Instant Pot Charro Beans are a great side or even a full meal with cornbread on the side! Have you ever forgotten to soak the beans prior night? Have you ever cooked dried beans in your Instant-Pot? This best Instant -Pot Charro beans recipe is a great place to start with and get your hands adjusted to the Instant-pot! It can be served as a main dish topped with Pico de Gallo and tortilla or Mexican fiesta rice on the side! Video Recipe included
Why Make Charro Beans in and Instant Pot?
Charro Beans is a super flavorful dish, however it requires a good amount of time to make them. Soaking them overnight, and slow cook them for the best flavor. It requires a whole lot of time. What if i told you that you can get the same authentic flavor with fraction of a time and NO SOAKING !! Interested? Charro Beans is actually Pinto beans, so if you search for Charro beans and you get results for Pinto beans, you may be on the right page. Making Charro Beans in an Instant Pot takes less than an hour and not have to worry about whether it is cooked properly or not. Get the guesswork out of your cooking by using the Instant Pot. Best part of this recipe is that it is a dump and start recipe!
What is Charro Beans? / Why is Pinto beans called Charro Beans?
Charro Beans Is An Authentic Mexican Recipe from the northern part Of Mexico .“Charro” actually means traditional horseman or cowboy in Spanish🤠🤠 this is why we might sometimes see this recipe titled “Cowboy Beans.” Charro beans is nothing but pinto beans prepared in a specific way and ingredients. For my Indian friends, when fully cooked, these beans are similar in taste to Kidney beans or Rajma as we commonly call it .
This best Instant-pot Charro Beans recipes is one of those dump and forget about it instant-pot meals. Its is a perfect option for your fall nights! Full of hearty protein & fiber, these beans are great for warming you up and keeping you nourished. I love using pinto beans because they are a little bit thicker and they’ve got more texture to them. They go really well with the thicker puree and the creamy texture here.
What do we need to make Vegan Charro beans?
Pinto Beans: You are going to need a lot of pinto beans to make this recipe. You can find bags of them anywhere, including online. When I make Charro Beans, I tend to make a lot of extra beans so that I can freeze them. Make sure you clean the debris by thoroughly rinsing them in cold water.
Pablano Peppers: The secret to this spicy, delicious, vegetarian charro beans is poblano peppers. You should ideally have the remaining spices in your pantry.Poblano (Capsicum annuum) is a mild chilli pepper originating in the state of Puebla, If you’re wondering how hot a pepper is specifically, it measures 1,000 to 2,000 Scoville heat units.
Instant-pot: You don’t have to use an Instant-pot to make these, but you definitely can. I love this instant pot – it works perfectly and I use it multiple times every week.
The Instant-Pot charro Beans recipe is so easy to make in instant-pot. It’s perfect for the chilly winter weather coming up in the next couple of months. All you have to do is throw everything into the Instant-pot and press a button and dinner is served.
What’s the Difference Between Charro Beans and Refried Beans?
Charro Beans and Refried beans are made from Pinto Beans. Possibly that is the only similarity between them in terms of flavor and texture. Refried beans are cooked pinto beans that are mashed together and usually broth / lard is added for flavor. It has a nice, smooth and creamy texture. Charro Beans are usually cooked with Ham or pork rinds to add additional flavors, however this Charro Beans recipe is perfectly vegetarian and does not need the meat for infusion of additional flavors.
Do you need to soak Pinto Beans for making Charro Beans?
Did you forget to soak the beans overnight? Not to worry. Cooking in the Instant-pot basically, means you don’t have to baby sit the Charro Beans. It’s done in about 45 mins. Soaking the Charro Beans helps cook the Pinto beans quicker, however you really do not have to soak them. These are the best kind of recipes for us busy people. Or people who don’t love to spend all their time in the kitchen. This is the instant-pot I have and I love it.
Does Authentic Mexican Charro Beans required meat?
Like most recipes, there are various versions of the recipe depending upon locality. Depending on what part of Mexico you are in, there are slight variations depending upon the ingredients and spices. This Easy Charro Bean recipe also happens to be vegetarian, and EASILY vegan if you skip the sour cream and cheese garnish. It’s so warm, comforting and delicious, it doesn’t even need meat. OK you guys, bust out that Instant-Pot and start cooking!!
This uber easy and crazy flavorful Vegetarian Charro beans can be made in a pressure cooker, slow cooker, or on the stove, making it one of our favorite make-ahead recipes! You can add some heat to it by including chipotle peppers or jalapeños together with the tomato, onion, and cilantro.
Pin the best Charro Beans recipe for later.
How to make Instant-pot charro beans – Video Recipe?
I brought this to a Potluck a few weeks back and it was a huge hit, which confirmed that I needed to share it on the blog. So, I really hope you enjoy it and make it for your loved ones!
Best Instant-Pot Charro Beans
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion diced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tomato diced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 pablano pepper
- 1 pound dry pinto beans thoroughly rinsed
- 5 cups low sodium veggie broth / water (1/2 cup more for well done)
- Salt to taste
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 bay leaves
Instructions
- Using an electric pressure cooker, set to saute. Add olive oil.
- Add Minced garlic & chopped Poblano pepper.
- Add in the onion , tomato, and tomato paste . Cook until tender.
- Add salt to taste, cumin powder, paprika,dried oregano .
- Add in the beans and broth. drop in the bay leaves.
- Cook on high pressure for 45 minutes/ 50 minutes for well done. Allow a complete natural release.
- Serve Immediately.
- Optional - garnish with pico de Gallo, cilantro, and avocado
Notes
If you want to speed up cooking time, soak for 3 hours before, then cut 10 minutes off the cook time.
Remember it takes time for the instant pot to prepare the desired pressure, so keep that in mind. To speed things up, I like to use hot water.
Let naturally release for a time, but after 15 minutes you can just quick release.
Use 1/2 cup of water/broth more and 50 minutes of cook for restaurant like mushy texture / well done beans.
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Erin says
What is the serving size? I need to feed 8 people, as a side dish. Should I double the recipe?
Soniya Saluja says
Hi Erin, this recipe serves 4-6 people. You could double the recipe if you don’t mind some leftovers 😀
Beebe says
OMG. These are now on my ‘regular menu’ rotation. Wonderful way to fix my Pintos, such flavor and so easy. I am plant-based Vegan -and don’t eat Oils…so I left out the oil…not missed at all. I didn’t have the pepper so I sub’d one small can green chilies. I just put all ingredients in and set time. Yumm… I am so excited to have found this recipe! THX.
Soniya Saluja says
Hi Beebe, we are so pleased to hear that ❤ yes this recipe is easily Adaptable and you can omit oil too. Next time when you go for grocery shopping do get few poblano peppers and do make it .. you will be amazed with the flavor profile you get with it :) xoxo
Ps. One more recipe you will definitely love spicy thai peanut noodles from our blog.
j_hink says
This is the best beans recipe EVER! Thank you for posting your recipe. I didn’t have a poblano pepper, so I substituted a 7-oz. can of chopped green chiles. I heated my homemade vegetable broth before I added it to the pot to reduce the time it took to reach full pressure. I’m glad I went with the longer 50-minute pressure cook time. A full natural release took about 50 more minutes.
Soniya Saluja says
Hi J , So glad to hear that <3Thanks for sharing your feedback with us .Hope you try our other recipes xoxo
Debbie says
Hello! I made this for my husband today and he went crazy over it :D Thank you for such a tasty recipe. We’ll definitely be adding this to our “Favorites”. He topped it with pico de Gallo.
Soniya Saluja says
Hi Debbie ,Thanks for sharing your experience with us.Hope you try our other recipes xoxo
Madame says
I make mine a little differently. I start with sautéing diced bacon then add onion and garlic. I also add tomato, but I use more fresh and skip the paste. I use a Serrano pepper instead of a poblano. I make a slit in the Serrano and add it whole. In place of all the spices, I add a huge handful of cilantro leaves and stems. This is my mother-in-law’s recipe. She is from northern Mexico.
Melisa Martin-Livingston says
I’m using Better Than Bullion. Do I use that with 5 cups of water or do I use 5 cups of water & 5 cups of the bullion/water mixture?
Soniya Saluja says
Hi Melisa, the liquid in this recipe is 5 cups.add the better then bullion in the water or broth and add it in the dish. Hope this helps :) Do share your experience with us!!
Anita Kersting says
I made this for me and my kids on New Years Eve… and we all LOVED it. Absolutely DELICIOUS! I did end up adding cubed up ham but I’m sure it would have been just as good without it. Thank you for sharing.
Soniya Saluja says
Hey Anita, we are so glad to hear that ❤️❤️ do try other IP or non IP Recipes from the blog😁 Happy New year 🎊🎉
Priscilla Jacko says
Best pinto beans ever!! I don’t use oil just dump everything in Instant Pot and cooked so good over brown rice
Soniya Saluja says
Hwy Priscilla ,we are so glad to hear that 😁❤️
Melissa says
The second recipe I made in my new Instant Pot and they turned out great. They were a tiny bit underdone after 45 minutes so I cooked them for an additional 5 and they were perfect. Very flavorful as written but I might up the spice the next time. Served with cornbread and salad for a complete meal…yum!
Soniya Saluja says
We are so happy to hear that to tried and liked this charro beans recipe. 😁💖
Madison Pollard says
This recipe looks absolutely mouth watering and perfect for the cold weather! Thanks for sharing!
Soniya Saluja says
My pleasure… Do give it a try :)
Sarah White says
These look so great! I really need to get on this Instant Pot train!
Soniya Saluja says
Hi Sarah, it’s never too late.. get yours and start cooking :)
izzydavid says
As (mostly) vegetarians, we’re always looking for recipes with beans. And we love soup! And we’ve never heard of charro beans. So excited to try this recipe! x
Isabella David Vintage
http://www.IsabellaDavid.com
Life With Mojita says
I’ve always wanted an instant pot and now I have another reason to buy one!
Kate says
I’m now drooling over these beans with some Pico de Gallo on top. Plus, I love the cornbread complement. Looks like my perfect lunch for tomorrow!
Luci Cook says
This dish looks really delicious. My dad would really enjoy this so I’ll have to make this.
Jennifer Maune (@jennifer_maune) says
Love trying new instant pot recipes and this one looks so good! Will definitely after to try it with the mexican rice!
-Jennifer
https://maunelegacy.com
ELENA says
This looks delightful! My Instapot hates me, but I think I will definitely give this a try and maybe it will start liking me after this delicousness!
lauren says
I love finding now Instant Pot recipes and this looks great! Thank you for sharing!
Stine Mari says
This looks really comforting and tasty!
Soniya Saluja says
Thanks Stine, hope you give it a try!
Sandi says
I haven’t tried beans yet in the Instant Pot, but I need too. This would save so much time!
Stephanie says
I’m a big fan of Mexican food as well. I didn’t know charro beans were pinto beans. Good to know though since I really love pinto beans. I still don’t have an Instant pot but I’m seeing more & more reasons to have one.
Soniya Saluja says
Thanks Stephanie, lots of people really don’t know that ;) my hubby was one of them ,😁😂 do invest in one it’s totally worth it!
Danielle says
These sound very comforting. They would be good with a rice/quinoa mix too.
Soniya Saluja says
Thanks Danielle! Yes they go perfectly with rice and quinoq or even dinner rolls ;)
Tayler Ross says
I’m always looking for new recipes to use in my Instant Pot! This looks great!
Soniya Saluja says
Happy to hear you found a new recipe to try in your instant pot.. do share your experience with us !
Lathiya says
How lovely it is cook in instant pot…it makes life easier…the beans looks absolutely delicious
Soniya Saluja says
Thanks lathiya, totally agree :) do give the charro beans a try. !