Tender and filling, these Borracho Beans, also known as Drunk Beans, are an easy to make Tex Mex side! Pinto beans are slow simmered in a flavorful broth made of bacon, onion, tomato, spices and beer! Serve these beans alongside your favorite tacos or with some fresh homemade flour tortillas.
All about these beans..
- What are they? Borracho beans or Frijoles Barrachos translates to Drunken Beans or Drunk Beans. These beans are simmered in a dark mexican beer instead of just water or broth to help give flavor.
- Easy to make: starting from dried beans does take longer, but it’s hands off soaking and simmering time to ensure a flavorful broth. The steps are easy and the recipe comes together with pantry ingredients.
- The perfect side dish: this is a great side dish option for all of your favorite Tex Mex and Mexican meals!
Ingredients:
Notes on Some Ingredients:
- Pinto Beans: using dried beans gives a creamier, more flavorful finished dish. But it does take longer due to the soaking and cooking of the beans. If needed you can make this recipe using canned beans, instructions are detailed below.
- Jalapeno: this can be substituted for any other green chile or pepper of choice.
- Beer: use a dark lager, avoid using lighter sour beers.
How to Make Borracho Beans(step-by-step)
- Prepare your beans: if using dried beans, soak them overnight then drain. Add to a large pot or dutch oven and cover with water. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat to medium allowing the beans to simmer for about 2 hours. They should be tender and cooked through. If using canned, then drain and rinse first before using.
- Step 1: Cook the bacon, then remove the bacon and saute the vegetables in the bacon grease.
- Step 2: Make Broth, add beans and remaining ingredients to create a thick, flavorful broth while the beans continue to cook.
- Step 3: Simmer, let the beans simmer another 20 minutes. Then add the bacon back in and add toppings.
Expert Tips:
- You can change up the type of pepper you are using. I like to use Poblano peppers, you can also use jalapeño peppers, or even a Serrano pepper if you want a bit more heat.
- Add fresh diced tomatoes if desired. Let them simmer with the beans to soften.
- You can use any beer you prefer. A dark beer is going to give a deeper, more savory flavor to the beans. I typically grab a Shiner Bock or Negra Modelo. I would advise against using a lighter, sour beer.
- If more liquid is desired, you can add more beer, water or some chicken broth to the pot while the beans cook.
- The beer is simmered, meaning the alcohol amount will be reduced not eliminated. The amount it reduces is determined by how long you allow it to simmer. Please use your own discretion in serving these beans.
FAQ’s:
These are two very similar bean recipes, the main difference will be the addition of beer to the broth.
Yes you can, simply drain and rinse the beans and continue the recipe from step 4.
Some of the alcohol will cook out, but not all of it. For further information here is an interesting article. Please use caution with this recipe if you are needing to avoid alochol. If needed you can make a pot of Charro Beans instead.
What to serve with these Borracho Beans:
These pinto beans are the perfect side for tacos and enchiladas!
Recipe first published on September 20, 2019. Updated July 9, 2021 with new images and information. Recipe is unchanged.
Photography done by the talented @KJandCompany.co
