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I once heard someone question another's Latino-ness by asking if they cooked a pot of beans every week. It's like Selena's dad famously expressed, the struggle of not being Mexican enough for the Mexicans and American enough for the Americans. But all we really want is some good food for our families with traditional flavors that we love, everyday.
It's all a balancing act, just like meal planning. I love being prepared and efficient with planning all our meals and grocery shopping for the week, but I also have to be smart and realistic with the busyness that Back To School and Fall brings.
My balanced backup plan is to pair family size frozen meals with homemade staples. Stouffers Family Size Fiesta Bank and Family Size Stuffed Bell Peppers pair great with charro beans! And charro beans are also a great side to prepare and freeze.
To cook charro beans, my favorite and easiest method is in the crock pot. Here's how:
Step 1: Place 1 lb. of dry beans in a colander. Rinse and comb through removing little rocks and cracked or dried up beans.
Step 2: Cook bacon. Chop and set aside. You could also do this step 1st.
TIP: You could also cook bacon prior to making the beans. I often cook all the bacon in the morning for breakfast and use the leftovers for beans later that day.
Step 3: Pour beans into slow cooker and cover with water, about 6 cups. Add bacon, minced garlic, ground comino and chili powder. Optional is adding a jalapeño and the bacon grease from earlier. Cook on low for 7-8 hours or on low for 3-5 hours.
Step 4: In the last hour, Stir in chopped cilantro and canned diced tomatoes. Cook for another hour and use salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: To freeze beans, let cool first. Write the date on gallon sized freezer bags before pouring in the beans. Fill with 2 cups of charro beans. This size is similar to a larger can of beans you would buy at the store.
I purchased Stouffer's Family Sized Stuffed Peppers and Large Family Sized Fiesta Bake Frozen Meals at Walmart and now I'm stocked for a super busy or "hey, Mom needs a break from cooking" day! I love these two dishes because they don't already have beans in them, so it's not a bean overload. Not that that is every really a problem for us. :)
From July 25 to September 15, when you purchase any two (2) 30 oz. or larger Stouffers products and at least one (1) refrigerated Tollhouse cookie dough product at a participating Walmart store you can get a $5 Walmart egift card! Check out the dates and complete rules to find out how HERE!
Step 1 - Purchase products
Step 2 - Take a photo of your receipt, the image must be clear and legible, with the purchase date included and showing the qualified purchase.
Step 3 - Text NESTLEFAMILY to 35350
Step 4 - Once confirming you want to participate by responding 'YES', you will be prompted to send the image of your receipt.
If you are looking for more everyday, good food, family meals, this Pinterest board has plenty!