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Bowl of spicy pinto bean chili topped with herbs and sliced jalapeño | kaynmaytkal.com

Grandma’s Cheap Charro Beans


  • Author: Chef KAYA
  • Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes (or 55 minutes with canned)
  • Yield: Serves 4–6 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

 This comforting pot of charro beans is a tribute to traditional Mexican home cooking—affordable, hearty, and full of flavor. Using simple pantry ingredients, it delivers a savory blend of beans, spices, and garden-fresh vegetables perfect for a filling meal.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups dried pinto beans (or canned)
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tomato, chopped
  • 1 jalapeño or serrano pepper, sliced (optional)
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh cilantro (optional)
  • Water or broth to cover beans

Instructions

  1. Soak dried beans overnight if using; drain and rinse.

  2. In a large pot, sauté onion and garlic in oil until fragrant.

  3. Add beans, tomato, pepper, and cumin; cover with water or broth.

  4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 1.5–2 hours (or 45 minutes if using canned beans).

  5. Season with salt and stir in chopped cilantro before serving.

Notes

 Serve over rice or with cornbread for a complete, comforting meal.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1.5–2 hours (or 45 minutes with canned beans)
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 220 mg
  • Fat: 2 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 1.5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 8 g
  • Protein: 10 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg

Keywords: charro beans, frijoles charros, cheap Mexican recipes, pinto beans, budget meals, pantry staples