Drunken Beans

Prep: 10 min Cook: 30 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: American

Drunken Beans offer a hearty, smoky flavor with tender beans, crispy bacon, and a hint of spice from jalapenos, perfect for casual gatherings or comfort food lovers.

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Ingredients

  • 3/4 lb. bacon, chopped
  • 3 large onions, chopped
  • 6 cans pinto beans, undrained
  • 1 can beer
  • 2 beef bouillon cubes
  • 3 large tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 Tbsp. sugar
  • 1 jalapeno pepper, chopped

Instructions

  1. Cook bacon until crisp.
  2. Add chopped onions and sauté a few minutes.
  3. Add all other ingredients and simmer for 30 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For extra depth, consider using smoked bacon or adding a splash of hot sauce. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the bacon with smoked paprika and vegetable broth. Ensure to drain some of the beans if you want a thicker consistency. This dish also works well with black beans for a twist. Don't hesitate to customize the spices to suit your palate.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these Drunken Beans alongside cornbread or as a hearty filling for burritos. They also make a fantastic side dish to grilled meats or barbecue. For a complete meal, pair them with a salad like Crunchy Coleslaw or Baked Potato Elegante for a satisfying combination.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm them on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a little water or broth if they seem too thick. You can also microwave them in short intervals, stirring frequently, until heated through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Drunken Beans contains roughly 539 calories, with 27g protein, 88g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (704% of the Daily Value), iron (195% of the Daily Value), and potassium (101% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 764mg per serving (33% of the Daily Value).

539 kcal 27% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 27.3g 55% DV
Total Fat 11.8g 15% DV
Carbs 88.2g 32% DV
Fiber 16.9g 60% DV
Sugar 23.1g 46% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 764.1mg 33% DV
Potassium 4741.6mg 100% DV
Cholesterol 15.3mg 5% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 618.3mcg 69% DV
Vitamin C 633.7mg 100% DV
Calcium 1025.5mg 79% DV
Iron 35.1mg 100% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber Low-fat

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Drunken Beans ahead of time?

Yes, these beans can be made ahead and taste even better the next day as the flavors meld. Prepare them a day in advance, let them cool completely, and store them in the fridge. Reheat gently before serving.

What type of beer works best in this recipe?

A light lager or pale ale is ideal, but feel free to experiment with your favorite beer. The beer adds flavor depth, so choose one that you enjoy drinking. Avoid overly bitter or dark beers, as they might overpower the dish.

Can I freeze Drunken Beans?

Absolutely! Let the beans cool completely, then transfer them to freezer-safe containers. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and then warm on the stovetop or microwave.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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