Are you tired of forking out a fortune for a tiny serving of Chipotle’s black beans? Say no more! Our Chipotle black beans recipe will have you swimming in a sea of delicious, homemade black beans. Just be prepared to fend off family members and friends trying to steal your stash!

A bowl of freshly cooked Chipotle black beans with shredded parsley on top.

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We must admit, we love to go out and eat at restaurants, but we’re often left feeling that we could cook the food just as well, if not better, at home, and for a whole lot less.

That’s why we developed our Copycat Chipotle black beans to add to burritos and a tasty burrito bowl. They are a lot fresher, you know exactly what’s going on in them and you don’t have to wait in line to be served!

Creamy Avocado Sauce

Cilantro Lime Rice

So if you love Chipotle, then this recipe is for you!

Why you’ll love this easy recipe

These copycat Chipotle black beans are much cheaper than buying them in a restaurant, and if you make them in bulk, you save more.
It makes the perfect side dish for taco Tuesday, potlucks, or family gatherings.
You can customize them to suit your tastes; like them really garlicky? Add more garlic. Like them spicer? Add more chili powder – you decide.
Use them in tacos, burritos, soups, and stews; they are very versatile.
All the ingredients are 100% vegetarian and vegan

Ingredients you’ll need

You’ll need all the ingredients shown in the photograph below; while we have used canned for speed, you can substitute canned beans for dried beans.

Ingredients needed; chili powder, oregano, cumin, diced onion, bay leaf, cooked beans, water, salt, black pepper, lemon juice, lime juice, crushed garlic, and oil.

Bring the flavor of Chipotle Mexican Grill into your home with this easy-to-make black bean recipe, and it’s even more delicious than the original.

How to make Chipotle black beans with step-by-step instructions

Making Chipotle black beans is easy if you follow our simple recipe.

A complete printable recipe and the measurements in both US customary and metric are available in the recipe card below.

Place a skillet or a large Dutch oven over medium heat, add rice bran oil, which is the oil they use at Chipotle (or you can use olive oil), add finely diced onions, and cook until translucent, stirring occasionally, for approximately 4 – 5 minutes.

Someone placing a bowl of cooked black beans on a table, with a fresh lime cut in half and parsley scattered near by.

Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

Add black beans, water, Chipotle chili powder, Mexican oregano, bay leaf, cumin, salt, and pepper and bring to a boil; reduce the heat and simmer for 30 minutes until the mixture has thickened.

Remove from the heat and add lemon and lime juice and also optional chopped cilantro; serve and enjoy.

Recipe notes and expert tips

Black beans
You can cook dried black beans (cooking dried beans the way you usually do), or you can use canned black beans (we use canned beans when we’re short on time.)
Smokey flavor
If you want an extra smokey flavor, add adobo sauce from a can of chipotle peppers.
Juice
Use fresh lime and lemon juice; the flavor is far better than store-bought.
Recipe
Please note that this Chipotle black beans copycat recipe is not exactly the same as the restaurant’s; we think it’s better.
Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days and freeze for up to 6 months.

A close up of Chipotle black beans cooked and ready to eat.

How to store Chipotle black beans

Let the Chipotle black beans cool to room temperature, and then place them in an airtight container.

If they are a little dry, add either water or broth to cover them, this will stop them from drying out.

Keep them in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Alternatively, you can freeze them for up to 6 months.

What to serve black beans with

You can use Chipotle black beans in a burrito and serve it along with Copycat Chipotle rice, avocado sauce, and spicy salsa for a delicious and filling light meal or snack.

Serve them with white rice along with a dollop of sour cream.

They are delicious in tortillas and served with mushroom birria tacos.

Chipotle black beans in a serving by, nearby is a bay leaf and a bowl of parsley.

More easy recipes for you to try at home

If you’ve enjoyed our copycat Chipotle black beans recipe, then why not try these easy recipes?

Someone helping themselves to a slice of cheese quesadilla.

Air Fryer Cheese Quesadilla

Burrito Seasoning Spice Mix

Easy tortilla pizza, sliced with a pizza cutter.