Starting from a constrained real BF-type action for general relativity that includes both the Immirzi parameter and the cosmological constant, we obtain the Ashtekar-Barbero variables used in the canonical approach to the quantization of the gravitational field.This is accomplished by explicitly solving the second-class constraints resulting from the Hamiltonian analysis of the considered action, and later imposing the time gauge.All throughout this work the tetrad formalism is left aside, obtaining the Ashtekar-Barbero variables entirely in terms of the B-fields that define the action.