Are you craving a hearty, flavorful, and surprisingly easy meal? Look no further than this amazing Crock Pot Charro Bean recipe! Perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend gatherings, these tender, richly seasoned beans are a crowd-pleaser. This easy recipe is a fantastic example of how homemade cooking can be both delicious and quick, offering a healthy and satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Get ready to experience the magic of slow cooking with this simple yet impressive dish!
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 (15-ounce) cans pinto beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
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Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and bell peppers and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This simple step adds depth of flavor to your charro beans.
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Combine Ingredients in Crock Pot: Transfer the sautéed vegetables to your slow cooker. Add the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, pinto beans, kidney beans, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, cayenne pepper (if using), smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
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Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the beans are tender and the flavors have melded beautifully. The longer they simmer, the more intense the flavors become.
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Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving. These delicious charro beans are fantastic as a side dish, a hearty vegetarian main course, or a delicious topping for tacos, burritos, or nachos.
Tips for the Best Charro Beans:
- Don't rinse the diced tomatoes: The juice from the canned diced tomatoes adds extra flavor and liquid to the slow cooker.
- Adjust the spice level: Feel free to adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your preferred level of spiciness. Beginners might want to omit it entirely, while spice enthusiasts can add more.
- Add some bacon or chorizo: For a richer, meatier flavor, try adding 4-6 slices of cooked bacon or 1/2 cup of crumbled chorizo to the slow cooker along with the vegetables.
- Make it a complete meal: Serve your Charro beans with rice, cornbread, or your favorite tortilla chips for a filling and satisfying meal.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Charro Beans: Simply omit the bacon or chorizo for a delicious vegetarian version.
- Spicy Charro Beans: Add a diced jalapeño pepper along with the other vegetables for an extra kick.
- Southwestern Charro Beans: Add a tablespoon of your favorite southwestern seasoning blend for a bolder flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: Approximately 10-12 grams
- Fiber: Approximately 10-12 grams
This easy crock pot charro bean recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a delicious and healthy meal that's sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy this simple yet flavorful dish – a perfect example of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals combined!