Making Chipotle-style black beans at home is one of my favorite ways to bring comfort and spice into the kitchen. This copycat recipe is easy, inexpensive, healthy, and delivers the smoky, complex flavor we all love. With just a few simple pantry ingredients like garlic, onions, and a hint of smoky pepper, these tender, simmered beans are always a hit. I first made them for a casual burrito bowl night, and they quickly became my go-to for quick, satisfying meals.
I first learned this recipe at 22, shortly after I moved out and started cooking for myself. One night, I came across a TikTok video showing how to make Chipotle-style black beans. It quickly became a favorite in my Mexican-inspired meals after trying it a few times with little tweaks.
They’re the perfect addition to burritos, salads, or taco night or served as a side dish with corn tortillas, scrambled eggs, or cilantro lime rice. I love how they combine so effortlessly and pair beautifully with other copycats, mains, chips, avocado, and salsa for a mini fiesta. This vegetarian, hearty, and delicious dish skips the bacon and bell peppers but keeps all the soul. Keep it on hand—every bite’s a little taste of Mexican-inspired joy.
🫘 What Are Black Beans?
Black beans are small, shiny legumes known for their hearty texture and delicious, earthy flavor. I love how they soak up smoky, spiced sauces and make every Mexican-inspired meal more filling and healthy. Packed with protein, fiber, and a rich taste, they’re a perfect base for anything from burrito bowls to side dishes. Whether you toss them into rice or salads or wrap them in corn tortillas, they always bring comfort to the plate.
Black Beans.
Enough talk; now, let’s move on to the recipe!
🌯 Ingredients
- Dry/Canned Black Beans 🥫 Use store-bought canned beans that are drained and rinsed for a quick and easy base, or cook dry black beans if you prefer.
- Oil for Sautéing 🍳 I use vegetable oil or canola oil to sauté the onions and garlic, bringing out their savory goodness before adding to the beans.
- Onions & Garlic 🧄 White onions and minced garlic are a must in this recipe, creating that rich, flavorful base to start off your dish.
- Spices & Seasonings 🌶️ A combination of chili powder, ground cumin, cayenne pepper, and a dash of allspice will give your beans that signature Chipotle flavor. Don’t forget salt, sugar, and a bay leaf for balance.
- Citrus Kick 🍋 Add a little lime juice and lemon juice for that vibrant citrus flavor that brightens the dish up, just like the original Chipotle.
- Broth for Richness 🍲 Chicken stock (or chicken broth) brings a rich, creamy texture to your beans, making them extra flavorful and comforting.
- Chipotle for Smokiness 🌶️ To add a smoky twist, I love using chipotle in adobo, chipotle paste, or ground chipotle pepper. These bring that signature smoky kick Chipotle is known for.
- Fresh Garnish 🌿 Finish off with a sprinkle of cilantro for a burst of freshness that ties everything together.
🔪 Kitchen Equipments
- Cutting Board – My Daily Prep Buddy 🧱
- Medium Saucepan – Even-Heat Every Time 🍲
- Sturdy Wooden Spoon – Gentle & Handy 🥄
📝 Instructions
Prep the Beans 🔄
I always begin by using a colander to rinse my canned black beans under cold water. This step helps remove extra sodium and gives them a cleaner taste. Once drained, I set them aside while I heat things up.
Build the Base 🔥
In a Dutch Oven, large pot, or stockpot, I heat oil—usually olive oil—on medium heat until it shimmers, not smokes. Then, I add diced onion and minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until softened, translucent, and fragrant. A pinch of salt, pepper, and basic seasoning go in early for that comforting aroma.
Spice It Up 🌶️
After 5 minutes, when the onions start turning yellow, I mix in chili powder, cumin, chipotle pepper, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper, and a bay leaf. I also love stirring in chipotle peppers with a spoon of adobo sauce for a smoky kick.
Add Beans & Simmer 🥣
Now, I toss the black beans, 1 cup of water, and chicken broth. Please stir it to combine all those layers of flavor. Let it come to a slight boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes until the mix is thickened and the beans are tender. If I have time, I let it go for 1 to 2 hours for deeper flavor.
Brighten the Flavor 🍋
Once it’s nearly done, I add lemon juice and lime juice. This gives the beans a vibrant, citrusy twist. You can also taste it and add more spice or season it as desired. If you like a little extra heat, throw in chipotle chilies.
Serve and Enjoy 🍚
I love serving these beans in a bowl over white rice or cilantro lime rice. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro on top adds a pop of color and aroma that makes it feel like a cozy, home-cooked meal—every time. It’s truly a dish to enjoy with heart.
Chipotle Black Beans served with Rice.
✅ Substitutions
Be careful if you’re using kidney beans instead of black beans. Dried kidney beans have a natural lectin called phytohemagglutinin, which can be toxic if not handled correctly. Always pre-soak them, then cook at a boiling point of 210 degrees Fahrenheit for at least 10 minutes—never in a slow cooker. It’s not worth the risk, and believe me, I learned this the hard way once. If you’re unsure, it’s safe to stick to black beans in this recipe—better safe than sorry! 🔥
Flavor Twists & Tasty Variations
I love kicking my Chipotle beans by using chicken broth for depth and fat. If you’re vegetarian, swap it with vegetable broth. When I’m out of lemon, I use a half teaspoon of red or white wine vinegar for acidity. Want it spicy? Add crushed red pepper, Tabasco sauce, or Louisiana Hot Sauce—all personal favorites. And when I want to cool down the heat, I add a dollop of sour cream.
These touches really serve to take things up! 😋
💡Top Tips
- Bloom Your Spices in Hot Oil 🌶️Use chipotle pepper powder, cumin, oregano, chili powder, and a touch of cayenne pepper. Let the spices bloom in hot oil for full spice release and even flavor.
- Dry or Canned—Use Them Right 🫘 For the best taste and creamy texture, go with dry beans. But for quick midweek meals, use canned beans—just be sure to wash, drain, and remove the canning liquid to reduce saltiness.
- Simmer Long Enough 🍲 Let your beans simmer for at least 15 minutes to thicken the broth and blend the flavors. Watch the liquid to avoid getting too thick or sticking to the pot.
- Add Tomatoes Early & Cook Low and Slow 🧄 If using tomatoes, add them at the beginning to prevent mushy beans. For rich depth, try a slow cooker with soaked beans, chipotle chilies, and bay leaves—it’s a low-effort recipe with a big payoff.
🌶️ What Makes Chipotle Peppers Special
I used to think Chipotle was just a fast-food chain, but once I started learning how to make beans at home, I became really interested in what gave them that bold flavor. It’s all thanks to chipotle peppers—a type of pepper made by smoking and drying classic jalapeno. That’s what brings the deep, earthy, smoky taste we love to Mexican-inspired cooking.
🫙❄️🔥 Storing, Freezing, and Reheating
Quick Storage That Lasts 🧊
After countless busy weeknights, I’ve learned that making Chipotle black beans ahead of time is a real time-saver. Once cooked, I let the beans cool to room temperature, then pack them into airtight, freezer-safe containers or Ziploc bags (laid flat to save space). For short-term use, I store the leftovers, covered, in the fridge or refrigerator for up to 3 or 5 days. If I want to keep them longer, I label and freeze them for 4 to 6 months — make sure the containers are sealed well to maintain the temperature.
Easy Reheating on Your Terms 🔥
When it’s time to eat, I thaw the frozen beans overnight in the fridge. In a rush, I’ll transfer them to a microwave-safe bowl, drizzle in 2 tablespoons of water, and microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring each time until warmed. If I’ve got more time, I go for the stovetop—tossing the beans into a small frying pan, saucepan, or even the same pot. I froze them in, then bring them to a simmer over medium heat, stirring continuously.
My Go-To Bean Routine ⚡
Sometimes, I just microwave 30-second bursts—especially when I’m tired and hungry. Yes, it takes a bit of planning, but whether you freeze, reheat, or store them, these black beans always deliver. They’re one of those rare things that taste just as good after reheating as they do fresh.
🥗 Nutrition
I’ve always loved how black beans bring taste and nourishment to the table. One serving packs plenty of protein, fiber, and minerals to keep your body energized and satisfied. Whether you’re meal prepping or cooking for the family, these beans support heart health, improve digestion, and add a wholesome boost to any dish. It’s a tiny ingredient with a powerful impact!
🧾 Nutritional Information per 100g of Cooked Black Beans
| Nutrient | Amount per 100g | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 132 kcal | — |
| Total Fat | 0.54 g | 1% |
| Saturated Fat | 0.14 g | 1% |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 237 mg | 10% |
| Total Carbohydrate | 23.71 g | 9% |
| Dietary Fiber | 8.7 g | 31% |
| Sugars | — | — |
| Protein | 8.86 g | 16% |
| Calcium | 27 mg | 2% |
| Iron | 2.1 mg | 12% |
| Potassium | 355 mg | 8% |
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Click here to see the detailed nutrition information for black beans on FatSecret.
🍽️ Recipe Card
Perfect Chipotle Black Beans at Home
Equipment
- 1 Cutting Board For prepping onions and garlic
- 1 Medium Saucepan Or Dutch oven or stockpot
- 1 Wooden Spoon For stirring and sautéing
- 1 Colander For rinsing canned beans
Ingredients
- 2 can Black Beans Drained and rinsed
- 2 tbsp Oil Canola, vegetable, or olive oil
- 1 medium Onion Diced
- 3 cloves Garlic Minced
- 1 tsp Chili Powder
- 1 tsp Cumin
- 1/2 tsp Oregano Dried
- 2-4 Bay Leaf
- 1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper Optional for heat
- 1 tsp Chipotle Pepper Paste or powder or in adobo
- 1 cup Chicken Broth Or vegetable broth for vegetarian
- 1 cup Water For simmering
- 1 tbsp Lime Juice Fresh
- 1 tbsp Lemon Juice Fresh
- 2 tbsp Cilantro Chopped for garnish
- to taste Salt and Pepper
Instructions
- Rinse Beans: Using a colander, drain and rinse canned/dry black beans under cold water. (If you're using dry black beans, cook them first for 15 minutes.)
- Sauté Base: Heat oil in a saucepan. Add onion and garlic; cook until soft and fragrant.
- Spice It Up: Stir in chili powder, cumin, oregano, cayenne, chipotle pepper, and bay leaf. Sauté for 1–2 minutes.
- Simmer Beans: Add beans, water, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10–15 minutes (or longer for deeper flavor).
- Brighten: Add lemon and lime juice. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped cilantro. Serve hot with rice or in burritos.
Notes
🗒 Recipe Notes
- Easily double the batch for meal prep.
- For added depth, simmer longer or use soaked dry beans.
- Great served with cilantro lime rice, tacos, or enchiladas.
🍽️ Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: 132 kcal
- Protein: 8.86 g
- Total Carbs: 23.71 g
- Fiber: 8.7 g
- Fat: 0.54 g
- Sodium: 237 mg
- Calcium: 27 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
❓Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned beans instead of dried beans?
Yes! You can easily substitute canned beans for dried beans. Just rinse and drain them before adding them to the pot. Add enough water to cover and cook for about 20 minutes.
Do I need to soak my dried beans?
Not at all! Un-soaked beans will take about 25 to 30 minutes longer to cook. You may need to add a little more water as they cook.
Should I use the soaking liquid?
If you keep the soaking liquid, it might add a sour taste to the beans. It’s your choice, though — some people find it wasteful to discard it, but I prefer to skip it.
What brand of black beans does Chipotle use?
Chipotle doesn’t have a specific brand but uses varieties like Condor, Blackhawk, Domino, Valentine, and Black Magic. You can easily use any canned black beans from the supermarket.
What seasonings does Chipotle use in their beans?
They use onion, garlic, chili powder, cumin, and oregano for that signature Chipotle flavour. I also like adding bay leaf and fresh cilantro for an extra punch!
Are black beans healthy?
Yes! They are packed with minerals like iron, calcium, and magnesium for bones. Plus, they’re low in sodium, which is fantastic for blood pressure and digestive health.
Are black beans and kidney beans the same?
Not exactly. Black beans and kidney beans are similar in nutritional value, but the main difference is taste. Kidney beans are bigger and used in different recipes, though both are nutritious.
What can I pair black beans with?
Black beans are super versatile! They’re delicious in Cuban Black Beans and Rice, Enchiladas, and Mediterranean dishes.
Enjoy these homemade Chipotle Black Beans — they’re super easy, delicious, and perfect for any meal!