Instant Pot Borracho Beans, aka Frijoles Borrachos are the perfect Mexican style beans infused with flavor from the pressure cooker.
Instant Pot Borracho Beans, aka Frijoles Borrachos or drunken beans (there is beer in the recipe, you know?) are the perfect beans to go along with your Mexican cuisine.
I have another reason for you to buy an Instant Pot….these Borracho beans! Beans take a lot of seasoning in my opinion. This method in the pressure cooker packs in the flavor in a shorter amount of time. You might know them by the name Charro beans better- basically the same thing minus the beer.
But if beer is in the recipe, it means it’s okay to open it at 3 or 4pm on a school day, right?
My husband always requests these type of beans instead of refried beans when we eat at Mexican restaurants. They are supposed to be a little soupy, but you can use a slotted spoon for serving if you don’t like the liquid.
These beans can be served with any of your favorite Mexican dishes like tacos, enchiladas or dished over rice for a tasty, healthy and affordable meal!
They get better with time so I recommend making them a little ahead of when you need them, but it’s not required. They also thicken up the next day as beans typically do.
I have been loving my Instant Pot (I have the 8 QT). I make this oatmeal all the time, hard boiled eggs, stews, soups and other easy recipes. I have not tried this exact recipe on the stove top, but I will update the post when I do.
Looking for other recipes to go with these beans?
- Chicken Fajita Bowl
- Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas {Paleo, Gluten Free}
- Migas {Tex-Mex}
- Chicken Tacos with Pickled Onions and Feta
HELPFUL TOOLS USED IN MAKING THIS DISH AND RELATED LINKS:
6 or 8 Qt Instant Pot– it took me a while to make the purchase because who needs another kitchen appliance? The good thing is you can get rid of your slow cooker if you want because this functions as both (although I like having an extra slow cooker on hand anyway).
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 lb pinto beans, rinsed and sorted (soaked overnight- optional*)
- 1 jalapeno, seeds removed and diced
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 1 small onion diced
- 2 large cloves garlic, diced
- 5 slices thick cut bacon, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt*
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 can/bottle Mexican beer (I used Dos Equis)
- 2 cups reduced sodium chicken broth
- 1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilis, including the juices
- Fresh cilantro
- Turn Instant Pot to saute setting and add oil. Sauté bacon for a 3 minutes or until it starts to get some color, add veggies (jalepeno, onion and bell pepper) sauté for 2 more minutes. Add garlic and sauté for 1 more minute. Next add seasoning (salt, pepper and cumin) and stir. Add beer, broth, diced tomatoes and beans. Cover and turn to bean setting. Cook for 20 minutes if beans have been soaked and 40 minutes if not soaked. Let the beans sit for 5-7 minutes after cooking time is over and then set to vent remaining steam.
*If you don't use low sodium chicken broth you might want to start with ½ teaspoon salt and increase after cooked, if needed.
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Love that you added jalapenos to the recipe. Looks absolutely yummy!
xoxo
Annie
Thank you! I love jalapeños
This makes me want to finally buy an Instant Pot!
Yes! Do it!!
Oh I would gobble these beans all up in one sitting! I probably would have to spend the rest of the night alone, but it would be totally worth it lol Bookmarking the recipe!
I have been holding off on getting a pressure cooker, ( I want the expensive one that does everything, slow cooker, steamer, pressure cooker in one), but you’ve convinced me to go for it. Your beans look and sound delicious! I love all the ecoutrements; avocado is a must, chopped onions, cilantro, Yum!
this recipe just 100% convinced me that I need an instant pot immediately! I love beans and these sound incredible!
Haha, do it!!
The combo of bacon and beer must be amazing! I can’t wait to try these!
I NEED an instant pot!! Ahhh these look amazing
Once you get the hang of it, it’s kind of addicting! Like “what can I throw in the Instant Pot and see if it turns into a meal tonight”?”
I just got an instant pot and this looks like the perfect recipe to start with, to be honest all the buttons are a bit intimidating! LOL
Totally! I didn’t use it for the first 3 months. 😉
Mmm these beans look so tasty! I can’t wait to try it!
This dish looks great! I got an IP for Christmas and haven’t tried it yet — I’m a little nervous! This might help me 🙂
Oohh..this looks super yummy. I want to try it!
Oh yes…I just sent this to my husband and said WE ARE MAKING THESE
I have an 8 Qt, also. I presoaked 4 lbs of beans overnight. I included all the ingredients and added enough water/broth to not exceed the 1/2 full line. With more beans, do I still cook them for 20 minutes or do I need to increase the time? Thanks!!
I don’t have a bean setting. Do I just use pressure cook button?
That should work!
I have made these beans before and my family loves them! Maybe my pressure “sealed” nozzle wasn’t on correctly (today) but the beans burned. Can I use the high pressure for 40 minutes instead of the bean/chili button?
This recipe sounds wonderful and delicious! Do you have cooking instructions for those of us who do not have InstaPots? Thank you!