Quick Charro Beans Dinner

Here's another easy weeknight meal I've been making lately:  Quick Charro Beans Dinner. 

Charro Beans have a full, hearty flavor, and if you serve 'em up with some loaded tortillas then it quickly becomes a satisfying meal. 

Feel free to get creative with the crispy, cheesy tortillas -- that's partly what makes me look forward to meals like this!

How To Make Quick Charro Beans Dinner

I used bacon for this batch, but keep in mind that Charro Beans are quite versatile -- both chorizo and ham are viable substitutes. 

Of course, everything tastes a little better when made with bacon, so that is my Charro Bean default 🙂

Start by chopping up 2-3 bacon slices and cook them over medium-high heat.

If it's difficult to dice up the bacon slices then you know it's time to sharpen your knife!  Or you can just put the bacon in the freezer for a few minutes to solidify 🙂

I like putting chunks of roasted tomatoes in Charro Beans for additional flavor -- normally I roast tomatoes for 20-25 minutes in the oven, but for this express batch I just sliced them in half and plopped them under the broiler for a few minutes. 

Once the bacon is lightly browned I usually turn the heat down to medium for the remainder of the cook.

And yes, you are welcome to drain off any bacon fat if it seems excessive.  

Finely chop 1/4 onion and add it to the pan, cooking it for a few minutes. 

Once the onion has softened, add a minced garlic clove and briefly cook, then add the remaining ingredients:

1 can beans (drained and rinsed)
1-2 chipotles in adobo  Working with chipotles in adobo
the roasted tomatoes
1.5 cups stock
1/4 teaspoon Mexican oregano  What is Mexican oregano?
1/4 teaspoon salt
freshly cracked black pepper

I think Charro Beans are at their best when swimming in a bit of broth, so the 1.5 cups of stock will give them a soupy nature.  Of course, you are welcome to adjust their consistency by adding less stock (or more!). 

Cover and let simmer for 10-15 minutes. 

And then take a final taste for seasoning! 

I added another generous pinch of salt, but keep in mind the exact salt level will depend on which stock you're using.  I used this zero sodium homemade stock.

You can also adjust the heat at this point.  For a more fiery batch simply add another minced chipotle or a couple teaspoons of adobo sauce from the can. 

These Charro Beans are loaded with flavor so you really don't need much else beyond a spoon.   Feel free to serve them up like this:

Of course, if you want to top with Queso Fresco, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime then I would be the last person in the world to stop you 🙂

It's also quite satisfying to dip some crispy, cheesy tortillas in these Charro Beans. 

For this batch I built the crispy tortillas with:

Jack cheese
these Pickled Jalapenos
a few beans from the pot

Add the fixings to only half of the tortilla.  Once it's warm you can fold it onto itself and then cook each side until light browns spots are forming on the tortillas. 

Sometimes I will add a bit of lard (or oil) to the skillet to help crisp them up, but that is optional.  At least half the time I make these I just cook 'em in a dry skillet and they are equally satisfying.

Feel free to dip these crispers in your Charro Bean broth before taking a bite 🙂

Okay I hope this Quick Charro Beans Dinner gives you some new ideas for weeknight meals.  It's a real treat to come home and whip up some comfort food like this. 

Enjoy!!

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