Frijoles Puercos (Mexican Piggy Beans)

Frijoles Puercos are creamy Mexican beans made with chorizo, cheese, and chipotle peppers. A rich, smoky side dish or party appetizer.

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A hand holding a chip with frijoles puercos over a blue bowl.

Frijoles Puercos start with one of my favorite Mexican staples: frijoles de la olla.

The cooked pinto beans are blended until smooth, then combined with Mexican chorizo, onion, chipotle peppers, and melted cheese.

The result is a creamy, savory bean dish with a smoky kick that’s delicious served warm with tortilla chips or alongside your favorite Mexican meals.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❤️

It’s incredibly creamy. The blended pinto beans create a thick, smooth base that’s perfect for dipping.
The flavor is bold. Mexican chorizo, onion, chipotle peppers, and melted cheese give these beans a rich, smoky flavor.
It’s easy to customize. Use your favorite melting cheese and adjust the chipotle peppers to make it as mild or spicy as you like.
It’s perfect for parties. Make a big batch and keep it warm for an appetizer everyone can enjoy.
It’s more than a dip. Serve Frijoles Puercos with tortilla chips, quesadillas, tacos, enchiladas, eggs, or grilled meats.
It connects me to home. This is one of those Mexican recipes that brings back memories of family, celebrations, and the foods that always seem to disappear first from the table.

My Story With Frijoles Puercos

I have a cousin in Durango who absolutely lives for Frijoles Puercos.

When I first published this recipe back in 2020, he was actually the person I thought of. I have a funny memory of being at a quinceañera in Durango with him many years ago. They served Mexican piggy beans, and my cousin went back to the serving table three times!

Of course, everyone at our table noticed. We couldn’t stop talking about it and laughing.

But honestly, I can’t blame him.

Frijoles Puercos are creamy, rich, cheesy, and packed with so much flavor from Mexican chorizo and smoky chipotle peppers. They are the kind of dish that makes you want to go back for just one more spoonful.

This recipe has been on my website for years, and it remains one of my favorite ways to serve beans. It’s especially good for family gatherings, parties, and holidays when you want something comforting that everyone can scoop up with warm tortilla chips.

If you’re a Mexican bean fan, also try my recipe for Frijoles Refritos.

🫘 Ingredients

Pinto Beans
Chorizo
Cheese
Salt
Lard (or olive oil)
White onion
Chipotle Peppers in Adobo

Substitutions

Some people will also add bacon to this dish. That’s totally optional.

For those of you who like spicy food, add two chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. The chipotle chiles add a delicious smoky flavor. If you prefer less heat, start with half of a pepper. For more heat, serve the beans with diced jalapeños.

If you love hearty Mexican bean dishes, you might also want to try my Frijoles Charros, made with pinto beans, bacon, and other flavorful ingredients.

A collage showing how to make the bean mixture in the blender.

🥣 Instructions

1. Blend the beans. Add the cooked pinto beans, chipotle pepper, and salt to a blender. Blend until smooth.
Tip: Depending on your blender, add the bean broth little by little so it doesn’t get too runny.

Use either regular pinto beans, refried beans, or canned beans. The flavors from the chorizo and other ingredients will help mask any yucky canned taste.

If you love experimenting with Northern Mexican favorites, try stuffing your next batch of beans into corn masa to make Tlacoyos or try my Bean Tamales.

A collage showing cooked chorizo and beans in a skillet.

2. Cook the chorizo and onion. Heat the lard in a large skillet or medium pot. Add the Mexican chorizo and cook until browned and cooked through. Drain some of the excess fat, if needed. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent.
3. Add the beans and cheese. Pour the blended beans into the skillet. Add the cheese and stir to combine.

If you don’t want to use lard, you can also use olive oil or butter. They’re called Piggy Beans or Mexican Pork Beans because they traditionally include pork lard and pork chorizo.

Also, try my Homemade Chorizo Recipe. It’s a great option if you’d like to control the ingredients and fat content.

A mixture of beans, chorizo, and cheese in a skillet.

4. Melt the cheese. Cook over low to medium heat for 1–2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cheese has melted and the beans are hot and creamy.

🙋🏻‍♀️ Frequently Asked Questions

What are Frijoles Puercos?

Frijoles Puercos, sometimes called Mexican piggy beans or pork beans, are creamy refried-style beans made with ingredients such as pinto beans, Mexican chorizo, pork lard, cheese, and chipotle peppers. The beans are blended until smooth and then cooked with the flavorful chorizo mixture and melted cheese.

Why are they called Frijoles Puercos?

The name translates roughly to “piggy” beans and refers to the traditional use of pork ingredients such as chorizo and lard. Recipes vary by family and region, so you may find different versions of Frijoles Puercos.

Are Frijoles Puercos spicy?

They can be! Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce give the beans a smoky flavor along with some heat. For mild Frijoles Puercos, start with half of a chipotle pepper. If you enjoy spicy food, you can add more.

What kind of cheese is best for Frijoles Puercos?

Use a cheese that melts well. Oaxaca, Chihuahua, Monterey Jack, and mozzarella are all good choices. You can also use a combination of cheeses.

Can I make Frijoles Puercos without lard?

Yes. Lard gives the beans a traditional flavor, but you can substitute olive oil or butter if you prefer.

Can I use refried beans to make Frijoles Puercos?

Yes. You can use regular cooked pinto beans, homemade refried beans, or canned pinto beans. The chorizo, chipotle, onion, and cheese add so much flavor that this recipe is very forgiving.

🫙 Storing and Reheating Instructions

In the refrigerator, this frijoles puercos recipe will last up to 4 days in an airtight container.
In the freezer, place in a sealable bag with all the air removed. It can last up to 4 months in the freezer.
Reheat on high in the microwave for 2 ½ to 3 minutes in a microwave-safe bowl.

A blue bowl with frijoles puercos inside and surrounded by chips and pickled jalapenos.

🍴 More Mexican Appetizers

If you’ve never tried Frijoles Puercos, I hope you give them a try.

They’re creamy, cheesy, smoky, and full of the comforting flavors I love about Mexican cooking. Serve them warm with tortilla chips at your next party, or enjoy them as a side dish with your favorite Mexican meal.

And if you find yourself going back for another spoonful, don’t worry. You’re in good company.

Just ask my cousin. He made three trips to the serving table at that quinceañera in Durango—and honestly, I understand why.

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