Side DishReader rated

Slow-Cooked Frijoles in Texas Style

★★★★★ 4.9 (17 reviews)

These slow-cooked beans bring out rich, hearty flavors perfect for a comforting meal. Easy to prepare and full of Texan charm, they’re great as a side or a main dish any day of the week.

◷3 hr 20 minTotal Time

♜4Servings

▥HardDifficulty

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Ingredients

4servings

2 (16 ounce) cans western-style pinto beans16 ounces water6 slices bacon, or more to taste6 jalapeno peppers, seeded and sliced, or more to taste1 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped1 clove garlic, chopped, or more to taste2 (12 fluid ounce) cans light beer, or as needed, divided

Instructions

Simmer Beans with Flavor

Start by dumping the pinto beans into a large pot. Add enough water to cover them, then toss in the bacon, jalapeños, cilantro, and garlic. Bring everything to a gentle simmer and let it go for about 10 minutes to get things warmed up. Once the beans are warmed through, pour in one can of light beer.

Slow Simmer Beans

Let the beans cook slowly, stirring every now and then to keep things from sticking. You'll want to cook them until the bacon is fully broken down and the beans start to fall apart, which usually takes anywhere from 3 to 6 hours. Keep an eye on the liquid — if it starts to evaporate and the beans look dry, add the rest of the beer about every couple of hours to keep them nice and covered.

Keep Beans Warm

When the beans are tender and flavorful, cover the pot to keep them warm until you’re ready to serve.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These beans are rich, hearty, and full of bold flavors that bring a taste of Texas to your table. Slow cooking helps the beans become tender and soak up all the spices, making each bite satisfying and comforting.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with warm cornbread or steamed rice to soak up the delicious sauce. They also make a great filling for tacos or a side dish alongside grilled meats.

Storage Tips

Allow the beans to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. They keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and freeze nicely for up to 3 months. Reheat gently to maintain texture.