Frijoles Borrachos (Drunken Baked Beans) Recipe
Some people think that if theyve had one pan of baked beans at a barbecue, youve had them all. These people have never had drunken baked beans. They may look identical, but one taste is all it will take for them to realize this is not your average pan of baked beans. No, these are frijoles borrachos, sort of. Real frijoles borrachos are simply simmered in a pot, but cooking methods aside, these beans feature the same not-so-secret ingredient that makes all the magic happen. Beer!!
Sorry, I mean, beer. I get pretty excited around beer. Anyway, it might not seem like one single bottle of lager would make that big of a difference, but it really does. The subtle bitterness of the brew enhances all the other flavors, and gives these beans a truly unique taste, which is not easy to describe, but extremely easy to eat. The baking time might seem like a typo at first glance, but its not. It takes a while for all those cooking liquids to reduce down to the syrupy, savory goodness were looking for. Sure, we could use less of everything, and it would finish faster, but with this kind of casserole, more is more. Your patience will be rewarded with some of the most delicious baked beans youve ever had, which is why I really do hope you give my take on frijoles borrachos a try soon. Enjoy!
More recipes: Try the latest and greatest recipes from Chef John!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup lightly packed light brown sugar
- 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup prepared red salsa
- 3 cans pinto beans, drained, not rinsed
- 1 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup chopped jalapeno peppers
- 2 tablespoons prepared mustard
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Mexican oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 12-ounce bottle Mexican lager-style beer (such as Modelo)
- 3 strips bacon (optional)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 400F (200C).
- In a 2 1/2- to 3-quart baking dish or casserole pan, add the brown sugar, vinegar, and salsa. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
- Add the pinto beans, onion, jalapeno peppers, mustard, paprika, black pepper, salt, garlic powder, oregano, and cayenne pepper. Stir well until fully combined.
- Pour the lager over the mixture and stir to incorporate.
- If using, lay the bacon strips on top of the casserole.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until the liquids have reduced and thickened to a syrupy consistency.
Cooks Notes
The beans should be liquidy but not soupy, so if theyre not thick enough, bake them a little longer. They will thicken just a bit at room temperature.
While this recipe is pretty close to perfect, feel free to experiment! You can swap out the beans for another type, adjust the heat level by using a hotter or milder pepper, or even try yellow mustard instead of Dijon. You are the boss of your frijoles borrachos!
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe: 8
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 187 |
| Total Fat | 1g (1% DV) |
| Saturated Fat | 0g (1% DV) |
| Cholesterol | 0mg (0% DV) |
| Sodium | 595mg (26% DV) |
| Total Carbohydrate | 36g (13% DV) |
| Dietary Fiber | 8g (27% DV) |
| Total Sugars | 14g |
| Protein | 7g (15% DV) |
| Vitamin C | 9mg (10% DV) |
| Calcium | 66mg (5% DV) |
| Iron | 2mg (11% DV) |
| Potassium | 500mg (11% DV) |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Frijoles borrachos (Drunken Baked Beans) are a traditional Mexican side dish that combines the deep flavors of beans with the rich bitterness of beer, creating a unique and flavorful accompaniment to any meal.
History of Frijoles Borrachos
Frijoles Borrachos, which translates to "drunken beans," has its origins in the heart of Mexico. This dish was originally created as a way to use leftover beer from local celebrations. The beans would simmer in the beer along with other seasonings, transforming them into a flavorful and savory dish. Traditionally, the beans were cooked over an open flame, but over time, the dish has been adapted to more convenient cooking methods like baking. Despite its humble beginnings, frijoles borrachos has become a beloved comfort food in many Mexican households.
Regional Variations
Though Frijoles Borrachos is common across Mexico, certain regions put their own twist on the recipe. In northern Mexico, for example, beans might be cooked with additional meats like chorizo or bacon, adding a smoky flavor to the dish. In other areas, some might add more spices or different types of peppers, making the dish spicier. Depending on the region, you may also find variations in the type of beans used, such as black beans or kidney beans, though pinto beans are most commonly used.
How It Differs from Similar Dishes
Frijoles Borrachos stands out from other baked bean dishes primarily due to its inclusion of beer, which adds a distinctive flavor profile. While classic American baked beans might rely on ingredients like molasses and brown sugar for sweetness, frijoles borrachos uses brown sugar, salsa, and a variety of spices like smoked paprika and cayenne, giving the dish a more savory and slightly spicy character. Additionally, the use of lager beer imparts a depth of flavor that is not typically found in traditional baked bean recipes. This makes the dish a great fusion of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors.
Where Its Typically Served
Frijoles Borrachos is a versatile dish often served as a side at barbecues, family gatherings, or Mexican-themed parties. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats like carne asada, barbecued chicken, or pork carnitas. In Mexico, it might also be served alongside tacos or as part of a larger spread of side dishes. Given its rich flavors, it can also be enjoyed as a hearty meal on its own, particularly when accompanied by fresh corn tortillas or rice.
Interesting Facts
- While the name "drunken beans" might sound amusing, the alcohol in the beer cooks off during the baking process, leaving only the flavor behind.
- The beer used in the recipe doesnt have to be a specific brand, but most people recommend a light lager for its mild bitterness. Darker beers can add a more pronounced flavor to the beans.
- In some regions, frijoles borrachos are served with a splash of tequila or mezcal for an extra kick, making them even more drunken!
- The dish is often passed down through generations, and many families have their own secret ingredient or spice that sets their version apart.
You can listen to this recipe in AI audio format. Simply click the play button below to listen to the content in a format that suits you best. It’s a great way to absorb information on the go!
FAQ about Frijoles Borrachos (Drunken Baked Beans) Recipe
Comments
Kelly Adams
01/06/2025 08:08:27 AM
I was unsure about the amount of beans needed for 3 cups, so I opted to use 2 cans. Realizing that it wasn't sufficient, I threw in an extra can of black beans and proceeded to follow the recipe as instructed. I began cooking in the oven, then transferred the dish to a friend's place where we finished it off in the smoker. The results were phenomenal. The heat level was just right, and the addition of jalapenos provided a delightful flavor. I also had some Mexican oregano on hand, which I used in the dish.
Benjamin Collins
09/20/2023 04:48:50 PM
I've made this recipe for the 3rd or 4th time today. In the past, I used canned beans and followed the instructions. But this time, I decided to use a pound of Rancho Gordo Cranberry Beans and adjusted the amount of beer slightly to accommodate the softer beans. After an hour in the oven, the aroma is already making my mouth water! I'm confident these beans will be a hit at the potluck. Thank you, Chef John, for another fantastic recipe!
Virginia Martinez
10/16/2024 01:11:54 AM
Absolutely scrumptious! I made a couple of tweaks by using minced fresh garlic instead of garlic powder and incorporating freshly picked oregano from my herb garden. I also opted for three cans of drained (not rinsed) pinto beans. Baked them at 425 degrees for about 2 hours to get that perfect thick consistency. The feedback was phenomenal—folks were practically begging for the recipe! It was my inaugural attempt at baked beans, and it turned out to be a resounding success!
Samantha Mitchell
03/31/2023 04:58:49 AM
I always feel intimidated when it comes to making beans, but this recipe turned out to be incredibly simple and easy to follow. The beans were a hit at a poker game. I skipped the bacon at the end, but they were still delicious! I doubled the recipe and used two large cans of pinto beans. By mistake, I added a bit more sugar, which gave the beans a delightful extra touch of sweetness. I also threw in a spicy jalapeño, which paired perfectly with the sweetness and tanginess from the mustard, vinegar, and beer. This was hands down the simplest bean recipe I've ever tried.
Nicholas Brown
04/29/2024 10:34:57 PM
This recipe is a definite winner! To adjust the heat level, I skipped the jalapeno, yet the dish remained flavorful. However, there is a noticeable mistake in the recipe that I only caught when watching the video. I found that the original recipe didn't yield quite enough, but it became clear when I saw that Chef John added 3 cans of beans rather than the 3 cups stated in the recipe. Nevertheless, I served these beans alongside the mojo pork, and both recipes were absolute game changers!
Kelly Torres
10/05/2022 03:26:34 PM
This dish is absolutely delicious, although it's quite different from the drunken beans I've made before, which tend to lean more towards the savory side. I found that the type of salsa and beer used can really impact the final taste. Keep in mind that some salsas are sweeter than others, so you might need to adjust the sugar accordingly. As for the beer, well, it's all about personal preference - I personally like using a dark beer. Cooking is all about trying new things and being open to experimentation.
Edward Nguyen
11/16/2023 10:54:07 PM
This recipe was a miss, unfortunately. Despite following it exactly, the dish didn't turn out as expected. We anticipated the beans to have a sweeter flavor, but the jalapeño ended up dominating all other tastes. For the next attempt, I would consider using green pepper instead and doubling the amount of brown sugar.
Joyce Carter
12/15/2024 03:49:22 AM
This recipe was quite simple to prepare. I followed the instructions closely, though I didn't have Mexican oregano on hand, so I substituted with marjoram. The dish turned out to be a real crowd-pleaser, and people were eager to know where I found the recipe. I paired it with smoked mojo pork and served it alongside steamed rice made in the Instant Pot.
Richard Lopez
07/17/2023 12:52:17 PM
Here is the rewritten review: "This dish was delicious, but I made a mistake by overcooking it. Next time, I will follow Chef John's recommended cooking time. The dish thickened significantly as it cooled down. I will definitely make it again in the future."
Raymond Harris
02/03/2025 01:31:18 AM
My family adores this recipe! It stays fresh in the refrigerator and pairs perfectly with rice for a speedy dinner option.
Stephanie Lewis
09/03/2023 08:58:55 AM
Huge hit - even my mom, who isn't a fan of baked beans, loved it!
Jerry Sanchez
03/09/2024 03:01:12 AM
It was a tremendous success, beyond belief!
Brenda Clark
06/17/2023 04:30:39 PM
I absolutely loved these baked beans! I followed the recipe exactly, but accidentally left them in the oven for a bit too long. Thankfully, I was able to solve the issue by adding some chicken stock to moisten them. Next time, I'll be sure to cook them for a shorter time. I was pleasantly surprised by the salsa addition, as I had some jars that I wasn't using for chips. The flavors were perfectly balanced with a lovely acidity and a hint of heat. These baked beans are more nuanced compared to traditional Southern ones. While my husband usually prefers his beans more liquidy, he couldn't get enough of the jalapenos in this dish and cleaned his plate. Thank you, Chef John!
Melissa Anderson
02/03/2023 05:36:47 AM
Added sausage, but it was unnecessary. The blend of spices was excellent and, as mentioned, very simple to make.
Stephanie Rodriguez
12/22/2024 04:32:04 PM
Great recipe! I always include chorizo in mine, and slicing up a hotdog is a must for that traditional touch. Trust me, just Google it!
Brenda Jones
12/04/2024 12:57:25 AM
The only thing I would alter is to chop the bacon into pieces and sprinkle it on top before baking. The taste is fantastic. An added bonus is that they fill the kitchen with a wonderful smell.
Andrew Clark
05/23/2024 11:07:46 AM
Chef John, these beans are absolutely perfect!