Go Back
–+ servings
close up of charro bean on a wooden spoon.
Print Recipe
5 from 3 votes

Slow Cooker Charro Beans

Crockpot Charro Beans are packed with smoky bacon, pinto beans, tomatoes, and spices—perfect as a flavorful side or satisfying main dish.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time5 hours
Total Time5 hours 15 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Servings: 6
Author: Sarah Olson

Equipment

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!

Video

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.
Variations
  • A 15 ounce can of diced tomatoes (not drained) is a great substitute for the fresh roma tomatoes.
  • For more heat use a habanero pepper or serrano, for less heat, use a poblano or a canned of diced green chiles.
  • Other meat options are ham, cooked hamburger, cooked chorizo or sliced kielbasa.
  • This recipe is meant for dried beans therefore I do not recommend using canned pinto beans.
Serving Suggestions:
  • Here is how we love to serve these crockpot beans:
  • Charro beans served alongside slow cooker carne asada or slow cooker chile colorado for an authentic way to enjoy them.
  • They are also delicious with a spoonful of sour cream, and even more cilantro on top.
  • Serve them as the main meal with charred tortillas for dipping, or even cornbread is a great (but not traditional) side dish.

Nutrition

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

QR code

Scan this QR code with your phone's camera to view this recipe on your mobile device.

qr code