You can whip up these vegan Copycat Chipotle Black Beans at home in under 30 minutes, with simple ingredients you probably already have. They’re packed with smoky, zesty flavors and perfect for everything from tacos to burrito bowls. Great for special occasions like Cinco de Mayo or game day, they're also ideal for meal prep throughout the week. Budget-friendly and versatile, these beans will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen!
Place a skillet over medium heat, add oil, then add onions and cook until translucent, approximately 4 - 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 onions, 3 garlic
Add black beans, water, chili powder, oregano, bay leaf, cumin, salt, and pepper and bring to a boil; reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes, until the mixture has thickened. Remove from the heat and add lemon and lime juice; serve and enjoy.
29 ounces black beans, 2 cups water, 1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder, ½ teaspoon dried oregano, 1 bay leaf, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 2 tablespoons lime juice
Notes
Rinse Those Beans: Draining and rinsing your black beans will help cut back on the sodium and get rid of any gunk. No one’s got time for slimy beans.
Spice It Your Way: Not into spicy? Cut back on the chipotle chili powder. If you’re the kind of person who eats hot sauce by the spoonful, feel free to crank it up!
Fresh vs. Dried Oregano: Fresh oregano can totally be used if you have it. Just remember, you’ll need to use more since fresh herbs are less concentrated than dried ones—about three times as much should do the trick.
Don’t Eat the Bay Leaf: The bay leaf adds flavor but is not snack material. Make sure to fish it out before serving, unless you’re into crunching on inedible leaves (we won’t judge).
Get Thicker Beans: Want thicker beans? Take a fork or spoon and mash some of the black beans while they’re simmering. This will make them heartier without adding anything extra.
Citrus Switch-Up: If you’re out of lemons and limes, you can swap them for orange juice. It’ll add a sweet, tangy flavor that’s actually pretty great!
Double It Up: Feeding a crowd? Double the recipe. It scales perfectly, and leftovers are a gift from the universe (more on that below).