Frijoles Borrachos (Drunken Beans)
Pinto beans simmered with lager, bacon, tomato and jalapeño until rich and savoury, finished with fresh pico de gallo.
Made with Fresh pico de gallo and Frijoles de la olla (pot beans). Make a batch of the base first, then this takes minutes. Skip to the method
- Time45 min
- LevelEasy
- Costabout £1.06 a head
Cost is worked out from Aldi and Tesco shelf prices in October 2026. Your shop and brands will differ.
Ingredients
Tick what you need to buy. It goes on your shopping list.
Method
- 1
Fry the bacon in a large heavy pan over a medium heat for 6 to 8 minutes, until crisp and the fat has run. Lift out with a slotted spoon and set aside.
7 min - 2
Cook the onion and jalapeños in the bacon fat for 5 minutes until soft. Add the garlic and oregano for 1 minute.
6 min - 3
Add the tomatoes and cook for 3 minutes until they collapse. Pour in the lager and let it bubble for 5 minutes, until reduced by about half.
8 min - 4
Add your ready made pot beans with their broth (see the base recipe) and the bacon. Simmer gently for 20 minutes, until the broth is rich and lightly thickened.
20 min - 5
Mash a few spoonfuls of beans against the side of the pan to thicken. Taste, adding salt only if needed because the bacon is salty.
- 6
Serve in bowls topped with your ready made pico de gallo (see the base recipe) and coriander.
Tips
- Use a plain lager or pale ale. A very bitter beer can make the broth harsh.
- The alcohol does not all cook away, so serve with this in mind for children or anyone avoiding alcohol. Use stock or water for a non alcoholic version.
- For a gluten free version, use a gluten free lager.
Storing and freezing
Cool within 2 hours and keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Reheat until steaming hot all the way through and add fresh pico when serving.
Questions
Why are they called drunken beans?
They are named for the beer, or sometimes tequila, that they are cooked in. Frijoles borrachos are a classic of northern Mexico, often served with grilled meat.
Does the alcohol cook out?
Not completely. Simmering for 25 minutes or more removes most of it, but some stays behind. Use stock instead if you need none.
Can I make them vegetarian?
Yes. Leave out the bacon, use 2 tbsp sunflower oil and add 1 tsp smoked paprika for the smoky flavour. Check your beer is suitable for vegetarians.
More made with fresh pico de gallo
Berenjenas Asadas al Adobo (Adobo Roast Aubergines)
GFEFNFQuesadillas de Pollo y Tocino (Chicken and Bacon Quesadillas)
EFNFHPChampiñones Rellenos de Chorizo (Chorizo Stuffed Mushrooms)
GFEFNFQuesadillas de Camaron y Queso (Prawn and Cheese Quesadillas)
EFNFDouble check before you cook. Recipes can contain mistakes. Any diet labels come from the ingredients as written in this recipe and are a guide, not a guarantee. Always check every ingredient and the packet label for allergens and cross contamination, and ask your doctor or dietitian what is right for you, especially with coeliac disease, diabetes or a serious allergy. This is not medical advice.