Frijoles a la charra

Frijoles a la charra is a traditional Mexican bean stew, often called 'cowboy beans,' made with pinto beans simmered in a flavorful broth with ingredients like tomatoes, onions, garlic, chili peppers, and often pork products like bacon or chorizo. It's a hearty, savory dish originating from Northern Mexico, typically served as a main course or a substantial side dish.

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This dish is a good source of plant-based protein and complex carbohydrates, with fiber from the beans. A typical serving is moderately high in calories, largely from the beans and added fats, and provides key nutrients like iron, potassium, and B vitamins.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	280 kcal
Protein	15 g
Carbs	35 g
Fat	8 g
Fiber	10 g
Sugar	4 g
Sodium	450 mg
Iron	3.5 mg
Potassium	600 mg
Magnesium	70 mg
Phosphorus	200 mg
Folate	180 mcg
Thiamine (B1)	0.3 mg
Niacin (B3)	2 mg
Zinc	2 mg

Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, it's a staple of Northern Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine, often associated with ranching ('charro' means cowboy) and communal meals. Nutritionally, the combination of beans and pork creates a complete protein profile, and the cooking method helps retain the beans' minerals.