Charro Beans Recipe Vegetarian Style Made Easy and Delicious

Charro beans, or “frijoles charros,” are a beloved Mexican dish traditionally made with pinto beans simmered with smoky bacon, chorizo, and a medley of fresh vegetables and spices. However, if you’re following a vegetarian lifestyle or simply want a hearty, flavorful bean dish without meat, this vegetarian charro beans recipe is an absolute game-changer.

It captures the essence of the classic with layers of rich, savory flavor minus the meat, making it perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy nights in.

This recipe brings together ingredients like mushrooms, tomatoes, and smoky chipotle peppers to create an umami-packed, comforting dish that’s deeply satisfying. Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or just looking to add more plant-based meals to your rotation, these charro beans will quickly become a staple.

Plus, they’re packed with fiber, protein, and nutrients that fuel your body. Let’s dive into how to make this delicious vegetarian twist on a Mexican classic!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegetarian charro beans recipe offers all the warmth and depth of the traditional version without the meat, making it suitable for vegetarians and vegans alike. The combination of smoky chipotle, fresh herbs, and hearty mushrooms creates a satisfying and robust flavor profile that will please both vegetarians and meat-eaters.

It’s incredibly versatile — perfect as a main dish, side, or even a filling for tacos and burritos. Plus, it’s budget-friendly, easy to prepare, and can be made in a slow cooker or on the stovetop.

Whether you’re meal prepping or cooking for guests, these beans hold up beautifully and taste even better the next day.

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried pinto beans (or 2 cups canned, drained and rinsed)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup mushrooms, chopped (cremini or button mushrooms work great)
• 2 medium tomatoes, diced
• 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped (optional for heat)
• 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 cup cooked corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
• Juice of 1 lime

Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Colander (if using dried beans)
• Cutting board and knife
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Optional: Slow cooker or Instant Pot (for alternative cooking methods)

Instructions

1. Prepare the beans: If using dried beans, rinse them thoroughly and soak overnight or use a quick soak method by boiling for 2 minutes, then letting them sit covered for 1 hour. Drain and rinse again before cooking. If using canned beans, simply drain and rinse.
2. Sauté the aromatics and mushrooms: Heat olive oil in your pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and chopped mushrooms, cooking until the mushrooms release their moisture and start to brown, about 5-6 minutes.
3. Add spices and peppers: Stir in cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and chopped chipotle peppers. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Combine beans and broth: Add the soaked or canned beans to the pot along with the vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer gently for 1 to 1.5 hours if using dried beans, or 30 minutes if using canned beans, stirring occasionally. You want the beans tender and the liquid slightly thickened.
5. Add tomatoes, jalapeño, and corn: Stir in the fresh tomatoes, jalapeño (if using), and corn kernels. Continue simmering for an additional 15 minutes to meld the flavors.
6. Season and finish: Taste and add salt and pepper as needed. Stir in fresh cilantro and lime juice just before serving for a bright, fresh finish.
7. Serve hot: Ladle the charro beans into bowls and enjoy as a main dish or alongside your favorite Mexican-inspired sides.

Tips & Variations

“For a smoky depth, try adding a dash of liquid smoke or smoked salt if you don’t have chipotle peppers on hand.”

• Make it vegan: This recipe is naturally vegan, but double-check your vegetable broth to ensure it contains no animal products.
• Use a slow cooker: After sautéing the aromatics and mushrooms, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours for a hands-off approach.
• Add more veggies: Bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots can be added for extra nutrition and color.
• Spice level: Adjust the jalapeño and chipotle peppers to your heat preference. For milder beans, remove seeds or omit jalapeño.
• Serve over grains: Try these beans over rice, quinoa, or even with warm tortillas for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This vegetarian charro beans dish pairs wonderfully with warm corn tortillas or fluffy Mexican rice. Top with sliced avocado, fresh chopped onions, or crumbled queso fresco for extra creaminess.

It’s also fantastic as a filling for tacos, burritos, or tostadas.

For a complete meal, serve alongside a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables. If you’re looking for more delicious vegetarian dishes, check out our Harvest Hash Recipe or try the vibrant Lion’S Mane Mushroom Crumble Recipes for another plant-based feast.

Conclusion

Vegetarian charro beans are a wonderful way to enjoy the rich flavors of traditional Mexican cuisine while keeping the dish meat-free and wholesome. This recipe brings together hearty beans, earthy mushrooms, smoky chipotle, and fresh vegetables to create a satisfying meal that nourishes both body and soul.

Whether you’re cooking for a vegetarian crowd or simply want to try something new, these beans are easy to customize and delicious enough to become a family favorite. Don’t forget to experiment with the spice levels and add your own favorite veggies to keep it fresh and exciting.

For more tasty recipes that complement this dish, explore the Halibut Dip Recipe or indulge in the comforting flavors of Lamb Tenderloin Recipes. Happy cooking!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Charro Beans Recipe Vegetarian”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A flavorful and hearty vegetarian version of traditional Mexican charro beans. Packed with beans, vegetables, and spices for a delicious, protein-rich meal.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT1H”, “totalTime”: “PT1H15M”, “recipeYield”: “6 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“2 cups dried pinto beans”, “6 cups water”, “1 tablespoon olive oil”, “1 medium onion, diced”, “3 cloves garlic, minced”, “1 jalape\u00f1o, seeded and chopped”, “1 medium tomato, diced”, “1/2 cup chopped cilantro”, “1 teaspoon ground cumin”, “1 teaspoon smoked paprika”, “Salt to taste”, “Black pepper to taste”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Rinse and soak the pinto beans for 4 hours or overnight.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Drain beans and add to a large pot with 6 cups of fresh water.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a skillet, heat olive oil and saut\u00e9 onion, garlic, and jalape\u00f1o until soft.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add diced tomato, cumin, and smoked paprika; cook for 5 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add the saut\u00e9ed vegetables to the beans, season with salt and pepper.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Simmer for another 15 minutes until beans are tender and flavors meld.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir in chopped cilantro before serving.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “220 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “14 g”, “fatContent”: “3 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “38 g”}}