Vegan Charro Beans Recipe
This vegan charro beans recipe is a hearty, smoky, and satisfying Mexican-inspired dish made without meat. Packed with pinto beans, tomatoes, spices, and aromatic vegetables, it delivers all the flavor of traditional charro beans while staying completely plant-based. It’s perfect as a main dish, a side, or even meal prep—and pairs beautifully with simply fresh salad shakers or a simply fresh caprese pasta shaker salad for a well-rounded meal.
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Strainer (if using canned beans)
- Citrus squeezer (optional)
Ingredients
- 2 cups dried pinto beans or 4 cups canned, rinsed & drained
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 large onion finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1 jalapeño chopped (optional for heat)
- 2 medium tomatoes diced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 bay leaf
- 4 cups vegetable broth low sodium
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- Optional: diced bell peppers or corn
Instructions
- Soak beans (if using dry): Soak dried pinto beans overnight in water. Drain and rinse before cooking.
- Sauté aromatics: In a large pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent (about 5-7 minutes). Add garlic and jalapeño, sauté for 2 more minutes.
- Add spices and tomatoes: Stir in smoked paprika, cumin, and chili powder. Cook for 1 minute, then add diced tomatoes. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Combine with beans and broth: Add beans and vegetable broth to the pot. Toss in the bay leaf and stir.
- Simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 1.5–2 hours (for dry beans) or 30–40 minutes (for canned beans), stirring occasionally.
- Season and finish: Remove bay leaf. Add salt and pepper to taste. Stir in lime juice and chopped cilantro.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls and enjoy hot. Pair with tortillas, rice, or simply fresh salad shakers for a balanced meal.
Notes
Flavor Boost: Add a few drops of liquid smoke for a deeper, smokier flavor.
Storage: Keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days. Flavor improves after a day!
Pairing Tip: Serve with fresh salads like simply fresh caprese pasta shaker salad for added contrast.
Slow Cooker Option: Cook on low for 6–8 hours after sautéing aromatics separately