Dinner

Crockpot Borracho Beans Recipe

Name: Crockpot Borracho Beans Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-492335H12M52S
Total time: PT-492335H12M52S
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 pound pinto beans (dried, uncooked); 1 onion (chopped); 2 jalapeno peppers (diced); 4 cloves garlic (minced); 20 ounces tomatoes with green chiles (2 cans, such as ROTEL); 1 cup chopped cilantro; 12 ounces dark beer; 6 cups chicken broth; 1 tablespoon dried oregano; 2 teaspoons ground black pepper; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1 tablespoon salt (add to taste)

BySophie Carsel March 1, 2026March 1, 2026

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Introduction

Borracho Beans are a flavorful, hearty dish perfect for any casual meal. Slow-cooked with beer, spices, and fresh ingredients, these beans develop a rich, smoky taste that’s both comforting and satisfying.

A clear glass bowl filled with cooked brown beans mixed with small pieces of green herbs and diced tomatoes, with a thick broth visible among the beans; the beans pile up about three layers deep, with a glossy and soft texture. The bowl sits on a white plate, next to pieces of cooked light brown chicken and a silver spoon on the right side. The white marbled surface beneath adds a clean, bright background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound pinto beans (dried, uncooked)
1 onion (chopped)
2 jalapeno peppers (diced)
20 ounces tomatoes with green chiles (2 cans, such as ROTEL)
4 cloves garlic (minced)
12 ounces dark beer
6 cups chicken broth
1 tablespoon dried oregano
2 teaspoons ground black pepper
1 teaspoon cumin
1 tablespoon salt
1 cup chopped cilantro

Instructions

Step 1: Rinse the pinto beans thoroughly and discard any debris. You may soak them overnight if desired, but this step is optional.
Step 2: In the slow cooker, combine the pinto beans, chopped onion, diced jalapenos, minced garlic, and tomatoes with green chiles. Pour the chicken broth and dark beer over these ingredients.
Step 3: Add the dried oregano, black pepper, and cumin to the slow cooker. Stir all ingredients well, then cover with the lid.
Step 4: Cook on high for 6 to 8 hours, or until the beans are tender and flavors meld together.
Step 5: When cooking is complete, stir in the chopped cilantro and salt to taste before serving.

Tips & Variations

For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and choose a non-alcoholic beer.
Adjust the number of jalapenos according to your preferred spice level.
Add a splash of lime juice before serving for a bright, fresh finish.
Top with shredded cheese or sour cream for extra richness.

Storage

Store cooled borracho beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop or microwave until hot, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen the beans.

How to Serve

The image shows a clear glass bowl filled with pinto beans mixed with greens and small pieces of vegetables, all sitting in a light brown broth. The bowl is placed on a white plate, and a silver spoon rests on the plate next to the bowl. The beans are the top layer, visibly whole and shiny, with bits of green herbs and red pieces mixed in. Around the bowl on the plate are strips of cooked chicken with a slight brown seasoning. The background and surface show a white marbled texture, giving a clean and fresh look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use canned beans instead of dried?

While you can use canned beans to save time, the slow cooker flavor and texture will be best with dried beans. If using canned, add them near the end of cooking to avoid overcooking.

What type of beer works best in this recipe?

A dark beer adds depth and richness, but you can use a lager or amber beer if preferred. Avoid very bitter beers, as they may overpower the dish.