This Slow Cooker Charro Bean dish is a hearty favorite! Made with pinto beans, tomatoes, onions, and spices, it’s perfect for a cozy meal.
It’s simple to make—just toss everything in the slow cooker and forget about it! I love serving these beans with warm tortillas for the ultimate comfort food.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pinto Beans: These beans are the star of the show! They become soft and creamy when cooked. If you don’t have pinto beans, black beans work well too, though the flavor will be slightly different.
Chicken Broth: Using low-sodium broth adds great flavor without making the dish too salty. If you’re vegetarian, simply use vegetable broth or stick with water for a lighter option.
Jalapeños: Fresh jalapeños give the dish a nice kick. If you’re sensitive to spice, use bell peppers or omit them altogether. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat instead.
Bacon: It adds smoky flavor, but you can leave it out for a vegetarian version. Alternatively, try turkey bacon for a lower-fat option, or even smoked paprika to give a hint of smokiness without meat.
Shredded Chicken: This ingredient is optional but adds heartiness. You can replace it with cooked lentils for a protein boost or just skip it to keep the recipe simple.
How to Soak Beans for the Perfect Texture?
Soaking beans is key to achieving a good texture. It helps them cook evenly and reduces cooking time. Here’s how to do it:
- Overnight Soak: Rinse beans, cover with water in a bowl, and let them soak overnight in the fridge. Drain before cooking.
- Quick Soak: Rinse beans and place them in a pot with water. Boil for 2 minutes, then turn off the heat and let them soak for 1 hour. Drain after soaking.
No matter which method you choose, soaking helps in softening the beans and makes them easier to digest!
Why Sauté Onion and Garlic First?
Sautéing onion and garlic before adding them to the slow cooker enhances their flavors. Here’s how to do it:
- Heat the skillet to medium, add diced bacon until crispy, then remove and keep that flavorful fat.
- In the same skillet, add chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until they’re soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
This step adds depth to the dish, making your charro beans taste even better!
Slow Cooker Charro Bean Recipe
Ingredients:
Beans:
- 1 lb (about 2 cups) dried pinto beans, rinsed and soaked overnight or quick-soaked
Liquids:
- 6 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
Vegetables:
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, with juice
- 1-2 jalapeño peppers, sliced (adjust for heat preference)
Spices:
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt (add to taste at end)
Additions:
- 6 oz bacon, diced
- 1 lb boneless chicken thighs or breast, cooked and shredded (optional for added protein)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Sour cream (for serving)
- Additional sliced jalapeños (for garnish, optional)
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep, plus it will need to cook in the slow cooker for 7-8 hours on low (or 4-5 hours on high). So, you’ll have a tasty, hearty meal waiting for you after a day’s work!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beans:
Start by preparing the beans. Rinse them under cold water, then soak them overnight in a large bowl of water or use the quick soak method. For the quick soak, boil the beans for 2 minutes, then remove from heat and let them sit in the hot water for 1 hour. After soaking, drain and rinse the beans again.
2. Cook the Bacon:
In a skillet over medium heat, add the diced bacon. Cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the bacon with a slotted spoon, leaving the bacon fat in the skillet for added flavor!
3. Sauté Onion and Garlic:
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the bacon fat. Sauté until the onions are soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. This step releases wonderful aromas and flavors that will enhance your dish.
4. Mix in the Slow Cooker:
Transfer the sautéed onion, garlic, and crispy bacon to the slow cooker. It’s time to add the rest!
5. Combine Remaining Ingredients:
Add the soaked beans, 6 cups of water or chicken broth, the can of diced tomatoes (with juice), sliced jalapeños, ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper to the slow cooker. Stir everything together so the ingredients are evenly mixed.
6. Cook the Beans:
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours. You want the beans to be tender and cooked through.
7. Add Chicken (if using):
If you’re adding shredded chicken for extra protein, stir it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking to warm it through. This is optional but adds a nice heartiness to the meal!
8. Adjust Seasoning:
Near the end of cooking, taste the beans and add salt as needed. Remember, it’s better to start with a little and adjust to your preference!
9. Serve the Dish:
When everything is cooked and perfect, serve the charro beans hot. Garnish with the crispy bacon pieces, fresh chopped cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, and any extra jalapeño slices if you like it spicy!
10. Enjoy:
Dive in and enjoy your charro beans on their own, or serve with warm corn tortillas for a filling meal. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in!
This recipe captures the rich, smoky, spicy, and savory flavors typical of traditional Charro beans made easy in a slow cooker. Happy cooking!
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Can I Use Canned Beans Instead of Dried?
Yes, you can use canned pinto beans to save time! If using canned beans, skip the soaking step and add them to the slow cooker with about 4-5 cups of broth and reduce the cooking time to 2-3 hours on low or 1-2 hours on high.
Can I Leave Out the Bacon for a Vegetarian Version?
Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon and consider adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika to maintain that smoky flavor. You can also add extra vegetables for added texture and taste.
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
To adjust the heat, you can reduce the number of jalapeños or use milder peppers. Alternatively, add more jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper if you prefer extra spice. Remember to taste as you go!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can reheat them on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little water or broth to keep them moist while reheating.
