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Mexican charro lentils (aka Mexican cowboy lentils) are tender, earthy tasty with smoky flavors from the bacon chorizo, and hotdogs, all cooked in a rich tomato broth. They make the perfect side dish, plus they are delicious just as they are or served with tortilla for dipping. Loaded with meaty, smoky flavors and bright herbs, the lentils get topped with a tangy Mexican cream to balance them out. This recipe is definitely a crowd-pleaser and needs to be added to your list of favorite Mexican food recipes.

A pot of Mexican charro lentils (Mexican cowboy lentils) topped with chopped tomatoes, jalapeño slices, cilantro, and diced bacon sits on the table, accompanied by additional sliced jalapeños and a bowl of fresh tomatoes nearby.

Make the most incredible charro lentils (Mexican cowboy lentils) packed with three kinds of meat, fresh tomatoes, herbs, and a kick from the jalapeno.

If you loved this lentil and sausage soup, check out these lentil recipes. Don’t miss my simple lentil soup, or this Italian-style zuppa di lenticchie.

A bowl of Mexican charro lentils (Mexican cowboy lentils) topped with jalapeno slices, sour cream, and cilantro, surrounded by two more bowls of the same stew on a gray surface. A spoon is placed in the bowl.

Why You’ll Love It

Hearty and satisfying: While light, Mexican cowboy lentils are also packed with satisfying, cozy textures and flavors.
Simple and quick: With easy-to-follow steps and minimal prep time, you can have a delicious meal on the table without hassle.
Leftover perfection: The flavors meld and intensify, making it even more delicious the next day – great for meal prep and leftovers.

A spoonful of charro lentils stew with tomatoes and green chili is held above a pot containing more of the flavorful mixture.

Mexican Cowboy Lentils Ingredients

A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.

Bacon: Adds a rich, smoky flavor and crispy texture to Mexican lentil soup.
Chorizo: Gives the lentils the most wonderful smokiness and spice.
Hotdogs: Adds a lovely, meaty heartiness. Try it with sweet Italian sausage or any favorite sausage.
Roma tomatoes: Fresh, diced tomatoes for juiciness – choose ripe, bright red tomatoes.
Jalapenos: Seeded and diced for a moderate heat and vibrant flavor.
Lentils: Brown lentils are lovely in this recipe.
Beef or chicken broth: Homemade or store-bought will both work in your sausage lentil soup. Use a good quality broth or chicken stock to add flavor.
Mexican oregano: Herby goodness that deepens the flavors of this recipe.
Cumin: Adds warm, earthy undertones.
Mexican cream: A creamy, tangy topping to balance the heat.

Assorted ingredients in bowls on a countertop, including chopped onions, sliced sausage, diced tomatoes, ground meat, chopped peppers, garlic, lime, broth for charro lentils, bacon, spices, and herbs.

How to Make Charro Lentils

For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.

Cook the meat: In a deep sauté pan, cook the bacon and chorizo until browned.
Add vegetables: Add the hotdogs, tomatoes, jalapenos, onion, and garlic to the pan. Continue cooking for 3 to 4 minutes.
Combine lentils and spices: Add the lentils and spices to the pan. Pour in the broth.
Simmer: Cook over medium heat for an hour, stirring occasionally.
Serve: When the lentils are soft, serve with cilantro, lime, and Mexican cream.

Close-up of a spoon scooping a hearty stew of Mexican charro lentils (Mexican cowboy lentils) with sliced sausage, diced tomatoes, and topped with a slice of green chili pepper and a garnish of fresh cilantro.

Substitutions and Variations

Bacon swap: Substitute with turkey bacon or pancetta for a different flavor profile or a leaner option.
Chorizo: Use a hot Italian sausage, Andouille sausage, or a plant-based sausage for a different twist. A mild Italian sausage is fine too.
Hot dogs: Swap with smoked sausage, pork sausage, turkey sausage or kielbasa, or leave it out entirely. Any cooked sausage will do.
Roma tomatoes: If fresh tomatoes are unavailable, replace them with canned diced tomatoes. Tomato paste is great, too. End off the recipe with a splash of extra virgin olive oil to complement the tomatoes.
Lentils: Brown lentils work, or try other lentils, like yellow or green lentils, in this recipe.
Jalapenos: Use serrano peppers for more heat or bell peppers for a milder version. Add hot sauce instead of whole chilis if you like.
Creamy charro lentils: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end for a creamier texture. Use fresh cilantro instead of Mexican oregano in this instance.
Cheesy charro lentils: Sprinkle shredded cheese on top before serving and let it melt for a cheesy finish.

A bowl of chili topped with sour cream, fresh cilantro, jalapeno slices, and diced tomatoes sits front and center. A hint of charro lentils adds a unique twist. Other bowls of chili are visible in the background.

Serving Suggestions

Appetizer: Start with slow cooker jalapeno popper dip or a batch of marinated olives and feta.
Main: Serve your lentil sausage soup as a main or side to BBQ chicken.
Dessert: Finish off with mango mousse or something fresh like a berry jello dessert.

A skillet filled with Mexican charro lentils (Mexican cowboy lentils) topped with fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, and sliced jalapeños sits on a kitchen countertop beside a cut lime and a bowl of more sliced jalapeños.

How to Store Charro Lentils

Store: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezer: May be frozen for up to 3 months.
Thaw: Place frozen lentils in the refrigerator overnight to thaw.
Reheat: Reheat on the stovetop over a medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.

Three bowls of charro lentil chili garnished with sour cream, chopped tomatoes, jalapeño slices, and cilantro, each with a spoon.

Top Tips

Meat options: You can use any meat you prefer. While traditional Mexican lentils use bacon, chorizo, and hotdogs, you can opt for hamburgers, bacon, and sausage.
Soaking: You can soak the lentils overnight to help them cook quicker.
Lentil texture: Check the lentils periodically to ensure they reach your desired tenderness without becoming mushy.
Stir gently: Stir occasionally to prevent the lentils from sticking to the bottom, but avoid over-stirring to maintain their shape.
Garnish generously: Don’t skimp on the cilantro, lime, and Mexican cream, as they add a fresh, tangy contrast to the savory lentils.

A black skillet filled with red lentil dal garnished with sliced jalapeños, chopped tomatoes, cilantro, and diced bacon evokes the flavors of charro lentils. A blue and white napkin is partially visible beside the skillet.

Mexican Charro Lentil FAQs

Can I use canned lentils? 

While fresh lentils are recommended for the best texture, you can use canned lentils in a pinch. Just reduce the cooking time since canned lentils are already cooked.

Is this lentil soup with sausage dish gluten-free? 

The base recipe is gluten-free, but ensure that the hotdogs and chorizo you use are gluten-free as well.

How can I control the spice level? 

To reduce the spice, use fewer jalapenos and opt for a mild chorizo. For more heat, leave the seeds in the jalapenos or add extra hot peppers like serranoes.

Three bowls of rice and sausage topped with sour cream, sliced jalapeños, and cilantro. Surrounding the bowls are lime wedges, chopped tomatoes, cilantro, charro lentils, whole peppers, and a wooden cutting board.

Mexican Cowoboy Lentils Recipe

A black pot filled with Mexican charro lentils (Mexican cowboy lentils) in a tomato-based sauce, topped with fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, and crispy bacon pieces.
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5 from 1 vote

Charro Lentils

By: Bella Bucchiotti
Make the most incredible charro lentils packed with three kinds of meat, fresh tomatoes, herbs, and a kick from the jalapeno.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 6

Equipment

Ingredients 

  • 6 Slices bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 8 Ounces chorizo
  • 4 hot dogs, thinly sliced
  • 2 roma tomatoes, diced
  • 2 jalapenos, seeded and diced
  • 1 Cup onion, diced
  • 1 Tablespoon garlic, minced
  • 2 Cups lentils
  • 6 Cups chicken broth, or beef broth
  • 2 Teaspoons salt
  • 2 Teaspoons black pepper
  • 1 Teaspoon Mexican oregano
  • 1 Teaspoon ground cumin

To Serve:

  • cilantro, crema (Mexican cream), lime wedges, and jalapeno slices
  • crema, Mexican cream
  • lime, wedged
  • jalapeno, sliced

Instructions 

  • In a deep sauté pan, cook the bacon and chorizo.
  • Add the hotdogs, tomatoes, jalapenos, onion and garlic and continue cooking for 3 to 4 minutes.
  • Add the lentils, spices and pour in the broth.
  • Cook over medium heat for an hour. Stir occasionally.
  • When the lentils are soft, serve with some cilantro, lime, and Mexican cream.

Notes

Meat options: You can use any meat you prefer. While traditional Mexican lentils use bacon, chorizo, and hotdogs, you can opt for hamburgers, bacon, and sausage.
Soaking: You can soak the lentils overnight to help them cook quicker.
Lentil texture: Check the lentils periodically to ensure they reach your desired tenderness without becoming mushy.
Stir gently: Stir occasionally to prevent the lentils from sticking to the bottom, but avoid over-stirring to maintain their shape.
Garnish generously: Don’t skimp on the cilantro, lime, and Mexican cream, as they add a fresh, tangy contrast to the savory lentils.

Nutrition

Calories: 411kcal | Carbohydrates: 47g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 29mg | Sodium: 1943mg | Potassium: 773mg | Fiber: 21g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 396IU | Vitamin C: 14mg | Calcium: 63mg | Iron: 7mg
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Various ingredients are arranged in bowls on a gray surface, including chopped onion, sliced sausage, diced tomato, ground meat, chopped peppers, a lime, spices for charro lentils, broth, and raw bacon, among others.
A black pan with chopped onions, bacon, and a red spice mix, being stirred with a wooden spoon. Surrounding the pan are bowls of diced tomatoes, sliced sausages, chopped green peppers, cilantro, cream, and charro lentils.
A pot containing a mixture of chopped vegetables, sausage slices, and various seasonings being stirred with a wooden spoon. Ingredients like charro lentils, lime, cilantro, and a small pitcher are placed nearby.
A large pan filled with a mixture of diced vegetables, grains, and charro lentils. Fresh cilantro, a lime, a container of broth, a small pitcher of cream, and salt and pepper shakers are placed around the pan.
A pot of savory tomato-based soup with vegetables and chunks of meat, reminiscent of charro lentils, sits invitingly on a gray countertop. Nearby are a wooden spoon, salt and pepper shakers, lime, cilantro, and a small cup of cream.
A skillet filled with a cooked, orange-red charro lentil dish topped with chopped tomatoes, slices of jalapeño, and cilantro. In the background, there are bowls with extra ingredients.

This recipe for charro lentils gives you perfectly earthy lentils infused with smoky flavors from bacon, chorizo, and hotdogs, all simmered in a rich tomato broth. They make an excellent side dish but are equally yummy on their own. These lentils are brimming with meaty, smoky goodness and aromatic herbs.

Other Vegetable Recipes to Try

Charro lentils, also known as Mexican cowboy lentils, simmering in a pot with vibrant jalapeño slices, juicy tomatoes, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
A spoonful of flavorful charro lentils with diced vegetables and a jalapeño slice, held over a pan brimming with the same hearty dish. The text "Charro Lentils" is prominently displayed at the top, inviting you to dive into this savory delight.
Bella Bucchiotti

Bella Bucchiotti is a Canadian-based syndicated food, travel, and lifestyle writer, photographer, and creator at xoxoBella. She founded xoxoBella in 2015, where she shares her love for food, dogs, sustainability, fitness, crafts, outdoor adventures, travel, and philanthropy to encourage others to run the extra mile, try new recipes, visit unfamiliar places, and stand for a cause. Bella creates stress-free and family-friendly recipes for weeknight dinners and festive feasts.

 

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5 from 1 vote

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