Frijoles Rancheros(Aka Borracho Beans)
A hearty Mexican bean dish featuring tender pinto beans simmered with bacon, tomatoes, peppers, and fresh cilantro, perfect for flavorful comfort meals and gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil beans, garlic, and salt in water for about 2 hours or until done, adding additional water as needed.
- Cook bacon pieces in a skillet until crispy.
- Add chopped white onion to the bacon and cook until translucent.
- Stir in diced tomato, Rotel tomatoes and peppers, and chopped serrano or jalapeno peppers.
- Combine cooked beans and bacon mixture, simmer for additional flavors.
- Garnish with cilantro before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider soaking the pinto beans overnight before cooking. If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can substitute the bacon with smoked paprika or liquid smoke to achieve a similar taste. Fresh cilantro can be substituted with parsley if unavailable. You might also experiment with different types of beans for variety in texture and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
These frijoles rancheros make a hearty main dish and pair beautifully with a side of cornbread or rice. Consider serving them alongside a fresh salad or tacos for a complete meal. They also make a great filling for burritos or as a topping for nachos and cheese, enhancing your favorite Mexican recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover frijoles rancheros in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, gently warm them on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if they seem dry. You can also reheat them in the microwave, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Frijoles Rancheros(Aka Borracho Beans) contains roughly 643 calories, with 25g protein, 98g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (526% of the Daily Value), iron (165% of the Daily Value), and potassium (79% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2829mg per serving (123% of the Daily Value).
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 use canned beans instead of dried beans?
Yes, you can use canned pinto beans to save time. If using canned beans, simply skip the boiling step and add them to the skillet with the bacon and vegetables. Reduce the simmering time to allow the flavors to meld without overcooking the beans.
How spicy are these beans with serrano peppers?
Serrano peppers are generally spicier than jalapenos, so if you're sensitive to heat, you might want to start with one pepper and taste as you go. Adjust the spiciness according to your preference by adding more or using milder peppers.
Can I freeze frijoles rancheros?
Yes, frijoles rancheros freeze well. Allow them to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. They can be stored for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop or in the 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).