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    You are here Home » Recipes » food

    By: Melissa

    Texas Borracho Beans (Frijoles Borracho)

    Borracho beans, also called drunken beans (because of the beer added) or frijoles borracho are pinto beans that are simmered in meat, beer, stock and aromatics. The end result is a delicious and hearty meal that goes perfectly with some warm tortillas. You're gonna want to try this borracho beans recipe, trust me!

    borracho beans in pot
    Jump to Recipe
    Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes

    About these borracho beans:

    Borracho beans or frijoles borracho are called drunken beans because they are cooked in beer. Not just any beer of course, Mexican beer! This borracho beans recipe is very similar to charro beans except charro beans do not have any beer added.

    These frijoles borracho gets its flavor from the pinto beans that are slow cooked in a rich broth flavored with stock, beer, bacon and aromatics yielding a wonderful and filling meal.

    This borracho beans recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a more budget friendly meal since dried beans and bacon and all the other ingredients are budget friendly. If you've seen our other beans recipes, like our Cuban black beans or cannellini beans with pancetta, you know we love making complete meals out of them.

    drunken beans in pot

    Ingredients you will need:

    1. Dried pinto beans
    2. Bacon
    3. Mexican beer
    4. Chicken stock
    5. Onions
    6. Garlic
    7. Fresh tomatoes
    8. Kosher salt
    9. Chile pepper. This recipe is not spicy but you can add more peppers to taste if you prefer spicy food.
    frijoles borracho

    How to make these drunken beans:

    pinto beans soaking
    1. Soak the pinto beans.
    borracho beans ingredients
    2. Gather ingredients.

    The first thing you want to do is soak the pinto beans to help them cook faster for the recipe. Because the age and quality of beans vary so much, if you do. not soak dried beans first then your cooking time can vary anywhere from 1-3 or more hours.

    PRO-TIP:

    If you are like me and forget to soak the beans overnight, you can do a fast soak by placing the pinto beans in hot water (I use a tea kettle to get nice hot water) for about 30 minutes.

    onions added to borracho beans
    Step 3: Sauté bacon and onions.
    ingredients for borracho beans
    Step 4: Add the other aromatics.

    After you have soaked the beans, you can start sautéing the ingredients. This is the delicious flavor in the recipe!

    simmering borracho beans
    Step 5: Add beer, stock and beans then simmer.

    The last step to making these drunken beans is to add the beer, stock and beans and mix it all together. After that you just place a lid on top and let it simmer for a few hours, or until the beans are tender.

    Tips for making these beans:

    • When choosing a beer for this recipe, look for Mexican beer. A Mexican dark lager or a Mexican modelo are perfect. It should say either one of these words on the can or bottle.
    • Remember to soak the pinto beans (or use the quick soak method that I talked about above). If you skip this step, the beans may take a long time to cook.
    • If you do not have dried pinto beans, dried mayocoba beans work well too.

    More Texas Inspired Recipes You May Like:

    • Authentic Texas Chili
    • Pulled Pork and Sides
    • Spanish Rice Recipe
    • Spanish Rice and Bean Burrito
    • Poblano Quesadillas with Poblano Cream
    • Loaded Sheet Pan Nachos
    • Fajitas from Leftovers
    • Mexican Refried Beans Tostadas
    • Pinto Bean Salad
    • Air Fryer Quesadilla
    • Mexican Barbacoa
    • Tuna Ceviche
    borracho beans in pot
    Print Recipe
    5 from 2 votes

    Texas Borracho Beans (Frijoles Borracho)

    A delicious and easy to make Texas style beans recipe that goes so well with warm flour tortillas and it's budget friendly.
    Prep Time15 mins
    Cook Time3 hrs
    Total Time3 hrs 15 mins
    Servings: 8 servings

    Tried the Recipe? We Would Love To Hear From You In The Comments Below!

    Author: Melissa

    Equipment

    • 1 large heavy bottom pot with lid

    Ingredients

    • 1 lb dried pinto beans
    • 6 cups chicken stock
    • 12 ounces Mexican beer Modelo or lager
    • 1 lb bacon chopped
    • 1 Spanish onion diced
    • 2 cloves garlic diced
    • 2 medium tomatoes diced
    • 1 dried arbol chile pepper or any small dried chile pepper. You can find these near the spice section at your grocery store.
    • 1 tablespoon kosher salt plus more to taste
    • 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
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    Instructions

    • Place the beans in a large bowl and pour 5 cups of water over them. Cover and soak overnight.
      1 lb dried pinto beans
    • After soaking, drain pinto beans and set aside.
    • Pre-heat a large pot with a lid over medium heat.
    • Add the oil and bacon and cook until the bacon is crisp.
      1 lb bacon, 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
    • Add the onions to the pot and cook for 3-4 minutes until the onions are softened.
      1 Spanish onion
    • Now add the garlic, chile pepper, salt and tomatoes and mix well.
      2 cloves garlic, 2 medium tomatoes, 1 dried arbol chile pepper, 1 tablespoon kosher salt
    • Add the beer and deglaze the pan for about 2 minutes to let some of the alcohol cook off.
      12 ounces Mexican beer
    • Now add the chicken stock and beans and mix well.
      6 cups chicken stock
    • Place a lid on the pot and cook for about 2-3 hours or until the beans are tender.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 801kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 46g | Saturated Fat: 18g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 23g | Cholesterol: 59mg | Sodium: 1225mg | Potassium: 1088mg | Fiber: 9g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 278IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 79mg | Iron: 3mg

    Nutrition Values are estimates only.

    See full nutrition disclaimer here
    Course :Main Course

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    I am so excited you are here. My name is Melissa and I started this recipe website a few years ago to share recipes that I have been cooking for family and friends for years.

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