Low Fat Authentic Charro Beans

Enjoy the bold, savory flavors of Mexico with this Low Fat Authentic Charro Beans recipe—a healthier twist on a traditional favorite. Packed with protein-rich pinto beans and simmered to perfection with aromatic garlic, onion, and spices like cumin and oregano, this dish delivers authentic taste without the extra fat. Fresh Roma tomatoes, diced jalapeño, and a generous dose of cilantro brighten the flavors, while low-sodium chicken broth creates a rich, satisfying base. Perfect as a hearty side dish or a stand-alone vegetarian option (just swap the broth!), this recipe is easy to prepare and ideal for meal prep, serving up to eight. With its straightforward cooking process and overnight soaking method, these tender, flavorful beans make a wholesome, guilt-free addition to tacos, rice bowls, or weekend barbecues.

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:120 mins

Total Time:140 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 2 cups dried pinto beans
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 medium Roma tomatoes, diced
• 1 medium jalapeño pepper, diced
• 1 cup cilantro, chopped
• 7 cups water
• 2 cups low sodium chicken broth
• 1 leaf bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Rinse and sort the dried pinto beans to remove any debris or damaged beans.

Step 2

Place the beans in a large pot and cover with water, allowing them to soak overnight, or use quick soak method by boiling for 5 minutes and let them sit for an hour.

Step 3

Drain and rinse the soaked beans.

Step 4

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 5

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 6

Add the diced tomatoes and jalapeño pepper, stirring and cooking for another 5 minutes.

Step 7

Pour in the soaked beans, water, and chicken broth. Add the bay leaf, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper.

Step 8

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beans are tender.

Step 9

Remove the bay leaf and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Step 10

Stir in the chopped cilantro just before serving and enjoy hot.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3003.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	807.2

Total Fat 19.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 2.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.2g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 4419.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 124.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 43.8g	0%
Total Sugars 11.8g
Protein 47.0g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 497.1mg	0%
Iron 16.7mg	0%
Potassium 2956.0mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 20.5%

Protein: 21.7%

Carbs: 57.7%