Cowboy Bean Soup Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the aroma of a large pot of Charro Bean Soup simmering on the stove. The smell is simply divine! This recipe offers a rustic and comforting experience, while also delivering a burst of flavor that surprises and delights everyone who tries it.

Featuring tender pinto beans, smoky bacon, spicy chorizo, and a medley of fresh vegetables, this soup is hearty enough to be served as a satisfying main course, yet versatile enough to complement your favorite Mexican dishes as a cozy side. Whether you’re seeking a comforting family meal or a flavorful addition to a fiesta, this Charro Bean Soup recipe is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

What is Charro Bean Soup?

Charro beans, known in Mexico as “frijoles charros” or “cowboy beans,” are a cherished traditional dish passed down through generations. This flavorful culinary creation consists of pinto beans slow-cooked with various meats such as ham, chorizo, and bacon in a rich, savory broth, alongside peppers, onions, and tomatoes.

While researching the perfect Charro Bean Soup recipe, I had the brilliant idea to transform traditional charro beans into a hearty and satisfying soup. By simply adding more broth and a few extra ingredients, I created a dish that is both bold and comforting, a true representation of Mexican comfort food! And so, the Charro Bean Soup was born! My family is absolutely obsessed with it!

Charro Beans vs. Borracho Beans

The similarity between charro beans and borracho beans often leads to questions about their differences. The key ingredient that sets them apart is beer. “Borracho beans,” meaning “drunken beans,” include beer in the liquid used to simmer the beans. This addition imparts a deeper, maltier flavor to the beans. However, both variations share the use of smoky meats, pinto beans, vegetables, and seasonings.

Ingredients for Charro Bean Soup

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to create this flavorful and satisfying Charro Bean Soup:

For the Beans:

• Dried Pinto Beans: The heart of this dish, these creamy beans offer protein, fiber, and body to the soup. Using dried beans provides a richer, more authentic flavor and texture compared to canned options.
• Yellow Onion: Adds natural sweetness and depth to the cooking liquid, building a flavor base for the beans as they simmer.
• Garlic: Infuses the beans with a subtle, savory flavor that enhances the broth and complements the traditional Mexican flavor profile.
• Bay Leaves: Impart a subtle earthy, herbal note that rounds out the flavor and adds complexity to the beans.
• Kosher Salt: Seasons the beans from the inside out as they cook, enhancing their natural flavor.
• Dried Mexican Oregano: Distinct from Italian oregano, this variety boasts a slightly citrusy, earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with Mexican spices and beans, deepening the soup’s authenticity.
• Water: The cooking medium that softens the beans and carries all the aromatic flavors. Using water at this stage allows the beans to shine without overpowering them too early.

For the Soup:

• Proteins: Bacon, Ham, and Chorizo. These smoky meats infuse the soup with a rich, savory flavor that is characteristic of traditional charro beans.
• Vegetables and Aromatics: Yellow Onion, Jalapeño, Garlic, Fire Roasted Tomatoes, Chipotle Pepper in Adobo Sauce, and Cilantro. This combination of vegetables and aromatics adds depth, complexity, and a touch of spice to the soup.
• Seasonings: Better Than Bouillon, Smoked Paprika, Ground Cumin, and Kosher Salt. These seasonings enhance the existing flavors and create a well-balanced and flavorful broth.

How to Make Charro Bean Soup

Follow these simple steps to create your own delicious pot of Charro Bean Soup:

Prepare the Beans:

1. Rinse: Thoroughly rinse the beans under cold water to remove any dirt or debris.
2. Cook: In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine all the bean cooking ingredients. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer until the beans are soft and tender. This process typically takes between 1 ½ to 2 hours.
   • NOTE: Regularly check the beans and add more water as needed to prevent them from drying out. Cooking times may vary, so be flexible and adjust accordingly.
3. Drain and Save: Drain the beans, but be sure to SAVE THE COOKING LIQUID for later use. Discard the bay leaves.

Make the Soup:

1. Cook: Using the same pot, cook the bacon until crispy. Add the ham, chorizo, onions, jalapeño, and chipotle pepper, and cook until the onions become translucent.
2. Combine: Stir in the remaining ingredients, including the cooked beans and 3 cups of the reserved cooking liquid. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
3. Serve: Season with salt to taste, then top with chopped cilantro and your desired toppings.

Cooking Methods

While the stovetop method is the traditional approach, Charro Bean Soup can also be prepared using a slow cooker or Instant Pot for added convenience.

Slow Cooker

Yes, Charro Bean Soup is perfect for slow cooking! You can skip the initial bean cooking step as the beans will cook directly in the slow cooker. However, remember to rinse them first! Brown the bacon, chorizo, onion, jalapeño, and garlic in a pan on the stovetop before adding them to the slow cooker. Transfer all ingredients to the slow cooker and add 5-6 cups of water.

Cook on low heat for 8-10 hours or on high heat for 4-5 hours. Season to taste with salt and pepper before serving.

Instant Pot

Charro Bean Soup can also be made in an Instant Pot. Begin by setting the Instant Pot to “Sauté” and adding the bacon and chorizo. Once both are cooked through, remove them from the pot, leaving the grease behind. Add the onions, jalapeños, and garlic to the pot and cook until the onions become tender. Return the bacon and chorizo to the pot, along with all the remaining ingredients and 7 cups of water.

Secure the lid, ensuring the vent is sealed, and cook on high pressure for 30 minutes. Allow for a natural pressure release before removing the lid. From start to finish, this method will likely take a little over an hour. Season to taste with salt and pepper as needed.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about Charro Bean Soup:

This simple Charro Bean Soup (frijoles charros) is a great one-pot meal option. The hearty beans, smoky meats, and flavorful broth make it perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely Sunday dinners.

More Soup Recipes to Try…

If you enjoy this Charro Bean Soup, be sure to check out these other delicious soup recipes:

• Chicken Tortilla Soup
• Beef Barley Soup
• Tomato Basil Soup
• Taco Stew
• Lasagna Soup