These Crockpot Borracho Beans are an easy and versatile Mexican side dish that adds a burst of flavor to any meal! With just 10 minutes of preparation, you’ll be treated to a rich, tasty, and creamy pinto bean dish.
I love a quick and easy bean recipe to accompany my favorite Mexican-inspired meals. This Crockpot Borracho Beans recipe is currently at the top of my list.
This recipe is incredibly straightforward and yields the most delicious beans. Even those who are skeptical about beans might find themselves going back for more!
Why I ADORE this recipe!
- Quick to Prepare – It takes just 10 minutes to throw everything into a crockpot. After that, you can step away and return to a scrumptious, home-cooked side in a few hours.
- Elevated Side Dish – While I appreciate a classic bean side, the mix of beer, broth, and add-ins cooked over a long duration creates an incredibly flavorful experience.
- Highly Versatile – Pair it with your favorite dishes or use it in other recipes to boost their flavor.
What are Borracho Beans?
Borracho beans are pinto beans simmered in beer and broth, combined with aromatic ingredients and spices. The word “borracho” means “drunk” or “intoxicated,” alluding to the beer used in cooking.
Recipe Notes
This Crockpot Borracho Beans recipe is as easy as it gets! Just a quick, 10-minute prep for a meal the whole family will love.
In this section, I’ll provide a few pointers to ensure you create the most delectable borracho beans.
Make sure to scroll to the bottom for the COMPLETE recipe card.
Ingredients + Substitutions
- Pinto Beans – Dried, uncooked beans serve as the foundation for this dish.
- Aromatics – A mix of onion, jalapeño pepper, canned tomatoes with green chiles, and garlic adds a vibrant flavor and texture to the beans.
- Liquid – Dark beer combined with chicken broth brings a rich taste and wonderfully creamy texture.
- Spices – A simple mix of dried oregano, black pepper, and cumin enhances the overall flavor of the beans.
Be sure to refer to the recipe card at the end of this post for the complete ingredient list and quantities.
Recipe Variations
- Borracho Beans with Ham – Add some bacon or ham hocks to the crockpot for an extra savory kick.
- Salsa Borracha Variation – For a spicier version, swap out the canned tomatoes for your preferred jar of salsa.
Recipe Step by StepHere, I will summarize a few key steps in the recipe, but **be sure to consult the recipe card below for comprehensive instructions** on how to make these slow cooker Borracho Beans.
In your slow cooker, combine beans, onion, jalapeño, garlic, and tomatoes.
Next, add the broth and beer, followed by a sprinkle of oregano, black pepper, and cumin.
Thoroughly combine the ingredients, cover, and cook on high for 6-8 hours or until the beans achieve your preferred tenderness.
Add fresh cilantro and salt to taste, then dish out and enjoy!
Helpful Tips for the Recipe
- Rinse the beans – Dried beans can occasionally carry dirt or debris. Washing them before cooking ensures they’re clean.
- Use dried beans – Starting with dry beans yields the best texture and flavor.
- Avoid overcooking – While beans need about 6-8 hours to cook fully, resist extending this time too much. Overcooking may lead to a mushy texture rather than a creamy one.
Time-Saving Shortcuts
If you’re short on time but wish to enjoy this dish, consider these strategies for a quicker preparation!
- Soak beans overnight – Soaking dried beans in water overnight kicks off the cooking process, reducing the time needed in the crockpot.
- Prep ahead and store – Cooked Borracho Beans can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week or frozen for up to three months. Preparing them in advance allows for easy reheating later!
Freezer Meal Instructions
It’s simple to convert this Crockpot Borracho Beans recipe into a freezer meal! 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 before transferring them into a freezer-safe container.
- Keep in the freezer for no more than three months.
- To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then warm on the stove until heated thoroughly.
What to Serve with Crockpot Borracho Beans
This protein-rich dish captures the vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine, making it a fantastic side for many of your favorite dishes.
Choose one or more recipes from the options below to create a well-rounded and flavorful dinner. You’ll find traditional and healthier choices to meet your preference.
Side Dish Ideas
- Mexican Chicken Street Tacos – Complete your street taco meal with borracho beans on the side! These Mexican Chicken Street Tacos are a family favorite, featuring marinated chicken thighs and fresh salsa.
- Easy Baked Chicken Fajitas – Ready in just 15 minutes, these quick Baked Chicken Fajitas pair perfectly with Borracho Beans for a satisfying meal.
- Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice – A classic combination of rice and beans, this Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice is a delightful and light complement to Borracho Beans.
Crockpot Borracho Beans Leftovers
Left with leftovers after cooking? You’re in for a treat! They store well and reheat easily, providing ample opportunity for another delicious meal.
To keep leftovers fresh, divide them into portion-sized servings and place them in an airtight container, storing them:
- in the refrigerator for 3-4 days
- in the freezer for up to three months
Leftover Recipes
Here are some creative ways to turn your leftovers into new, exciting meals!
- 7 Layer Taco Casserole with Ground Beef – Use 16 ounces of your Borracho Beans instead of refried beans in this Ground Beef Taco Casserole.
- Loaded Taco Dip – Boost your Loaded Taco Dip by incorporating a generous portion of Borracho Beans. This dip is packed with ground beef, sour cream, taco seasoning, and your favorite toppings.
- Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas – Enhance a hearty batch of enchiladas with these leftover beans! This Ground Beef Enchilada recipe features soft corn tortillas filled with savory ground beef and cheese, topped with enchilada sauce.
Recipe FAQs
What is the difference between Borracho Beans and Charro Beans?
While Borracho Beans and Charro Beans share similarities, the key difference is one ingredient: beer! Borracho Beans are cooked in a combination of beer and broth, whereas Charro Beans typically simmer only in broth.
What is the best beer for Borracho Beans?
For a rich and flavorful outcome, it’s best to use your preferred dark beer. If dark beer isn’t available, lighter beers can serve as a substitute, but avoid sour varieties!
Can kids eat Borracho Beans?
Absolutely! Although the recipe includes beer, the alcohol cooks off 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 discover more easy recipes for those busy evenings!
Feel free to explore all my **simple side dish recipes here**, or take a look at a selection of our readers’ favorite Mexican side dishes listed below.
Crockpot Borracho Beans
These Crockpot Borracho Beans are a straightforward and flexible Mexican side dish that brings a burst of flavor to any meal! With only 10 minutes of preparation, you’ll have a delicious, creamy pinto bean dish.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours
Total Time: 8
10 minutes
12
Servings
Instructions
- Rinse the pinto beans thoroughly to eliminate any debris.
Optional: Soaking the beans overnight can enhance their texture, though it’s not required. In your slow cooker, mix together pinto beans, onion, jalapeño, garlic, and tomatoes. Add the broth and beer, followed by oregano, black pepper, and cumin. Stir thoroughly and cover with a lid.
Cook on high for 6-8 hours, or until the beans are tender. Once done, stir in fresh cilantro and adjust the salt 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%)
,
Sodium:
1025
mg
(45%)
,
Potassium:
325
mg
(9%)
,
Fiber:
4
g
(17%)
,
Sugar:
2
g
(2%)
,
Vitamin A:
184
IU
(4%)
,
Vitamin C:
9
mg
(11%)
,
Calcium:
53
mg
(5%)
,
Iron:
2
mg
(11%)
