Authentic Charro Beans Recipe [+Video]

Discover the traditional flavors of Mexico with this authentic charro beans recipe. Made with slow-cooked pinto beans, bacon, and a blend of flavorful spices, this hearty dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

I’ve never eaten so many beans in all my life! Testing and developing this recipe has filled my freezer with more beans that my family will eat in our lifetime😂. But I had to figure out the best charro beans recipe!

I’ve tried them with chorizo, without, with ham, without ham, spicy, way too mild and bland. And finally I’ve come up with what I believe are the best charro beans with fantastic flavor and best of all, the perfect method. The bay leaves are essentially though I could never describe the flavor they lend to the beans. Without the bay leaves it was a flatter dish. I also tested dried beans vs canned beans and have a whole section below on what I found there.

What are Charro Beans?

Charro beans or frijoles charros (cowboy beans) are a savory Mexican side dish consisting of pinto beans slowly cooked with different meats (ham, chorizo and bacon) in a rich flavorful broth with peppers, onions and tomatoes.

Ingredients for Charro Beans

You have the option in this recipe to use dried or canned pinto beans. The recipe card lists all the ingredients for the dried beans version so there are a few more ingredients since you need to cook the dried beans before making the charro beans. Here is everything you will need:

• Dried Pinto Beans: see section below for using canned beans
• Yellow Onion: a white onion would work great too
• Garlic: adds flavor
• Bay Leaves: adds flavor
• Kosher Salt: adds flavor
• Dried Mexican Oregano: an absolute must! It can be found at most grocery stores – Walmart, Kroger, Harmon’s etc.
• Water: needed to soften and cook the beans

For the Charro Beans

• Meat: Bacon, Ham and Chorizo
• Yellow Onion: a white onion also works
• Jalapeño: adds flavor and little bit of heat
• Garlic: adds flavor
• Better Than Bouillon: adds flavor, can be substitute with water and a bouillon cube
• Roma Tomatoes: You could also used canned diced tomatoes if needed.
• Chipotle Pepper in Adobo Sauce: You will find this in the Hispanic food section is in a can. Our favorite brand is La Costeña.
• Smoked Paprika: adds smoky rich flavor
• Ground Cumin: adds the signature Mexican food flavor
• Kosher Salt: adds flavor
• Fresh Cilantro: adds a pop of freshness that balances everything out

The measurements for each ingredient can be found in the recipe card down below. Keep scrolling for all the details.

Dried vs Canned Beans

The most authentic recipes use dried beans, but I have to tell you, I prefer canned. The

Air Fryer Crispy Smashed Broccoli

Discover a simple and tasty way to cook broccoli using an air fryer. This recipe is perfect for busy individuals looking for a healthy and quick vegetable side dish. Those crispy edges are everything!

I have been on an air fryer recipes kick lately and one night I wanted to try something different with our veggies. So instead of roasting our broccoli, I tried cooking it in the air fryer. I loved that I got similar results to roasting it but in a fraction of the time. You can make this recipe from start to finish in less than 15 minutes!

Ingredients for Broccoli in the Air Fryer

First we will air fry the broccoli with a little oil and salt, and we will toss it in a delicious maple garlic sauce. Here are the items you will need to make this recipe:

• Broccoli Florets: cut into similar bite-sized pieces
• Olive Oil: helps the broccoli get crispy around the edges
• Salt: adds flavor
• Garlic: adds flavor
• Maple Syrup: adds a subtle natural sweetness
• Sesame Oil: adds flavor to the sauce we toss the roasted broccoli in at the end

The measurements for everything can be found in the recipe card down below.

Can I Use Frozen Broccoli?

Yes, frozen broccoli works great for this recipe. I would steam it until just heated through and then smash it as written in the instruction. Then proceed with the recipe as written to air fry it.

How to Make Air Fryer Broccoli

Here are the step-by-step directions for making this air fryer vegetable recipe:

1. Steam: We are going to parboil the broccoli first to get it nice and tender before sticking it in the air fryer. Place the broccoli in a steamer basket in a large sauce pan with boiling water. Cover the pan and let it steam until tender.
2. Flatten: Spread the steamed broccoli into a single layer on a cutting board or right in the air fryer basket and smash each one with the bottom of a sturdy drinking glass until it’s about 1/2 inch thick.
3. Toss: Put the smashed broccoli into a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil and salt and then toss to coat. Return them to the air fryer basket or baking sheets in a single layer (you may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer) and cook at 400 degrees F for 8 minutes. You’ll want the edges to just start to get charred.
4. Stir: In a small bowl, stir together the garlic, maple syrup and sesame oil and then drizzle it over the broccoli and toss to coat.
5. Serve: Serve immediately while it’s crispy and hot!

The instructions can also be found in the recipe card down below so keep scrolling for the complete recipe.

Watch This Video to See How It’s Done…

Quick and Easy 3-Ingredient Unleavened Bread Recipe

This Quick and Easy 3-Ingredient Unleavened Bread Recipe requires just three simple ingredients! Last year, we decided to do a Nativity dinner with our children to help us remember Jesus Christ at Christmas, and this Unleavened Bread Recipe quickly became a favorite among the kids.

When planning the dinner, I researched foods that might have been typical in Jerusalem during the time of Christ’s birth, particularly around the Passover week. I aimed to create a meal that closely resembled what people would have eaten during that time, and this recipe fit perfectly!

Unleavened bread was one food that kept coming up in my research. It was simple and would go perfectly with the other recipes I had planned, like our easy homemade hummus.

Complete Nativity Dinner Menu:

• Jerusalem Herb Chicken Thighs
• Hummus
• Wild Rice
• Naan
• Roasted Pear Salad
• Creamy Garlic Brussel Sprouts
• Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies

What Ingredients Do I Need to Make Unleavened Bread?

You only need three ingredients for this recipe—well, technically just two if you don’t count water, which I don’t really consider an ingredient!

• All Purpose Flour
• Salt
• Water

There’s really no reason not to make this bread! With all the ingredients on hand and no rising time required, it couldn’t be easier!

How to Make Unleavened Bread

You thought the ingredient list was simple? Wait until you see just how easy it is to whip this up! Ready? Let’s dive in!

• Combine the flour and salt in a bowl and stir together.
• Add the water and stir until the dough forms a cohesive ball.
• Knead the dough for 5 minutes. And before you groan about kneading, remember—it builds both muscle and character!
• Preheat your skillet on the stovetop over medium-high heat. Then, divide the dough into 5 to 7 balls, depending on how large you’d like your pieces of bread to be.
• Roll out each piece of dough on a lightly floured surface until it’s approximately 6 inches in diameter.
• Cook each piece on a hot skillet for about 2 minutes on each side.
• Serve hot, and for an extra special touch, brush on a bit of melted butter or olive oil and sprinkle with fresh herbs. I like to choose the herb based on what I

Cheesy Jiffy Corn Casserole [+Video]

Corn casserole is a comfort food side dish that never gets old. It goes great with chili, soup, grilled chicken or fajitas. It’s totally versatile, cheesy, packed with corn and SOOOOO easy!

When I was in jr high our church had a chili cook off and a woman brought two different kinds of cornbread. Both were the best I’d ever had but upon asking her to share the recipes (clearly I was born to be a food blogger), she declined. She said she didn’t give out her recipes! Rude! Ok, maybe not rude but it really was an awkward moment for me. I felt almost shame for having asked her.

Can we just pause for a moment and talk about not sharing recipes? Why is that a thing? Maybe I have blinders on because I share recipes for a living, but why wouldn’t you share a recipe? Boggles my mind.

Ok, I digress…back to cornbread casserole…

Many years ago, and you may be surprised to hear this, but I did summer sales for an alarm company. A woman fed me some of her cornbread and then OFFERED me the recipe! That’s the way it should be! Jiffy cornbread casserole is a treasured recipe in our house and chances are, your mom probably made it growing up too!

Whether you are sitting down to a bowl of our award winning instant pot chili or a serving of our classic BBQ grilled chicken, this cornbread casserole is the perfect side dish! I just know you’re going to love it!

Ingredients for Corn Casserole Recipe

Corn casserole is similar to cornbread, but it’s a little more dense and includes cheese! Here is everything you will need:

• Butter: adds richness and flavor
• Corn: adds texture and real corn flavor, use fresh corn cut off the cob, frozen corn (thaw first), or canned corn (drained)
• Creamed Corn: Grab a 14.75oz can from the vegetable aisle.
• Garlic Powder: adds flavor
• Eggs: gives the casserole its structure
• Sour Cream: adds moisture and rich flavor
• Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix: you can find it by the other muffin and cake mixes
• Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese: We are loyal to Tillamook!

The measurements for each ingredient can be found in the recipe card which can be found at the end of this post.

How to Make Cornbread Casserole?

I have the best news ever! This cheesy corn casserole can be made completely in one dish. Less dishes!!! Here are simple steps:

1. Prep: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees

Holiday Pomegranate and Asparagus Salad

This delicious asparagus salad recipe is a refreshing and healthy addition to any holiday meal. Tossed with pomegranate arils and fresh oranges, it is the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

I’m always trying to find new ways to use asparagus because it’s pretty much the best vegetable ever. Don’t you think? It tastes so good! So I experimented with some fresh holiday flavors and colors and created this festive holiday salad.

Serve this side dish alongside your Thanksgiving or Christmas feast and it will be a bright burst of fresh flavor at your holiday meal. The asparagus, orange wedges and pomegranate are such a tasty trio. You’re going to love it!

What Do I Need to Make Pomegranate Asparagus Salad

Sometimes salads have tons of different ingredients, and sometimes salads are just a few perfectly paired ingredients. This salad recipe is the latter and this is all you will need:

• Asparagus
• Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
• Salt and Black Pepper
• Orange
• Pomegranate Arils
• Blue Cheese or Gorgonzola Cheese
• Butter
• Panko Breadcrumbs
• Balsamic Glaze

The measurements needed of each ingredient can be found in the recipe card at the end of this post.

Substitutions for Blue Cheese

I know there are strong feelings out there about blue cheese, or other strong cheeses like gorgonzola. If you are opposed, go with feta cheese or even parmesan cheese would be a great option.

How to Make Asparagus Pomegranate Salad

You’re just a few simple steps away from a bold holiday salad that will be talk of your family gathering. Here are basic steps:

1. Roast: Place the asparagus spears on a sheet pan and toss them with olive oil and salt and pepper. Roast under the broiler for a few minutes, rotating as needed.
2. Cool: Don’t overcook the asparagus. You want it to have some crispiness left to it. Remove it from the oven and let it cool.
3. Toast: Melt a tablespoon of butter in a small sauté pan and then add the Panko bread crumb. Let them get toasty brown stirring as needed. Then let it cool completely.
4. Toss: Slice the asparagus into bite-sized pieces and toss with the orange segments, orange zest, blue cheese and pomegranate seeds in a large bowl.
5. Drizzle: Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze and top with the toasted Panko. Serve and enjoy!

These instructions can also be found in the recipe card down below so keep scrolling for all the details.

What to Eat with Holiday Asparagus Salad

While this salad would be great any time of year, I envision eating it during the holiday season so here are some ideas for what to serve it with:

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