These Authentic Borracho Beans are a hearty and comforting dish perfect for any occasion. Whether youβre hosting a family gathering or simply looking for a cozy meal, these beans are warm, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. Their unique blend of spices and ingredients makes them stand out, ensuring theyβre always a hit at the table.
Why Youβll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can create this delicious dish without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Flavorful Experience: The combination of spices and broth infuses the beans with rich flavors that will impress everyone.
- Versatile Side Dish: These beans pair perfectly with various main dishes, making them ideal for any meal.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Cook a large batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week or freeze for later use.
- Nutritious Choice: Packed with protein and fiber, these beans provide essential nutrients while being delicious.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe, gather your essential tools to ensure a smooth cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Skillet
- Spoon for stirring
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Ideal for simmering the beans evenly and maintaining their tenderness.
- Skillet: Perfect for sautΓ©ing vegetables and cooking Turkey Bacon to add depth of flavor to the dish.
Ingredients
To make these Authentic Borracho Beans, youβll need the following ingredients:
For the Beans
- 1 lb pinto beans (dried)
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 1 bottle beef broth (preferably Mexican, not dark)
- 2 cups water (plus more as the beans simmer)
- 1 pound salt beef (or chicken bone or chicken hocks)
- 6 slices Turkey Bacon (roughly chopped)
For the Flavor Base
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 2 jalapeno peppers (seeded and finely chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tbsp beef lard (optional)
For Seasoning
- Β½ cup cilantro (fresh, chopped)
- 2 tomatoes (roughly chopped)
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt (to taste)
- 1 tsp black pepper
How to Make Authentic Borracho Beans
Step 1: Soak the Beans
Soak the pinto beans overnight in water. This helps them cook evenly. The next day, drain the beans well before using.
Step 2: Simmer the Base
In a large pot, combine the soaked beans with chicken stock, beef broth, water, and salt beef.
1. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
2. Reduce heat to low; let it simmer for about 1Β½ hours.
3. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Prepare Turkey Bacon
In a skillet over medium-high heat:
1. Cook Turkey Bacon until crispy.
2. Transfer it onto a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess grease.
Step 4: SautΓ© Vegetables
In the same skillet:
1. Pour out all but 2 tablespoons of grease.
2. Heat over medium heat; add chopped onion, jalapenos, and garlic.
3. Cook until soft, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 5: Combine Ingredients
Add cooked Turkey Bacon and sautΓ©ed vegetables into the pot of simmering beans:
1. Stir in optional beef lard if desired.
2. Add chopped cilantro, tomatoes, cumin, oregano, black pepper, and additional salt if needed.
3. Let it simmer for another 1Β½ hours or until beans are tender.
Step 6: Adjust Consistency
As needed during cooking:
β Stir occasionally and add more water to maintain a soupy consistency.
Now you have a delightful pot of Authentic Borracho Beans ready to serve! Enjoy this comforting dish that is sure to please your guests or family members alike!
How to Serve Authentic Borracho Beans
Authentic Borracho Beans are a versatile dish that can complement many meals. Whether youβre hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy family meal, here are some delicious serving suggestions.
With Cornbread
- Cornbread is a classic pairing that soaks up the flavorful broth of the beans. You can serve it warm with butter for added richness.
As a Topping for Nachos
- Spoon the beans over tortilla chips and add your favorite toppings like cheese, jalapeΓ±os, and sour cream for a hearty nacho platter.
In Burritos
- Add Authentic Borracho Beans to flour tortillas along with rice, cheese, and your choice of protein for a filling burrito.
As a Soup
- Serve the beans in bowls as a comforting soup by adding more broth and garnishing with fresh cilantro and diced avocado.
With Rice
- Pair the beans with white or brown rice to create a complete meal that balances flavors and textures.
How to Perfect Authentic Borracho Beans
Perfecting Authentic Borracho Beans takes some attention but results in an incredible dish. Here are some tips to enhance your cooking process.
- Soak overnight β Soaking the beans overnight ensures they cook evenly and become perfectly tender.
- Use quality broth β A good quality chicken stock and beef broth will enhance the flavor of your beans significantly.
- Stir occasionally β Stirring helps prevent the beans from sticking to the pot, ensuring they cook evenly.
- Adjust seasoning β Taste before serving and adjust salt or spices according to your preference for optimal flavor.
- Let them rest β Allowing the beans to sit for 10-15 minutes after cooking helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
Best Side Dishes for Authentic Borracho Beans
Serving Authentic Borracho Beans alongside complementary side dishes can elevate your meal experience. Here are some fantastic options:
Mexican Rice
This flavorful rice dish complements the beans perfectly, adding a nice texture contrast and additional taste.Guacamole
Creamy guacamole made from ripe avocados adds freshness and richness thatβs delightful with spicy beans.Grilled Vegetables
Charred seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and corn provide a smoky flavor that pairs well with the beans.Cabbage Slaw
A crunchy cabbage slaw dressed in lime juice adds brightness and cuts through the richness of the borracho beans.Chili Rellenos
These stuffed peppers add depth to your meal with their cheesy filling and flavorful crust.Tortilla Chips
Crispy tortilla chips can serve as both an appetizer and an excellent way to scoop up those tasty borracho beans.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Authentic Borracho Beans, itβs easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to keep in mind:
Skipping the Soaking Step: Not soaking the beans overnight can lead to uneven cooking. Always soak the beans to ensure they cook properly and become tender.
Wrong Broth Choice: Using a broth thatβs too dark or overly seasoned can overpower the dish. Stick to a lighter beef broth or chicken stock for a balanced flavor.
Neglecting to Stir: Failing to stir the beans occasionally may cause them to stick to the pot. Stir regularly while they simmer for even cooking.
Ignoring Consistency: If the mixture becomes too thick, it can dry out. Keep an eye on the liquid level and add more water as needed to maintain a soupy consistency.
Overcooking Vegetables: Cooking vegetables for too long can make them mushy and lose flavor. SautΓ© just until soft before adding them to the beans.
Not Tasting for Seasoning: Forgetting to taste your dish before serving can result in bland beans. Adjust salt and pepper according to your preference as they simmer.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Authentic Borracho Beans in an airtight container.
- They will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Authentic Borracho Beans
- Allow the beans to cool completely before freezing.
- Store in freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, where they will last up to 3 months.
Reheating Authentic Borracho Beans
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C) and place beans in an oven-safe dish covered with foil. Heat until warm.
- Microwave: Transfer beans into a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Pour beans into a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Authentic Borracho Beans:
How do I achieve perfect texture in Authentic Borracho Beans?
Soaking your beans overnight is crucial for achieving that perfect texture. It allows them to absorb moisture and cook evenly, resulting in tender beans.
Can I customize my Authentic Borracho Beans?
Absolutely! You can add different vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini or adjust spices based on your taste preferences for a unique twist.
What should I serve with Authentic Borracho Beans?
These beans pair wonderfully with rice, cornbread, or as a side dish alongside grilled meats or tacos, enhancing any meal beautifully.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply replace meat-based ingredients with plant-based alternatives like smoked paprika for flavor and vegetable broth instead of chicken stock.
How long does it take to cook Authentic Borracho Beans?
The total cooking time is roughly 3 hours after soaking overnight. This includes both simmering phases for perfectly tender beans.
Final Thoughts
Authentic Borracho Beans are not just delicious; theyβre versatile enough for various meals throughout the week. Feel free to customize them with your favorite spices or veggies! This comforting dish is perfect any time of yearβgive it a try!

Authentic Borracho Beans
- Author: Adeline
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
Description
Authentic Borracho Beans are a delicious and hearty dish thatβs perfect for any occasion, whether itβs a family gathering or a cozy night in. This comforting recipe features tender pinto beans simmered in flavorful chicken and beef broths, combined with spices and sautΓ©ed vegetables for a rich taste experience. The addition of turkey bacon provides depth without overpowering the dish. Enjoy these versatile beans as a side with cornbread, over nachos, or as part of burritos. With their protein-packed goodness and fiber content, they are not only satisfying but also nutritious.
Ingredients
- 1 lb dried pinto beans
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 1 bottle beef broth
- 2 cups water (plus more as needed)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 jalapeΓ±o peppers, seeded and finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 slices turkey bacon, roughly chopped
- Β½ cup cilantro, fresh, chopped
- 2 tomatoes, roughly chopped
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt, to taste
- 1 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Soak pinto beans overnight in water; drain before cooking.
- In a large pot, combine soaked beans, chicken stock, beef broth, water, and salt beef. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to low and simmer for about 1Β½ hours.
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook turkey bacon until crispy; set aside.
- In the same skillet, sautΓ© onion, jalapeΓ±os, and garlic until soft.
- Add the sautΓ©ed vegetables and cooked turkey bacon to the pot of beans along with cilantro, tomatoes, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper; simmer for another 1Β½ hours or until beans are tender.
- Stir occasionally and add more water if needed to maintain a soupy consistency.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: For added flavor depth, consider using smoked paprika or other spices. You can customize the recipe by adding other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini.








