Frijoles Charros with Bacon and Chorizo

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-05 · Updated 2026-05-05

A hearty Mexican cowboy bean stew simmered with smoky bacon, spicy chorizo, and fresh tomatoes, perfect for a Cinco de Mayo side or main dish. This Mexican-inspired Cinco de Mayo recipe, ready in about 130 minutes, pairs pinto beans, bacon slices, Mexican chorizo for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried pinto beans
• 4 slices, chopped bacon slices
• 6 oz, casing removed Mexican chorizo
• 1 medium, diced white onion
• 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
• 1, seeded and diced jalapeño pepper
• 14 oz canned diced tomatoes
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil

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Instructions

1. Step 1: Rinse and soak 1 cup dried pinto beans overnight in cold water, then drain.
2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 4 chopped bacon slices and cook until crispy, about 5 minutes.
3. Step 3: Add 6 oz Mexican chorizo with casing removed and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, for 3-4 minutes until browned.
4. Step 4: Stir in 1 diced medium white onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 diced jalapeño pepper. Sauté for 5 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
5. Step 5: Add the soaked beans, 3 cups chicken broth, 14 oz canned diced tomatoes, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
6. Step 6: Cover and cook on low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours until beans are tender and the stew thickens, stirring occasionally.
7. Step 7: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped cilantro just before serving to add freshness.