Chipotle Pinto Beans Copycat Recipe (Stovetop)
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My copycat Chipotle Pinto Beans redefine fast food! Step up your burrito game and learn how to cook stovetop pinto beans in 20 minutes. You’ll love the fast cook time! You can easily make a big batch in no time at all!
I don’t think that I know anyone who doesn’t love Chipotle™.
They’ve really nailed every item on their menu, from the meat and corn salsa, right down to the Chipotle guacamole.
And guess what? This easy Chipotle Pinto Beans recipe tastes just like the real deal! I love the depth of flavor, without a long cooking time!
This copycat recipe proves that you can get that restaurant quality and flavor, right at home!
Make this filling side dish of tender beans so that you can make a burrito bowl, tacos, or any of your favorite Mexican recipes.
Table of Contents
Chipotle Pinto Beans
Trust me when I say, this copycat Chipotle pinto bean recipe tastes just like the real thing.
It’s so easy to prepare, and this simple dish can be used in all of your favorite tacos, burritos, or bowls.
Sometimes, I even eat Chipotle beans over nothing but brown rice — they’re that good!
Read on to learn how to cook pinto beans on the stove. For a hands-off method, you can prepare Instant Pot pinto beans instead.
Craving some meat with your meal? Make our copycat version of the restaurant’s famous steak, juicy carnitas, or spicy barbacoa right at home!
Pinto Beans Chipotle Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Don’t overcook!
If the Chipotle pinto beans are simmered for too long, they will split open and become mushy. Keep the heat on low and stir regularly. - Use the right pepper.
Instead of fresh or dried varieties, this recipe calls for chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.
They come in a can and can typically be found with the salsa, taco seasonings, and green chiles. - Not a fan of onions?
You can easily leave them out of this pinto beans Chipotle recipe entirely. If it’s the subtle crunch you don’t like, quarter the onion instead of dicing.
It will still add flavor to the dish, but you can scoop out the pieces before serving.
The next time that you head to the grocery store be sure to gather the simple ingredients needed to make these beans.
This is one of those Spanish recipes that you can easily make in your favorite way!
I love the mild flavor of these beans which gives me me the freedom to add jalapeno pepper bits, and fresh lime for a pop of flavor.
Check out the recipe card for the steps!
How To Cook Stovetop Pinto Beans
It really couldn’t be easier to do! First, saute the onion until softed — this creates the base of flavor for the dish.
Then, add the remaining ingredients and simmer until thickened and warmed through! Be sure to remove the whole pepper and bay leaf before serving.
And just like that – you have your dish! You no longer need to soak and wait 24-48 hours! Win!
Serving Suggestions
Chipotle beans make such a terrific side! They go well with so many dishes, especially meals with proteins such as ham, meatloaf, or fried chicken.
Of course, they’re delicious in tacos and burrito bowls as well! You can even just dip some tortilla chips right in and take a bite!
I love the natural flavors that come from adding beans to recipes – and you can easily use them in a variety of dishes, from Chinese recipes to Indian recipes and everywhere in between.
Take your meals to the next level by adding this easy bean recipe as a super simple side dish!
Storing Leftover Chipotle Beans
Whether you’ve got extra of this Chipotle pinto bean recipe, or you couldn’t finish your takeout meat, you can easily save your leftovers.
Allow the beans to cool, then transfer to an airtight container made of glass or plastic. Refrigerate for up to 4 days and reheat in the microwave or on the stove.
Stovetop pinto beans can also be frozen — yes, even after they have been cooked!
Make a large batch and portion them out for easy meal prep, then freeze for up to 6 months.
Chipotle Pinto Bean Recipe FAQ
The restaurant version includes bay leaves, black pepper, chipotle chili, cumin, garlic, lemon and lime juice, yellow onions, oregano, rice bran oil, and salt.
Since I wasn’t able to find rice bran oil locally, I simply used olive oil instead.
Nope! When you’re using canned, they don’t need to be soaked. Simply rinse, drain, and heat.
If you prefer to use dried, you would need to soak them overnight and cook them for several hours before using them in this recipe.
Currently, pork is not listed as an ingredient for this dish. However, it’s always best to play it safe and review ingredients and labels provided by the restaurant, as recipes change from time to time.
You can pair them with chunks of real tomatoes, add some smoked paprika for a smoky flavor, top with chili powder for a spicy kick, dice up and add bell pepper and lemon juice for a crunch and citrus flavor, mesh with pico de Gallo, or top with fresh cilantro and enjoy.
You can also add these to bean tews, or put on top of cilantro lime rice. There are so many food pairing ideas for these beans so have fun with all the options.
Enjoy!
With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.
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Other Easy Bean Recipes
Chipotle Pinto Beans Copycat Recipe (Stovetop)
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 bay leaf
- 48 ounces pinto beans, 3 16-ounce cans, rinsed and drained
- 1 whole chipotle pepper, in adobo sauce
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 cup water
- salt, to taste
Instructions
- In a medium pan, add olive oil and diced onions. Cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes, or until the onions become translucent. Reduce heat to low.
- Add all remaining ingredients and stir to combine. Return to medium high heat for 2-3 minutes, then reduce to low, stirring gently on occasion. Once thoroughly cooked, remove from heat.
- Using a spoon, remove the whole chipotle pepper and bay leaf. Add salt if desired. Serve warm as a side or as a topping.
Donna’s Notes
Nutrition
All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe’s nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients used, measuring methods, and portion sizes.
Originally published March 2022, updated and republished March 2025
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We’re Donna and Chad, the dream team behind The Slow Roasted Italian. Our focus is on taking complicated OUT of the kitchen. Life is busy enough, making meals should be fast and easy, to help make your life as simple as possible. Read More >>
Ive been looking for a good pinto bean recipe for a while, and finally stumbled upon this one! I tried it a few days ago and it was so good! Pinto beans are a perfect side dish for a variety of meals, can’t wait to make this again.
I tried this recipe and it’s really good.
Hi Rosalia,
We are so happy to hear that!!! Enjoy your day!
TSRI Team Member,
Holli
Wow, Donna and Chad, this Chipotle Pinto Beans recipe from The Slow Roasted Italian website is a game-changer! It’s unbelievably tasty and easy to make.
Hi Stella!
We’re so glad that you enjoyed.
TSRI Team Member,
Devlyn
These Chipotle Pinto Beans by Donna Elick are the bomb! I couldn’t believe how quickly I whipped up a restaurant-quality side dish at home.
Hi Mason!
We’re so glad you enjoyed the recipe!!
TSRI Team Member,
Devlyn