Beans El Charo
A hearty and flavorful bean dish with smoky bacon, fresh vegetables, and bold spices, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings with a touch of heat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Fry bacon in a skillet lightly; do not brown.
- Stir in chopped onion, diced tomato, chopped bell pepper, chopped jalapeno peppers, and crushed garlic; add ground black pepper, chili powder, and garlic salt.
- Stir-fry until vegetables are tender.
- Add a dash or two of Worcestershire sauce to taste.
- Turn off heat and lightly cover with cilantro.
- Stir the mixture into Pinto Beans Caliente during the last hour of cooking.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using smoked bacon for a deeper taste. If pinto beans are unavailable, black beans can be a great substitute. Adjust the heat by adding more or fewer jalapenos based on your preference. To save time, you can use canned pinto beans, but ensure to rinse them well before adding to the dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Beans El Charo hot, topped with grated Monterey Jack cheese. It pairs beautifully with easy Mexican skillet dishes or over rice for a complete meal. For a hearty lunch, consider serving it alongside cornbread or tortilla chips for dipping. Garnish with fresh cilantro for an extra pop of flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Beans El Charo contains roughly 135 calories, with 9g protein, 7g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (48% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 470mg per serving (20% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make a vegetarian version by omitting the bacon and using vegetable broth instead of water when cooking the beans. You might also want to add more vegetables for flavor and texture.
How spicy is this dish?
The spiciness largely depends on the number of jalapeno peppers used. For a milder dish, you can reduce the amount of jalapenos or remove the seeds before adding them. If you prefer it spicier, consider adding some diced serrano peppers.
What can I serve with Beans El Charo?
This dish is versatile and can be served with a variety of sides. Consider pairing it with rice, tortillas, or a fresh salad. It also complements well with Mexican recipes like Venita's Enchiladas for a delicious meal.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).