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

This chocolate ice cream is swirled with bite-size wafer cookies and also loaded with chocolate-covered chunks of Kit Kat candy bars. Kit Kat Ice Cream has everything you love about Kit Kat candy bars swirled into each scoop of this homemade ice cream.

I share a new ice cream recipe here every Friday – which might lead you to think we’d eventually get tired of ice cream. Well, that sure hasn’t happened yet.

Do chocolate ice creams call your name? Dark Chocolate Ice Cream delivers just the right amount of sweetness, it’s the perfect treat for chocolate lovers who enjoy a bittersweet twist. And for an unexpected and absolutely fantastic chocolate option, try Chocolate Orange Ice Cream. (If you’re skeptical of the chocolate and citrus combination, one taste will likely be all it takes to convince you.)

Are fruit ice creams more your style? With chunks of cinnamon crust and syrupy peaches in every bite, Peach Cobbler Ice Cream is a masterpiece. The vibrant flavor of sweet, ripe cherries fills every bite of this Black Cherry Ice Cream. And for a classic summer treat, just a few ingredients add up to the Fresh Strawberry Ice Cream that everyone loves.

The most popular question I get is whether it’s possible to make ice cream without a machine. The answer is YES. You can make ice cream without a machine. Find the full directions here!

Kit Kat Ice Cream

You’ll need the following ingredients to make this recipe:

• heavy cream
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Sharing a super easy and delicious buddha bowl dressing recipe.

Hi friends! How’s the week going?? It’s been a good one over here. I have a few appointments today and looking forward to a low-key night at home. I’ve been finishing up a round of the EquiLife detox and have been enjoying all of the fresh and colorful foods I’ve been eating.

Today, I wanted to chat a little bit about Buddha bowls and one of my go-to recipes for salad dressings. I make this almost weekly and love having it on hand.

(Sakara is what made me fall in love with Buddha bowls for lunch! Their salads always include a mix of  gluten-free grains, tons of veggies, crunchy toppings, and amazing sauces)

Buddha bowl dressing recipe

Buddha bowls are one of the most versatile and delicious meals you can make. They typically feature a balanced mix of grains, protein, vegetables, and a flavorful sauce to tie everything together. What makes them unique is their vibrant combination of colors, textures, and nutrients. These macro bowls are packed with fiber, healthy fats, and protein, making them a great plant-based option for any meal.

The key to taking your Buddha bowl recipe to the next level is the dressing. A great Buddha bowl dressing enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients, bringing them together into a perfectly balanced bite. Here’s my favorite dressing that will complement pretty much any Buhha bowl combo!

How To Make Buddha Bowls Interesting

Buddha bowls are already packed with variety, but there are a few ways to make them even more exciting! One of the best ways to elevate your grain bowls is by using a delicious Buddha bowl dressing. The right sauce can transform simple ingredients like brown rice, sweet potatoes, and black beans into a next-level meal.

Other ways to make your Buddha bowl interesting include:

Adding a crunchy topping like toasted seeds or nuts.

Using a mix of cooked and raw veggies for varied textures.

Experimenting with different grain bases, such as quinoa, farro, or brown rice.

Including a flavorful protein source like marinated tofu cooked in the air fr

3 ingredient hot cocoa mix is a tasty, simple, convenient, and economical way to get your hot chocolate fix. Whip up a batch to keep on hand for after school, cold weather, and cravings!

3 Ingredient Hot Cocoa Mix

We’ve been making 3 ingredient cocoa for about as long as I can remember. Milk + Cocoa + Sugar add up to a terrific cup of hot chocolate.

However, my kids prefer to just grab the packets of cocoa and add hot water when they want cocoa. So, that led me back to this mix that my mom always had on hand when we were growing up. It works the same way – and tastes better by far!

It’s a budget friendly recipe, too. So grab your whisk and 3 simple ingredients and a delightful cup of cocoa is mere moments away!

Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix

To make this old-fashioned hot cocoa mix, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• powdered milk
• powdered sugar
• unsweetened cocoa powder
• Optional: mini marshmallows, candy canes, whipped cream, and shaved chocolate

It’s important to use unsweetened cocoa powder for this recipe. Our family loves special dark or bittersweet cocoa powder for the mix. Use what you like best for baking, and you can’t go too far wrong.

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Easy Sizzling Italian Spaghetti Aglio e Olio [+Video]

This simple and delicious Italian dish is perfect for a quick weeknight meal. Learn how to make spaghetti aglio e olio with just a few ingredients and enjoy a flavorful sizzle in every bite.

This recipe was born because our sizzling Italian dipping oil for bread was going crazy on Instagram so I thought…I bet if I tossed this herbaceous oil with some pasta that it would be outrageous! And boy was I right! The whole family gobbled this up and now we are having it on the reg. I hope you love it as much as we do!

Oh and did I mention that it’s so quick and easy?! Dinner on the table in 20 minutes! I know all you busy parents will love that!

What is Aglio e Olio?

Directly translated from Italian, “spaghetti aglio e olio” means “spaghetti with garlic and oil.” It’s a classic Italian pasta dish where spaghetti is tossed with a hot garlic and oil sauce. I’ve also seen it called “midnight spaghetti” because it’s so quick and easy to make and can be thrown together for a late night snack. If this is how midnight snacks go in Italy, count me in!

Ingredients for Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

It only takes a few simple ingredients to make this spaghetti recipe, so head to the fresh herbs section of your produce section and you are just a few more ingredients away from a simple pasta dinner:

• Olive Oil: helps cook the garlic and acts as the sauce for the pasta
• Garlic: be sure to use fresh garlic
• Fresh Herbs: Parsley, Oregano (or Marjoram), Rosemary and Basil
• Red Pepper Flakes: adds flavor and a little heat
• Kosher Salt: adds flavor
• Balsamic Vinegar: adds acidity and a little sweetness
• Fresh Spaghetti: buy it at the store or make your own
• Parmesan: Pasta is always better with parm!

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

Two Ways to Make Spaghetti with Garlic and Olive Oil

There are two ways you can make the hot sizzling oil spaghetti and it all depends on how you want the garlic…the “aglio” in our aglio olio! Both versions only take 20 minutes to get on the table! I’ll walk you through each method. Before you start, make sure you get some water heating up and boil your pasta until al dente.

Toasted Garlic

1. Mix: Place all the herbs and spices in a shallow bowl and mix to combine.
2. Heat: Add the oil to a small saucepan and heat over medium heat. When the oil is shimmering, add the garlic and let it toast.
   • PRO TIP: Pay close attention to the garlic because it will brown quickly and you do