Borracho Beans (Recipe)

Borracho beans, also known as “drunken” beans, are a flavorful Mexican dish made with pinto beans, bacon, chili peppers, and spices. They are simmered in beer to create a unique and bold flavor. Whether you cook them on the stove-top, slow cooker, or in the instant pot, this easy recipe promises a delicious twist on the classic Borracho Beans. Serve them as a main dish or side dish alongside other Mexican favorites like Chiles Relleno, Mexican Tamales, or Chicken Enchiladas.

Key Takeaways:

• Borracho beans are a flavorful Mexican dish made with pinto beans, bacon, chili peppers, and spices.
• The beans are simmered in beer for a unique and bold flavor.
• This easy recipe can be cooked on the stove-top, slow cooker, or in the instant pot.
• Borracho beans can be served as a main dish or side dish with other Mexican favorites.
• Enjoy the delicious twist on the classic Borracho Beans!

What are Borracho Beans?

Borracho beans, also known as “drunken” beans, are similar to Mexican Charro Beans but with a twist. They are simmered in beer, instead of water or broth, which gives them a unique and robust flavor. The beans are typically made with pinto beans, but you can also use canned pinto beans as a substitute. The beer-infused broth adds depth and richness to the beans, making them a flavorful and satisfying dish.

If you’re curious about how these beans got their name, it’s believed that the alcohol in the beer “drunken” the beans, hence the term “borracho,” which means drunk in Spanish.

Unlike traditional beans cooked in water or broth, Borracho Beans with beer offer a rich and complex flavor profile that adds a delicious twist to any meal. The beans have a slightly smoky taste and a hint of bitterness from the beer, which balances well with the earthiness of the pinto beans. The result is a hearty and flavorful dish that pairs perfectly with Mexican cuisine or as a crowd-pleasing side dish.

Next, we’ll take a look at how to make Borracho Beans, so you can bring this tasty dish to your dinner table!

Borracho Beans Nutritional Information

Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional values per 1-cup serving of Borracho Beans:

As you can see, Borracho Beans offer a good amount of protein and fiber while being relatively low in calories. They also provide essential nutrients like iron, making them a nutritious and satisfying choice.

How to Make Borracho Beans

To make Borracho Beans, follow these simple steps:

1. Cook the pinto beans until they are tender but not bursting.
2. Drain the beans, reserving some of the liquid.
3. In a large pot, cook bacon until crispy.
4. Add onion, garlic, ham, diced tomatoes, peppers, cilantro, and spices to the pot.
5. Cook for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. Add the cooked beans, reserved liquid, and beer to the pot.
7. Simmer for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to marry.
8. Garnish with cilantro and serve hot.

Now you can enjoy a delicious bowl of Borracho Beans with your family and friends!

Tips for Making Perfect Borracho Beans

• Be sure to cook the pinto beans until they are tender but not mushy, as overcooked beans can become too soft.
• Use the reserved liquid from the cooked beans to adjust the consistency of the broth as needed.
• Feel free to adjust the amount of spices and peppers according to your taste preferences.
• To make it spicier, you can add extra jalapenos or use hotter chili peppers.
• For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and ham and add vegan chorizo or additional vegetables like tomatoes, celery, and bell peppers.

Variations of Borracho Beans

Looking to add some variety to your Borracho Beans? Here are a few flavorful options to try:

Vegetarian Borracho Beans

If you prefer a meatless version, you can easily make vegetarian borracho beans. Simply omit the bacon and substitute it with vegan chorizo or add extra vegetables like tomatoes, celery, and bell peppers. This variation is packed with vibrant flavors and is perfect for vegetarians or anyone looking to incorporate more plant-based options into their diet.

Authentic Borracho Beans Recipe

For those who appreciate the traditional flavors, sticking to the authentic recipe is the way to go. The key ingredient in authentic borracho beans is the beer-infused broth, which adds a distinct and bold flavor to the dish. Prepare the beans with pinto beans, bacon, chili peppers, and spices, simmered in your choice of beer. This recipe is sure to delight your taste buds and transport you to the heart of Mexican cuisine.

Slow Cooker Borracho Beans

If you’re short on time but still want to enjoy the rich flavors of borracho beans, try making them in a slow cooker. Start by sautéing the bacon and other ingredients in a pan, then transfer everything to a slow cooker along with the beans, beer, and broth. Set the slow cooker to low heat and let the flavors meld together over 8-10 hours, or use the high heat setting for a quicker cook time of 4-5 hours. The result will be tender and delicious borracho beans that require minimal effort.

These variations allow you to customize your borracho beans to suit your preferences and culinary preferences. Whether you’re looking for a vegetarian option, an authentic taste, or a convenient slow cooker recipe, there’s a variation of borracho beans that’s perfect for you.

Tips and Serving Suggestions

Here are some tips and serving suggestions for Borracho Beans:

• Easy Borracho Beans: For an easier and quicker version of Borracho Beans, you can use canned pinto beans. Just make sure to reserve some of the liquid from the cans.
• Spicy Borracho Beans: If you prefer a spicier version, you can add more jalapenos or use hotter chili peppers.
• Slow cooker Borracho Beans: Borracho Beans can be made in a slow cooker for added convenience. Just sauté the bacon and other ingredients before transferring them to the slow cooker with the beans, beer, and broth. Slow cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until the beans are tender.
• Vegetarian Borracho Beans: If you’re vegetarian, you can still enjoy Borracho Beans by omitting the meat and adding vegan chorizo or additional vegetables like tomatoes, celery, and bell peppers.

Serve Borracho Beans as a side dish with any Mexican main dish, like tacos, enchiladas, or fajitas. They also go well with cornbread or flour tortillas. Borracho Beans can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for a few days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and rewarm on the stove before serving.

About the Author

The author of this Borracho Beans recipe is a passionate home cook who loves exploring different cuisines, especially Mexican cuisine. She enjoys creating easy and delicious recipes that can be enjoyed by everyone. Follow her on social media for more great recipes and cooking inspiration.

Conclusion

Borracho Beans are a delightful and flavorful Mexican dish that brings a unique twist to the traditional recipe. Whether you choose to use dried or canned pinto beans, the key to their bold and robust flavor lies in the beer-infused broth. This easy recipe allows you to enjoy these delicious beans as a main dish or a flavorful side alongside your favorite Mexican meals.

Regardless of your preferred cooking method – stove-top, slow cooker, or instant pot – making Easy Borracho Beans is a breeze. The combination of pinto beans, bacon, chili peppers, and spices simmered in beer results in a dish that is both satisfying and packed with mouthwatering flavors.

So why not give this Borracho Beans recipe a try and indulge in the rich and savory taste? Whether you’re hosting a Mexican-themed dinner party or simply in the mood for a comforting dish, Borracho Beans with beer will surely impress your taste buds with its authentic flavors and easy preparation. Get ready to savor the robustness of Borracho Beans and treat yourself to a delicious culinary adventure!