Chipotle Black Beans

These copycat Chipotle Black Beans taste just like the real deal and are so simple to make.  We use onions, garlic, and a range of flavorful Mexican spices to bring the taste of Chipotle’s famous black beans to your home kitchen.

In this post, you will find serving suggestions, instructions on how to cook dried black beans, and answers to some of your frequently asked questions. Is there anything better than copycat Chipotle Recipes straight from your kitchen? It’s de beeessstt!!

Easy Copycat Chipotle Black Beans Recipe

We love this recipe for Chipotle black beans because they are so perfectly full of flavor without being overpowering.  They are spicy, smokey, and finish with a hefty dose of zesty lime.  So yum!

This recipe calls for using dried beans but if you are in a rush, you can always substitute canned beans, too.  There’s no shame in taking shortcuts!  The most important thing is that you are learning to make simple, delicious, and nutritious recipes for your entire family without having to leave your house.  It’s tasty and it’s good for your budget!

Ways to Serve Black Beans

You can eat these spicy black beans as a side dish or all on their own.  They have tons of flavor and taste great with a variety of other Mexican dishes, such as Steak Fajitas, Shredded Beef Tacos or Cafe Rio Sweet Pork.  

Or, mix and match with Chipotle Chicken, Cilantro Lime Rice, Guacamole, Easy Homemade Fresh Salsa, shredded lettuce, shredded cheese, corn, sour cream, diced tomatoes and more to make a variety of Chipotle-inspired dishes. Depending on your mood, you can make:

• Burrito Bowls
• Burritos
• Tacos
• Nachos
• Salads
• Layered Bean Dip

Ingredients You Will Need

• Black Beans – you can use either dried beans or canned to make Chipotle beans.  We have given you instructions on how to do both.
• Avocado Oil – you can substitute another type of cooking oil if you would like.
• Onions – we like to use white or yellow onions, finely diced.
• Garlic – fresh minced garlic tastes best.
• Dried Oregano – if you can find Mexican oregano, use that.  Otherwise, Italian oregano will work.
• Spices: in order to make these taste like Chipotle, we add chili powder, cayenne pepper and cumin.  These are just for flavor and can be adjusted to your liking.  Another great seasoning to add is about a tablespoon of the sauce from a can of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.  It’s deliciously spicy and smokey.
• Salt – sea salt works great.
• Bay Leaves – fresh bay leaves have a far better flavor than dry bay leaves, if you can find them.  In order to make a fresh bay leaf last longer, store in your freezer for up to 6 months.
• Lime Juice – this is to season your black beans after they have cooked.  Fresh lime juice always tastes best.

How to Cook Dried Black Beans

Cooking Beans in Instant Pot

1. Pour beans into a large bowl and sort out any broken beans.  Rinse the beans, drain, and then add to the Instant Pot. 
2. Close the Instant Pot and turn the steam release valve to the sealing position.  Pressure cook on high for 30 minutes, then let the Instant Pot natural release for about 15 minutes.
3. After 15 minutes, quick-release any remaining pressure.

Cooking Beans in a Slow Cooker

1. Pour beans into a large bowl and sort out any broken beans.  Rinse, drain and then add to the slow cooker.
2. Cover with cool water or broth, about 1″ above beans, and cook on high for 5-7 hours, or until beans are tender.

Cooking Unsoaked Beans on the Stovetop

1. Pour beans into a large bowl and sort out any broken beans.  Rinse, drain and then add to a large pot.
2. Cover with cool water about 1″ above the beans.  Place a lid on the pot and bring to a boil over medium high heat.  Reduce the heat and simmer for about 2 hours, or until the beans are soft.

How to Make Chipotle Black Beans

1. Cook the beans.  See above for instructions on cooking dried beans.  You can also substitute canned beans and skip this step.  If using canned black beans, be sure and rinse the beans under cold water before using.
2. Cook onions and garlic.  In a large pot, add the avocado oil and heat over medium heat.  Add onion and cook until golden brown, or about 5-7 minutes, then add minced garlic and cook until garlic is soft and tender, or about 2 more minutes. 
3. Add the beans and cook.  Next, add in the black beans, oregano, chili powder, cayenne pepper, (or ground chipotle peppers) cumin, salt and bay leaves.  Add water until the beans are barely covered and continue to cook on medium heat for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until most of the water has evaporated.
4. Serve.  Remove the bay leaves and squeeze lime juice into the beans.  Serve immediately in tacos, quesadillas, salads or nachos.  Enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

Storing and Reheating Instructions

• Refrigerator: you can store completely cooled Chipotle Black Beans in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. 
• Freezer: if you would prefer, you can also freeze these spicy black beans in an airtight container (or freezer bags) for up to 4 months.  You’ll want to transfer to the refrigerator overnight (or at least 6 hours) before using.
• To reheat: transfer to a saucepot and add a splash of water.  Heat over medium stirring occasionally until the beans are warmed through.  If you are reheating a small portion, you can also reheat in the microwave for about 30-60 seconds on high.

More Mexican-inspired side dishes that we love!

• Layered Bean Dip
• Crispy Bean Burritos
• How to make refried beans
• How to Cook Pinto Beans
• Refried Pinto Beans
• Crockpot Beans and Rice
• Jalapeno Popper Dip
• Easy Spanish Rice
• Cheesy Green Chili Rice Casserole
• Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowls Recipe
• More of the Best Side Dishes
• More Tex Mex Recipes

We love these copycat Chipotle Black Beans because they are so perfectly full of flavor without being overpowering.  They are spicy, smokey and finish with a hefty dose of zesty lime – yum!