These Crockpot Borracho Beans serve as a straightforward and adaptable Mexican side dish that infuses any meal with rich flavor! With merely 10 minutes of preparation, you can savor a creamy, delicious pinto bean dish.
I love having a quick and easy bean recipe on hand to accompany my favorite Mexican-inspired dishes. This Crockpot Borracho Beans recipe might just be my favorite!
It’s a remarkably simple preparation that results in incredibly delicious beans. Even those skeptical about beans may come back for seconds!
Why I LOVE this recipe!
Remarkably quick prep – Only 10 minutes to throw everything into the crockpot. Once that’s done, you can leave and return to a delightful, homemade side dish a few hours later.
Elevated side dish – While I appreciate a classic bean side dish, the mix of beer, broth, and assorted ingredients, combined with the slow cooking, creates an incredible flavor.
Flexible – Pair it as a side with any meal or use it to enhance other recipes.
What is Borracho?
Borracho beans are pinto beans simmered in beer and broth, enriched with aromatic elements and spices. The word “borracho” means “drunk” or “intoxicated,” reflecting the inclusion of beer in the preparation.
Recipe Notes
This recipe for Crockpot Borracho Beans is as uncomplicated as it appears! A quick, 10-minute setup can lead to a family-friendly meal.
In this section, I’ll provide some useful tips for crafting the tastiest borracho beans possible.
Don’t forget to scroll down for the COMPLETE recipe card.
Ingredients + Substitutions
Pinto Beans – Make sure to utilize dried, uncooked beans as the base for this recipe.
Aromatics – Combining onion, jalapeño pepper, canned tomatoes with green chiles, and garlic offers a wealth of flavor and texture.
Liquid – A blend of dark beer and chicken broth creates a rich flavor and wonderfully creamy texture.
Spices – A basic mix of dried oregano, black pepper, and cumin enhances the beans’ profile.
Be sure to refer to the recipe card at the end of this post for specific amounts and an ingredient list.
Recipe Variations
Frijoles Borrachos with Ham – Enhance the flavor by adding bacon or ham hocks to the crockpot for a touch of extra saltiness.
Salsa Borracha Recipe – Spice things up by swapping out the canned tomato for your favorite jar of salsa.
Recipe Step by StepHere, I’ll highlight some essential steps in the recipe, but **please make sure to check the recipe card below for comprehensive instructions** on making these slow cooker Borracho Beans.
In the slow cooker, combine the beans, onion, jalapeño, garlic, and tomatoes.
Next, add the broth and beer, followed by a sprinkle of oregano, black pepper, and cumin.
Enjoy these delicious slow cooker Borracho Beans as a flavorful side dish or alongside your favorite rice.
Combine the ingredients well, cover the pot, and cook on high for 6-8 hours or until the beans achieve your preferred tenderness.
Add freshly chopped cilantro and salt according to your taste, then serve and enjoy!
Recipe Tips
Rinse the beans – It’s a good idea to rinse dried beans to remove any dirt or debris before cooking.
Start with dried beans – Using dry beans yields the best texture and flavor.
Avoid overcooking – Beans require around 6-8 hours of cooking time; exceeding this may result in a mushy consistency rather than the desired creaminess.
Recipe Shortcuts
If you’re short on time and still want to whip up this dish, try these time-saving suggestions!
Soak the dried beans overnight – Soaking beans in water overnight can jumpstart the cooking process, shortening the crockpot time needed.
Prepare and store the beans in advance – Cooked Borracho Beans can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to a week or frozen for up to three months. This allows you to prepare them ahead of time and reheat as needed!
Freezer Meal Instructions
Preparing this Crockpot Borracho Beans recipe as a freezer meal is a breeze! Just adhere to these straightforward steps to safely store your recipe in the freezer for up to six months.
How to Freeze Borracho Beans After Cooking
Let the cooked beans cool completely, then transfer them into a freezer-safe container.
Keep them in the freezer for a maximum of three months.
To reheat, defrost in the fridge overnight, then warm on the stove until heated through.
What to Serve with Crockpot Borracho Beans
This protein-packed dish embodies the delightful flavors of Mexican cuisine, making it an excellent accompaniment to many of your favorite Mexican-inspired dishes.
Select one or more of the recipes below to create a well-rounded and delicious dinner. You’ll find a variety of traditional and healthier options to enhance your meal.
Side Dish Ideas
Mexican Chicken Street Tacos – Enhance a street taco meal by serving beans on the side! These tacos are a family favorite, filled with marinated chicken thighs and fresh salsa.
Easy Baked Chicken Fajitas – Ready in just 15 minutes, these Baked Chicken Fajitas can be paired with Borracho Beans for a fulfilling meal.
Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice – Rice and beans are a classic pairing, and this Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice provides a light and delightful counterpart to Borracho Beans.
Crockpot Borracho Beans Leftovers
If you have leftovers from your cooking, you’re in for a treat! They store and reheat beautifully, providing a chance for another delicious meal.
To keep leftovers intact, portion them into separate servings and store them in an airtight container:
in the refrigerator for 3-4 days
in the freezer for up to 3 months
Leftover Recipes
Here are a few creative ways to repurpose those leftovers into exciting new meals!
7 Layer Taco Casserole with Ground Beef – Replace the refried beans in your Ground Beef Taco Casserole with 16 ounces of your Borracho Beans.
Loaded Taco Dip – Boost your Loaded Taco Dip by mixing in a generous amount of Borracho Beans. This dip is packed with ground beef, sour cream, taco seasoning, and all your favorite toppings.
Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas – Add some heartiness to a pan of enchiladas using these leftover beans! This recipe features soft corn tortillas filled with juicy ground beef and cheese, covered in rich enchilada sauce.
Recipe FAQs
What distinguishes Borracho Beans from Charro Beans?
While Borracho Beans and Charro Beans share many similarities, the primary difference is the inclusion of beer! Borracho beans are simmered in a blend of beer and broth, while Charro beans typically cook in broth alone.
What beer works best for Borracho Beans?
For the richest flavor, it’s best to use a dark beer. If that’s unavailable, lighter beers can work as substitutes, though it’s best to avoid sour beers!
Can children consume Borracho Beans?
Absolutely! Despite the beer in the recipe, the alcohol cooks away during the preparation, making them safe for kids.
## More EASY Side Dish Recipes
If you enjoyed this recipe, I sincerely hope you’ll take a moment to explore more easy recipes for those busy evenings!
Feel free to browse all my **simple side dish recipes here**, or check out some of our readers’ favorite Mexican side dish recipes showcased below.
Crockpot Borracho Beans
These Crockpot Borracho Beans are a straightforward and flexible Mexican side dish that brings an abundance of flavor to any meal! With just 10 minutes of preparation, you’ll have a rich, delicious, and creamy pinto bean dish ready to enjoy.
Prep Time: 10 minutes mins
Cook Time: 8 hours hrs
Total Time: 8 hours
hrs10 minutesmins
12Servings
Instructions
Wash the pinto beans to eliminate any debris. Optional: Soaking overnight is recommended, but not essential.
In the slow cooker, mix the pinto beans with onion, jalapeño, garlic, and tomatoes. Add the broth and beer, followed by oregano, black pepper, and cumin. Stir thoroughly and secure with a lid.
Cook on high for 6-8 hours until the beans are tender. Once done, stir in fresh cilantro and adjust the salt according to taste.
Recipe Notes
Optional: For a richer flavor, consider incorporating ham hocks or other meats during the cooking process.
Nutrition Information
Calories: 90 kcal (5%) , Carbohydrates: 15 g (5%) , Protein: 5 g (10%) , Fat: 1 g (2%) , Saturated Fat: 0.1 g (1%) , Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1 g , Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1 g , Cholesterol: 2 mg (1%)
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