Texas-style charro beans

Texas-style charro beans are a hearty, savory bean stew simmered with smoky meats like bacon or chorizo, onions, garlic, and often tomatoes or jalapeños. This rustic dish originates from the ranching culture of Texas and Northern Mexico, where it's a staple at cookouts and family gatherings.

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This dish is a balanced source of plant-based protein and complex carbohydrates from the beans, with moderate fat from the added meats. A typical serving provides a good dose of fiber, iron, and potassium, and generally falls in the 300-450 calorie range.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	280 kcal
Protein	15 g
Carbs	30 g
Fat	11 g
Fiber	9 g
Sugar	4 g
Sodium	850 mg
Potassium	580 mg
Iron	3.5 mg
Magnesium	80 mg
Phosphorus	210 mg
Zinc	2.2 mg
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)	0.3 mg
Folate	180 mcg
Vitamin K	8 mcg

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

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, charro beans are the edible embodiment of the cowboy (charro) tradition, designed to be a filling, one-pot meal for long days of work. Nutritionally, the combination of beans and meat creates a complete protein, making it a particularly sustaining and satisfying dish.