These tender charro beans are a quick and easy side for any Tex-Mex main.

Learn how to make charro beans, and you’ll have your new favorite way to make pintos.

What Are Charro Beans?

Southern Living Charro Beans in a serving bowl to serve

Credit:Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer

The beauty of this charro beans recipe is that you’re free to use any beans you like.

Use canned beansjustdrain and rinse them.

If you want to do things the old-fashioned (and cheaper!)

Southern Living Charro Beans ingredients

Credit:Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer

way,soak then cook dried beansa day ahead of time, then proceed with this recipe.

Here’s a quick look at what you’ll need to whip up this recipe.

If using dried beans, sort through them before soaking to remove any rocks or debris.

Southern Living Charro Beans in bowls to serve

Credit:Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer

The Bacon

Bacon is the ultimate ingredient for punching up any dish with flavor fast.

Use thick cut bacon; it will render more fat that makes these beans extra rich.

Remove the seeds and membranes of the jalapenos if your family is sensitive to spicy foods.

Southern Living Charro Beans cooking the bacon

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Any oregano will do, but Mexican oregano packs an extra intense punch.

bacon slices, cut into 1-in.

pieces

1/2cup chopped white onion

2jalapeno chiles, stemmed, chopped, and, if desired, seeded

1lb.

Southern Living Charro Beans cooking the onions and peppers

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Add onion and jalapeno; cook, stirring often, until vegetables are soft, 1 to 2 minutes.

Cook until beans are moist but not soupy, 8 to 10 minutes.

Stir in salt, and serve hot.

Southern Living Charro Beans adding the beans and seasonings

Credit:Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer

Let soak overnight, or bring to boil, remove from the heat, and let soak 1 hour.

Yes, and without soaking!

Cover, and cook on low for about 6 hours, or until the beans are tender.

Southern LIving Charro Beans cooked and ready to serve

Credit:Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer

This recipe originally appeared in our September 2022 issue.