp. cumin
  • 1 tsp. dried leaf oregano
  • 7 cups chicken broth

Wait to add

  • 1/8 cup finely minced cilantro
  • 1 tsp. salt
US Customary – Metric

Instructions:

  • Rinse the beans and sort through them, making sure there is no rocks or dirt clumps. Add the beans to the slow cooker along with the bacon, onion, garlic, tomatoes, jalapeno, cumin, and oregano. (DON'T ADD THE CILANTRO OR SALT YET).
  • Pour over the chicken broth and stir.
  • Cook on HIGH for 5-7 hours. When the cooking time is up, add the salt and stir in the cilantro.
  • Stir, serve and enjoy!
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How to Video:

Recipe Notes:

  • Pour any leftovers into an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat the leftovers on the stovetop over medium heat.
  • Allow them to cool before putting them in a freezer-safe container. They will keep for up to 3 months.
  • This recipe was developed especially for dried beans; the results are best with dried not canned beans. If you were to use canned beans, you would want to cut down on the liquid and the cooking time. I do not have exact timing or measurements

Nutrition Information:

Calories: 427kcal | Carbohydrates: 55g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.04g | Cholesterol: 25mg | Sodium: 1614mg | Potassium: 1297mg | Fiber: 13g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 247IU | Vitamin C: 13mg | Calcium: 122mg | Iron: 5mg

Nutrition info is auto-generated. This information is an estimate; if you are on a special diet, please use your own calculations.

Made this recipe?I want to see your photos! Tag me on Instagram @themagicalslowcooker

More Slow Cooker Beans Recipes

  • Slow Cooker Pinto Beans and Beef
  • Slow Cooker Ham and Beans
  • Slow Cooker Bean and Bacon Soup {Campbell’s Copycat}
  • Slow Cooker Kielbasa and Beans {grown up beanies and weenies)
  • Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs and Baked Beans

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    562 shares
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    Filed Under: Soups

    Comments

    1. Cheri L says

      October 29, 2023 at 4:45 pm

      5 stars
      Would you happen to also have a recipe for El Dorado Beans? My mother used to make them and I lost the recipe. I’ve tried to locate a recipe for them, but no luck.

      Thank you
      Cheri L.

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        October 29, 2023 at 7:33 pm

        I do not, but I will look into it.

        Reply
    2. Jessica says

      July 29, 2023 at 11:00 am

      5 stars
      I’m making these now and have once before. I strongly recommend finding Mexican oregano which is really a whole different flavor. Ranch Gordo’s fantastic beans and their dried Mexican oregano make it special. I’m using a different heirloom bean!

      Reply
    3. Kristi says

      May 21, 2023 at 11:47 am

      Can u use a can of diced tomatoes instead of 2 Roma tomatoes? Thx u

      Reply
      • Gina says

        May 22, 2023 at 4:45 pm

        I don’t see why a 15 oz can of diced tomatoes wouldn’t work fine. That’s what I would use. (Use your own discretion about whether or not to drain the tomatoes, depending on how much liquid you want (or use it to replace a little of the chicken broth)

        Reply
    4. Debbi says

      May 21, 2023 at 10:36 am

      Sorry about the duplicate question!

      Reply
    5. Debbi says

      May 21, 2023 at 9:21 am

      5 stars
      Sounds delicious & adding the ingredients to my shopping list now. Is there anything that could be substituted for the oregano?

      Reply
    6. Debbi says

      May 21, 2023 at 9:19 am

      5 stars
      Sounds delicious & adding the ingredients to my shopping list now. Is there anything that could be substituted for the oregano? I really have an aversion to oregano/Italian blend, especially the smell. I know, weird……

      Reply
      • Gina says

        May 22, 2023 at 4:50 pm

        You could substitute marjoram and maybe add a pinch of coriander. That is actually closer to Mexican Oregano, which is different than Greek Oregano, Or you could simply leave it out or use a little thyme.

        Reply

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