Slow Cooker Charro Beans
Ingredients
- 1 lb. dried pinto beans)
(no need to presoak
- 8 slices bacon
sliced and cooked
- 1 sweet yellow onion
diced
- 2 garlic cloves
minced
- 2 Roma tomatoes
diced
- 1 jalapeno
minced
- 1 tsp. cumin
- 1 tsp. dried leaf oregano
- 7 cups chicken broth
- 1/8 cup finely minced cilantro
- 1 tsp. salt
Directions
- 1
Rinse the beans and sort through them, making sure there is no rocks or dirt clumps. Add the beans to the slow cooker along with the bacon, onion, garlic, tomatoes, jalapeno, cumin, and oregano. (DON'T ADD THE CILANTRO OR SALT YET).
- 2
Pour over the chicken broth and stir.
- 3
Cook on HIGH for 5-7 hours.
- 4
Stir, serve and enjoy!
Slow Cooker Charro Beans
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Ratings & Reviews
Based on 3 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Craving a bowl of deeply flavorful, smoky charro beans without the fuss? Our Slow Cooker Charro Beans recipe delivers comfort and authentic taste with minimal effort, transforming simple pantry staples into a truly memorable dish.
Why This Recipe Works
The beauty of this slow cooker method is its simplicity; you don't even need to presoak the pinto beans, letting the appliance do all the heavy lifting. The combination of savory bacon, aromatic garlic, fresh tomatoes, and a kick of jalapeno infuses every bean with rich, layered flavor that deepens over hours. This hands-off approach ensures perfectly tender beans every time.
What to Expect
Prepare for tender, creamy pinto beans swimming in a robust, savory broth. Each spoonful offers a harmonious blend of smoky bacon, bright tomato, a gentle warmth from the jalapeno, and earthy notes from cumin and dried leaf oregano. This is a comforting dish that fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma, promising a hearty and deeply satisfying meal that feels both rustic and refined.
These charro beans boast a lovely balance of savory, smoky, and subtly spicy notes. The fresh cilantro added at the end brightens the entire dish, offering a fresh counterpoint to the rich, slow-cooked flavors. You'll love how effortlessly this recipe brings such complex flavors to your table.
Customization & Variations
While bacon adds essential depth, you can adjust its quantity or crisp up some chorizo for a different twist. For a vegetarian option, simply omit the bacon and use vegetable broth, perhaps adding a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky undertone. Feel free to dial up or down the minced jalapeno depending on your spice preference, or add a diced bell pepper for extra sweetness.
Serving & Context
These Slow Cooker Charro Beans are perfect as a hearty side dish for grilled meats, a flavorful base for tacos and burritos, or simply enjoyed on their own as a comforting meal. Garnish with a little extra fresh cilantro for a vibrant finish.