Turn Charro Beans into FRIJOLES PUERCOS with this recipe (Mexican Restaurant Refried Porky Beans)

Turn Charro Beans into FRIJOLES PUERCOS with this recipe (Mexican Restaurant Refried Porky Beans) is a medium Mexican recipe that serves 8. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by ArnieTex on YouTube.

Prep: 30 min | Cook: 4 hrs 30 min | Total: 5 hrs 15 min

Cost: $34.34 total, $4.29 per serving

Ingredients

  • 8 cups Pinto Beans (dry, rinsed; optional soak overnight)
  • 20 cups Water (for slow cooking)
  • 4 tablespoons Ariasada Charro Bean Seasoning (store‑bought blend; can substitute homemade mix of salt, pepper, garlic powder, cumin, chili powder)
  • 8 oz Mexican Chorizo (casing removed, crumbled)
  • 8 oz Salt Pork (cubed into small pieces)
  • 4 strips Bacon (cut lengthwise then crosswise into bite‑size pieces)
  • 2 pieces Hot Dog Wiener (cut into quarters)
  • 0.5 cup Pork Skin (Queto) (cleaned, diced 3/4‑1 inch cubes)
  • 2 small White Onion (diced)
  • 4 pieces Roma Tomatoes (diced)
  • 4 pieces Jalapeños (slit lengthwise; seeds optional for less heat)
  • 3 oz Chipotle Peppers in Adobo (canned, chopped)
  • 3 oz Shredded Chihuahua Cheese (melts smoothly)
  • 3 oz Wajaka Cheese (shredded; similar to Oaxaca cheese)
  • 2 oz Queso Fresco (crumbled for topping)

Instructions

  1. Combine Beans, Water, and Seasoning

    Rinse 8 cups dry pinto beans and place them in the slow cooker. Add 20 cups water and stir in 4 Tbsp Ariasada Charro Bean Seasoning until dissolved.

    Time: PT10M

  2. Initial Bean Cooking

    Set the slow cooker to HIGH and cook for 45 minutes, allowing the beans to swell and absorb water but remain slightly firm.

    Time: PT45M

  3. Prep the Meats

    While beans cook, cube 8 oz salt pork, cut 4 strips bacon lengthwise then crosswise, quarter 2 hot‑dog wieners, and crumble the 8 oz chorizo (casing removed).

    Time: PT15M

  4. Add Meats to Beans

    After the 45‑minute mark, add all prepared meats (salt pork, bacon, hot dogs, chorizo) to the slow cooker and stir to combine.

    Time: PT5M

  5. Add Pork Skin (Queto)

    Stir in ½ cup diced pork skin (queto) for extra gelatinous richness.

    Time: PT2M

  6. Slow Simmer

    Cover and continue cooking on LOW for 2 hours, then switch to HIGH for an additional 1 hour, until all meats are tender and beans are fully cooked.

    Time: PT3H

  7. Prep Vegetables

    Dice 2 small white onions and 4 Roma tomatoes. Slit 4 jalapeños lengthwise (remove seeds if less heat is desired).

    Time: PT10M

  8. Add Vegetables

    Stir the diced onion, tomato, and jalapeños into the slow cooker.

    Time: PT5M

  9. Final Vegetable Cooking

    Cook on LOW for another 45 minutes until vegetables are soft and flavors meld.

    Time: PT45M

  10. Blend Cheese Sauce

    Transfer about 2 cups of the hot bean mixture to a deep bowl. Add 3 oz shredded Chihuahua cheese, 3 oz Wajaka cheese, and 3 oz chopped chipotle peppers. Use an immersion blender on low speed to emulsify into a smooth, creamy sauce.

    Time: PT10M

  11. Incorporate Cheese Sauce

    Pour the blended cheese sauce back into the slow cooker, stir gently, and let cook on LOW for 5 minutes until the cheeses are fully melted and incorporated.

    Time: PT5M

  12. Serve

    Ladle the hot beans into bowls, sprinkle with crumbled queso fresco, and serve with warm flour tortillas or tortilla chips. Enjoy immediately.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
15 g
Carbohydrates
45 g
Fat
12 g
Fiber
8 g

Dietary info: gluten‑free, contains dairy, contains pork

Allergens: pork, dairy

Last updated: April 7, 2026

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Turn Charro Beans into FRIJOLES PUERCOS with this recipe (Mexican Restaurant Refried Porky Beans)

Recipe by ArnieTex

A hearty Mexican‑style bean dish packed with pinto beans, chorizo, bacon, salt pork, hot dogs, pork skin, fresh veggies and three melty cheeses. Slow‑cooked for flavor, then finished with an immersion‑blended cheese sauce. Perfect as a side for carne asada, tacos, or served with warm flour tortillas.

MediumMexicanServes 8

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
27m
Prep
5h 10m
Cook
40m
Cleanup
6h 17m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$34.34
Total cost
$4.29
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Combine Beans, Water, and Seasoning
  • Add Meats to Beans
  • Add Pork Skin (Queto)
  • Add Vegetables
  • Blend Cheese Sauce
  • Incorporate Cheese Sauce

Safety Warnings

  • Handle raw pork with clean hands and sanitize all surfaces to avoid cross‑contamination.
  • Beware of hot steam when opening the slow cooker after long cooking.
  • Wear gloves when cutting jalapeños to prevent skin irritation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Charro Pork Beans (Foles Piccos) in Mexican cuisine?

A

Charro beans, known as "frijoles charros," originated as a hearty breakfast for Mexican cowboys (charros) who needed protein and energy for long rides. The dish combines beans with pork, chorizo, and spices, reflecting the rustic, meat‑rich cooking of northern Mexico and Texas.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Charro Pork Beans (Foles Piccos) in Texas‑style Mexican cooking?

A

In South Texas, cooks often add pork skin (queto) and hot dog wieners for extra texture, while in central Mexico the recipe may omit the hot dogs and use only chorizo and bacon. Some regions also add tomatillos or cilantro for brightness.

cultural
Q

How is Charro Pork Beans (Foles Piccos) traditionally served in Mexican gatherings?

A

They are typically served hot in a large bowl, topped with crumbled queso fresco, and accompanied by warm flour tortillas or crunchy tortilla chips. In many families the beans are a side to carne asada, grilled steak, or used as a filling for tortas.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Charro Pork Beans (Foles Piccos) traditionally associated with in Mexican and Tex‑Mex culture?

A

Charro beans are a staple at barbecues, family picnics, and weekend gatherings, especially when grilling carne asada or brisket. They are also popular at Mexican holidays like Cinco de Mayo and Independence Day celebrations.

cultural
Q

What authentic traditional ingredients are essential for Charro Pork Beans (Foles Piccos) and what are acceptable substitutes?

A

Key ingredients are pinto beans, Mexican chorizo, salt pork, bacon, and the charro bean seasoning blend. Substitutes include using ground pork with chili spices for chorizo, pork belly for salt pork, and Monterey Jack cheese instead of Chihuahua or Wajaka.

cultural
Q

What other Mexican dishes pair well with Charro Pork Beans (Foles Piccos)?

A

They pair beautifully with grilled carne asada, chicken fajitas, Mexican rice, fresh guacamole, and a side of pico de gallo. A cold cerveza or margarita completes the meal.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Charro Pork Beans (Foles Piccos) at home?

A

Common errors include adding the meat too early (which can overcook it), forgetting the pork skin (which adds the signature gelatinous texture), and not stirring enough during the cheese‑blending step, leading to scorching. Follow the timing steps closely for best results.

technical
Q

Why does this Charro Pork Beans (Foles Piccos) recipe add pork skin (queto) after the meat, instead of at the beginning?

A

Pork skin needs time to soften but also benefits from the hot broth created later. Adding it after the initial meat ensures it cooks evenly without disintegrating, giving the beans a rich, silky mouthfeel.

technical
Q

Can I make Charro Pork Beans (Foles Piccos) ahead of time and how should I store them?

A

Yes. Cool the beans completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze in freezer‑safe bags for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when Charro Pork Beans (Foles Piccos) are done cooking?

A

The beans should be tender but not mushy, with a thick, broth‑laden sauce. The meat pieces should be soft, and the pork skin should appear gelatinous and slightly translucent. The cheese should be fully melted, giving the broth a creamy, amber hue.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel ArnieTex specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel ArnieTex focuses on Texas‑style Mexican cooking, barbecue techniques, and creative party‑trick recipes that blend traditional flavors with modern twists.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel ArnieTex's approach to Mexican cooking differ from other Mexican cooking channels?

A

ArnieTex emphasizes bold, meat‑forward dishes, uses a lot of smoked and charred elements, and often incorporates Texas barbecue equipment like slow cookers and smokers, giving classic Mexican recipes a distinctive Tex‑Mex flair.

channel

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