Frijoles Charros
Frijoles Charros, or Cowboy Beans, is a hearty Mexican stew made with pinto beans simmered in a flavorful broth with ingredients like bacon, chorizo, tomatoes, onions, and chiles. It is a staple of northern Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine, often served as a main dish or a side to complement grilled meats. The name 'Charro' refers to the traditional Mexican horsemen or cowboys who popularized this rustic, one-pot meal.
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🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is a good source of plant-based protein and fiber from the beans, but it can also be high in fat and sodium due to the inclusion of cured meats like bacon and chorizo. A typical serving provides a substantial amount of iron, folate, and complex carbohydrates, with a calorie range of approximately 300-450 per cup, depending on the specific recipe and meat content.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 290 kcal |
| Protein | 14 g |
| Carbs | 42 g |
| Fat | 7 g |
| Fiber | 15 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Sodium | 850 mg |
| Potassium | 650 mg |
| Iron | 4.5 mg |
| Magnesium | 85 mg |
| Phosphorus | 220 mg |
| Folate | 200 mcg |
| Thiamin (B1) | 0.5 mg |
| Niacin (B3) | 2.5 mg |
| Zinc | 2.2 mg |
Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, Frijoles Charros is a symbol of communal outdoor cooking and ranch life in Mexico, often prepared in large pots over an open fire. Nutritionally, the combination of beans with animal fats creates a complete protein profile and enhances the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, making it a calorie-dense, energy-sustaining meal for long days of work.
