Chipotle Black Beans Recipe (Copycat) with
If you’re anything like me, you can’t resist a good bowl of Chipotle black beans. They’re hearty, flavorful, and add that perfect touch to any meal. Whether you’re building a burrito bowl, topping a taco, or simply enjoying them as a side dish, these beans are a must-have. Today, I’m excited to share my copycat Chipotle black beans recipe that’s so simple and delicious, you’ll want to make it again and again.
Why You’ll Keep Making It
This Chipotle Black Beans Recipe (Copycat) with is not just a meal; it’s a flavor-packed experience! The combination of spices, fresh ingredients, and the rich texture of black beans creates a dish that is both satisfying and versatile. You can serve it with rice, in salads, or just on its own. Plus, making it at home means you can adjust the spices to your personal liking, ensuring every bite is just right.
Ingredient Checklist
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound dried black beans, rinsed
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder (or more, to taste)
- 6 cups water (or more as needed)
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Equipment Breakdown
- Large pot: Essential for cooking the beans and letting all the flavors meld together.
- Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring and preventing any sticking.
- Measuring cups and spoons: To ensure you get the measurements just right.
- Colander: Useful for rinsing the dried beans before cooking.
- Knife and cutting board: For chopping the onion and garlic.
Make Chipotle Black Beans Recipe (Copycat) with: A Simple Method

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pot, heat the 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the finely diced yellow onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add in the minced garlic and continue to sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
Step 2: Add the Beans and Spices
Next, stir in the rinsed black beans, bay leaves, cumin, dried parsley, dried oregano, paprika, and chili powder. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
Step 3: Pour in the Water
Pour in 6 cups of water, ensuring the beans are fully submerged. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Allow the beans to simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until they are tender. Stir occasionally, and add more water as needed to keep the beans covered.
Step 4: Season and Finish
Once the beans are tender, remove the bay leaves and stir in the juice of 1 lime. Taste and add salt as needed. If you prefer a thicker consistency, mash some of the beans against the side of the pot with a spoon.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm. These Chipotle black beans are perfect alongside rice, in a burrito, or as a flavorful addition to any dish!
Year-Round Variations

- Spicy Chipotle: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce for an extra kick.
- Smoky Flavor: Incorporate smoked paprika for a deeper flavor profile.
- Herb Variations: Experiment with fresh herbs like cilantro or thyme for a different twist.
- Vegetable Add-ins: Toss in diced bell peppers or carrots for added nutrition and flavor.
Cook’s Commentary
- Patience is key! The longer the beans cook, the more flavorful they become.
- This recipe is highly adaptable. Feel free to adjust the spices based on your taste preferences.
- Consider soaking the beans overnight to reduce cooking time, but it’s not necessary.
- Don’t hesitate to double the recipe! These beans freeze beautifully for later use.
Keep It Fresh: Storage Guide
Store any leftover Chipotle black beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them in portions for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop or microwave.
Troubleshooting Q&A
What if my beans are still hard after cooking for 2 hours?
Beans can sometimes take longer to cook, especially if they are older. If they are still hard, continue simmering them and add more water as needed until they reach your desired tenderness.
How can I make these beans vegetarian or vegan?
This recipe is already vegetarian and vegan! Just ensure that all your ingredients (like spices) are plant-based, which they typically are.
Can I use canned black beans instead?
Yes, you can use canned black beans for a quicker option. Simply sauté the onions and garlic, add the drained beans, and then stir in the spices and water, simmering for about 20 minutes to blend the flavors.
What can I serve with these black beans?
These Chipotle black beans pair wonderfully with rice, tacos, burritos, nachos, or even on their own as a hearty side dish. You can also use them as a filling for quesadillas or enchiladas!
Weekend Projects
- Sally’s Baking Addiction: Explore delicious dessert recipes to complement your meal.
- Pinch of Yum: Discover more wholesome meal ideas to round out your week.
- Minimalist Baker: Find quick and easy plant-based recipes for every occasion.
Bring It to the Table
Now that you have your very own Chipotle Black Beans Recipe (Copycat) with, it’s time to gather your friends and family around the table. These beans are not just a side dish; they’re a centerpiece of flavor that will elevate any meal. Pair them with your favorite toppings, and let everyone customize their plates. Enjoy the compliments and the warmth of good food shared with loved ones. This recipe is bound to become a staple in your kitchen, and trust me, you’ll be making it on repeat!

Chipotle Black Beans Recipe (Copycat) with
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 yellow onion finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 pound dried black beans rinsed
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 0.25 teaspoon chili powder or more, to taste
- 6 cups water or more as needed
- 1 lime juice juice of 1 lime
- salt to taste
- chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat the 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the finely diced yellow onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add in the minced garlic and continue to sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Next, stir in the rinsed black beans, bay leaves, cumin, dried parsley, dried oregano, paprika, and chili powder. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
- Pour in 6 cups of water, ensuring the beans are fully submerged. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Allow the beans to simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until they are tender. Stir occasionally, and add more water as needed to keep the beans covered.
- Once the beans are tender, remove the bay leaves and stir in the juice of 1 lime. Taste and add salt as needed. If you prefer a thicker consistency, mash some of the beans against the side of the pot with a spoon.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm. These Chipotle black beans are perfect alongside rice, in a burrito, or as a flavorful addition to any dish!
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Wooden Spoon
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Colander
- Knife and cutting board
Notes
- Soaking the beans overnight can reduce cooking time and improve digestibility.
- Adjust the chili powder and add jalapeños or hot sauce for a spicier kick.
- Leftover beans store well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for 3 months.
- Mash some beans for a creamier texture or leave whole for more bite.
- Try adding smoked paprika or fresh herbs like cilantro for flavor variations.

