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 beans main dish that goes perfectly with some warm tortillas to scoop them up. You're gonna want to try this borracho beans recipe, trust me!
What are 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 borracho beans get 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 , pinto bean salad, Mediterranean bean salad, refried bean tostadas or cannellini beans with pancetta, you know we love making complete meals out of them.
We also make this to use as a pulled pork side dish. You can make these Borracho beans on its own or use it as a side.
Ingredients you will need
- Dried pinto beans
- Bacon
- Mexican beer
- Chicken stock
- Onions
- Garlic
- Fresh tomatoes
- Kosher salt
- Chile pepper. This recipe is not spicy but you can add more peppers to taste if you prefer spicy food.
How to make Borracho beans
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.
After you have soaked the beans, you can start sautéing the ingredients. This is the delicious flavor in the recipe!
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 Borracho bean 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.
Pairing Ideas
Here are some of our favorite things to serve with this Borracho beans recipe:
More Texas Inspired Recipes You May Like:
- Authentic Texas Chili
- Pulled Pork and Sides
- Quick Spanish Rice
- Spanish Rice and Bean Burrito
- Poblano Quesadillas
- Loaded Sheet Pan Nachos
- Fajitas from Leftovers
- Mexican Refried Beans Tostadas
- Pinto Bean Salad
- Air Fryer Quesadilla
- Mexican Barbacoa
- Tuna Ceviche
- Blackened Tuna
Borracho Beans (Frijoles Borracho)
Tried the Recipe? We Would Love To Hear From You In The Comments Below!
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
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
Nutrition Values are estimates only.
See full nutrition disclaimer here
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