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–+ servings
chipotle pinto beans recipe​ in a bowl

Chipotle Pinto Beans Recipe

Taylor Svetlichny
Smoky, savory, and bright, this chipotle pinto beans recipe is an easy copycat chipotle pinto beans recipe perfect for burrito bowls and tacos.
5 from 1 vote
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 6
Calories 182 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • ½ yellow onion finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 3 cups pinto beans cooked or 2 cans, drained and rinsed
  • ½ to ¾ cup bean cooking liquid or water
  • 1 to 2 chipotle peppers in adobo finely minced
  • 1 tbsp adobo sauce
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • ½ tsp oregano
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp kosher salt plus more to taste
  • 1 tsp lemon juice fresh
  • 1 tsp lime juice fresh

Instructions
 

  • Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for five to six minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent.
    2 tbsp olive oil, ½ yellow onion
  • Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly so it does not burn.
    3 cloves garlic
  • Stir in the cumin, oregano, and black pepper directly into the oil. Cook for 20 to 30 seconds.
    1 tsp ground cumin, ½ tsp oregano, ¼ tsp black pepper
  • Stir in the minced chipotle peppers and adobo sauce. Cook for about one minute.
    1 to 2 chipotle peppers in adobo, 1 tbsp adobo sauce
  • Add the pinto beans along with the bean cooking liquid or water. Stir well and scrape the bottom of the pan. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beans are tender and slightly creamy.
    3 cups pinto beans, ½ to ¾ cup bean cooking liquid or water
  • Stir in the kosher salt, lemon juice, and lime juice. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. The citrus should brighten the beans, not overpower them.
    ½ tsp kosher salt, 1 tsp lemon juice, 1 tsp lime juice
  • Remove from heat and let the beans sit for five minutes.

Notes

  • Toast spices in oil for deeper flavor.
  • Use bean liquid for extra richness if available.
  • Citrus should brighten, not overpower.
  • Perfect for burrito bowls, tacos, and meal prep.

Nutrition

Calories: 182kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 8gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gSodium: 711mgPotassium: 409mgFiber: 8gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 54mgIron: 2mg
Keyword beans, chipotle, chipotle copycat, chipotle peppers, cilantro, pinto beans
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