Description
A rich, smoky, and savory pot of Borracho Beans (Smoked Drunken Beans) made with pinto beans, peppers, onions, tomatoes, and aromatic Mexican spices. Perfectly tender and full of flavor, these beans are a crowd-pleasing side or main dish for barbecues, tacos, or any casual meal.
Ingredients
1 cup finely diced smoked sausage alternative or plant-based smoked protein
1 sweet onion, finely diced
1 jalapeño pepper, seeds removed and finely diced
1 Fresno pepper, seeds removed and finely diced
4 cloves garlic, crushed or minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried Mexican oregano
1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes and green chiles (RO-TEL)
3 (15 oz) cans pinto beans (undrained)
3 cups rich vegetable broth
3 bay leaves
Cilantro and cotija cheese, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat smoker to 300°F (150°C) with the lid closed.
- In a Dutch oven, cook diced smoked protein over medium heat until lightly browned and fragrant.
- Add onion, jalapeño, and Fresno peppers. Cook for 4–5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic, cumin, and oregano. Cook for 1 minute until aromatic.
- Add pinto beans (undrained), diced tomatoes with green chiles, vegetable broth, and bay leaves. Stir to combine.
- Transfer the pot to the smoker and cook uncovered for about 3 hours, stirring occasionally.
- If the beans begin to dry out, add more broth or liquid to maintain a saucy consistency.
- Once the beans have thickened and absorbed the smoky flavor, remove the bay leaves.
- Serve warm, garnished with chopped cilantro and cotija cheese.
Notes
Use smoked paprika or a splash of liquid smoke for a vegetarian version without smoked protein.
Adjust spice level by adding more peppers or chipotle chiles in adobo.
For a thicker texture, mash a few beans at the end of cooking.
Fire-roasted diced tomatoes add extra depth and flavor.
Can be made ahead and reheated — flavors intensify overnight.
Freeze cooled beans for up to 2 months; reheat gently with added broth.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Smoking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
