Theyre a South Texas specialty.

The beer is what makes them borrachos or “drunk,” and extra special.

Have Time?

borracho beans (frijoles beans) in a bowl at a table setting with a bowl of diced tomatoes, small plate with lime wedges, a glass of beer, and utensils

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

Use Dried Beans

For this borracho beans recipe, I use canned beans which are a great time saver.

Then soak or quick soak the beans before proceeding with the recipe.

They also benefit from being garnished with fresh toppings likepico de galloor abriny nopal saladto complement their richness.

borracho beans (frijoles beans) in a bowl at a table setting, and in the background, a glass of beer and another serving

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

If you have any leftovers they also make greatrefried beans.

Once fully warmed, they should thicken up and youll have a super flavorful pan of refried beans.

See the headnote for instructions on how to make this recipe using dried beans.

Borracho beans in a blue pot with a wooden spoon

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

If you are spice-averse, use one jalapeno instead of two.

Slice the tomatoes in half lengthwise and place them skin side-up on the sheet pan.

Place them next to the tomatoes so everything is in an even layer.

tomatoes, jalapenos, and green onion on an aluminum foil-lined baking sheet for borracho beans (frijoles beans) recipe

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

Let cool for 5 to 10 minutes.

Add the vegetables to a blender along with the cilantro, garlic cloves, peppercorns, and cumin seeds.

Blend on high until the mixture is smooth, about 1 minute.

roasted vegetables on baking sheet for borracho beans (frijoles beans) recipe

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

Do not remove any of the fat.

Carefully pour the salsa mixture from the blender into the pot and cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes.

Add the beer and bring the mixture to a simmer.

roasted vegetables blended together for borracho beans (frijoles beans) recipe

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

Cook for 10 minutes to concentrate the beer flavor and cook off most of the alcohol.

Add the beans along with 2 cups of water and a sprig of thyme.

Remove the sprig of thyme and taste the beans for salt.

cooked bacon in a dutch oven for borracho beans (frijoles beans) recipe

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

Serve garnished with diced tomato, green onion, and a squeeze of lime.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

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vegetable puree added to dutch oven for borracho beans (frijoles beans) recipe

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

beans and seasoning added to dutch oven for borracho beans (frijoles beans) recipe

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

borracho beans (frijoles borrachos) (close-up)

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe