The Best Chipotle Refried Beans with Adobo

Chipotle refried beans are a savory and smoky side dish made from pinto beans, mashed and cooked with chipotle peppers. You're going to love the spicy kick and rich flavor of the chipotle peppers in adobo. Enjoy on tacos tacos, burritos, or as a dip with your favorite chips.

I've never thought about making refried beans until recently. I always enjoy them as a side or on my tacos when I go eat Mexican food. When I'm at home I've always opted for canned refried beans because it's convenient and there's usually many other components I'm trying to prepare at the same time. 

Last weekend we had taco night and I had some leftover pinto beans and chipotle peppers in the pantry. I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to try my hand at homemade refried beans.

Let me just tell you, I can't stop raving about these. The flavor is way better than anything you'd get from a can or at a restaurant. The beans are packed with flavor, contain the perfect amount of spice, and elevates anything you put it on. Did I mention they're healthy too? 

Jump to:

• What is Chipotle? 
• Why You'll Love Chipotle Refried Beans 
• Ingredient Notes and Substitutions 
• How to Make Chipotle Refried Beans 
• Tips for Making Chipotle Refried beans 
• Garnish Ideas 
• Must Try Flavor Variations 
• How to Serve Chipotle Refried Beans 
• Frequently Asked Questions 
• Serve This With
• The Best Chipotle Refried Beans with Adobo

What is Chipotle? 

Chipotle is a smoked and dried jalapeño pepper commonly used in Mexican cuisine. It adds a distinctive smoky flavor and quite a bit of heat to the beans. Chipotle is often used in sauces, marinades, and as a seasoning in various recipes.

The peppers are commonly found in adobo sauce which is made from dried peppers, tomatoes, vinegar, onion, garlic, and other spiced. This sauce is added to the refried beans to elevate them even more. 

Why You'll Love Chipotle Refried Beans 

Rich and Smoky Flavor: Chipotle refried beans are infused with the distinct smokiness of chipotle peppers, adding depth and richness to the dish.

Spicy Kick: The chipotle peppers contribute just enough spiciness to keep you coming back for more.

Versatile: These beans can be served as a side dish, on tacos, burritos, or simply as a flavorful dip with your favorite chips or crackers. 

Customizable: Chipotle refried beans can be easily customized by adjusting the level of spiciness or incorporating additional ingredients. We will get more into this later. 

Easy to Prepare: Making chipotle refried beans is so easy!! Almost everything is done in a sauce pan. Don't worry about not having too much experience in the kitchen. There's nothing complex about this recipe. 

Storing is Simple: Have leftovers? Don't worry, consider freezing the beans until next taco night. They freeze up easily and retain their flavor so well. 

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions 

Canola oil - This is the perfect choice because it's a lighter oil and doesn't have too much flavor. We use this to sauté the onion and garlic. You can substitute for olive oil, safflower oil, or vegetable oil. 

Onion - Any onion can be used including red, white, yellow, or sweet. 

Garlic - Fresh garlic is going to elevate the beans so much. You can substitute garlic powder but it won't be quite the same. 

Cumin - Enhances the flavor of the beans and adds a slight warmth, nutty element. 

Paprika - Adds color and subtle flavor. If you really love smokiness, try adding smoked paprika. 

Pinto Beans - We use canned pinto beans to make these because they're already cooked and extremely convenient to use. You can use dry pinto beans if you want to, I recommend cooking completely before starting this recipe. Don't have pinto beans? Try using black beans instead to make a refried black beans variation. 

Chicken broth - The broth allows the beans to cook and soften so they can be mashed and thickened. You can substitute low sodium chicken broth or a vegetable broth. I probably wouldn't substitute with water or you risk the beans being bland. 

Chipotle peppers - Only two are used because each gives so much flavor. You don't need a lot. If you're sensitive to the spice you can opt for using just one. 

Chipotle adobo sauce - This adds instant smoky flavor to the beans. This is made with dried peppers, tomatoes, onion, garlic, and other spices. The adobo addition really takes it to a whole new level. 

Lime - Freshly squeezed lime juice is a must. It adds the perfect amount of tanginess which balances the smokiness from the chipotle and adobo. 

Cilantro - Adds freshness all throughout the beans you can omit if you don't like this herb. 

Garnish

Cilantro - Adds delicious color and freshness. You can omit if you don't like it. 

Adobo sauce - Elevates presentation and flavor. 

How to Make Chipotle Refried Beans 

Step 1. Heat oil over medium-high heat. Once heated add onion and garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until softened and the onion is starting to turn translucent. 

Step 2. Add cumin and paprika. Stir and cook for about 1 more minute until the spices are evenly dispersed and fragrant. 

Step 3. Add pinto beans, chicken broth, chipotle peppers, and adobo sauce. Bring to a simmer. Cook on medium-low heat for 10 minutes uncovered. 

Step 4. After 10 minutes, turn off heat and smash the pinto beans using a wooden spoon until the mixture becomes thickened. 

Step 5. Place half or a little more than half of the bean mixture in a high speed blender and blend until smooth. Add back to the pan and stir until well combined. If you prefer more of a smooth texture, blend all of the beans. 

Step 6. Stir in lime juice and add fresh cilantro until well combined. Serve immediately. Garnish with additional cilantro over the top and extra adobo sauce. 

Tips for Making Chipotle Refried beans 

Adjust Spice Level: Control the spiciness by adding more or fewer chipotle peppers, depending on your preference. Remember, you can always add more later if needed.

Save Some Whole Beans: For added texture, reserve a handful of cooked whole beans and stir them in at the end.

Adjust Thickness to Preference: Adjust the chicken broth to make the beans thicker or thinner according to your preference. Adjust slowly. 

Mash Well: Use a potato masher or the back of a spoon to mash the beans to your desired consistency. If you prefer a smoother texture you can use a food processor or a high speed blender. 

Garnish Ideas 

Sliced Green Onions: Garnish with thinly sliced green onions for a mild onion flavor and a pop of color.

Crumbled Queso Fresco: Add crumbled queso fresco or cotija cheese for a creamy and salty contrast to the smoky beans.

Dollop of Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds a cool and tangy element that complements the spiciness of the chipotle.

Avocado Slices or Guacamole: Top with avocado slices or a dollop of guacamole for a creamy and rich addition.

Pickled Red Onions: Pickled red onions provide a zesty and tangy flavor that cuts through the richness of the beans.

Salsa or Pico de Gallo: Spoonfuls of your favorite salsa or pico de gallo can add freshness and a hint of acidity.

Must Try Flavor Variations 

Black Bean Chipotle Refried Beans: Substitute black beans for pinto beans for a distinct color and flavor variation. Black beans have a slightly different taste and texture, adding depth to the dish.

Three-Bean Chipotle Refried Beans: Combine pinto, black, and kidney beans for a three-bean medley. This variation adds a variety of textures and flavors to your refried beans.

Tomatillo Salsa Twist: Mix in tomatillo salsa for a tangy and vibrant flavor. The tomatillos add acidity and freshness to the beans.

Roasted Garlic: Roast garlic cloves and mash them into the beans for a mellow and sweet garlic flavor. It complements the smokiness of chipotle.

Poblano Pepper Addition: Roast and dice poblano peppers, then fold them into the refried beans for a mild, earthy flavor with a hint of smokiness.

Tequila Splash: Deglaze the pan with a splash of tequila during cooking for a nuanced and complex flavor. The alcohol cooks off, leaving a subtle depth.

How to Serve Chipotle Refried Beans 

Tacos or Burritos: My favorite way to use chipotle refried beans is as a filling for tacos or burritos. Layer corn tortillas with your favorite toppings such as lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and salsa.

Enchiladas: Roll chipotle refried beans in tortillas, place them in a baking dish, cover with enchilada sauce, and bake. Top with cheese, cilantro, and a dollop of sour cream. 

Quesadillas: Spread chipotle refried beans between tortillas with cheese and any desired fillings. Grill or cook until the cheese is melted for a tasty quesadilla.

Dip: Serve chipotle refried beans as a dip with tortilla chips or vegetable sticks. Garnish with cheese, salsa, and a dollop of sour cream.

Huevos Rancheros: Top a tortilla with chipotle refried beans, a fried or poached egg, salsa, and avocado for a delicious and hearty breakfast or brunch.

Tostadas: Spread chipotle refried beans on crisp tostada shells and top with lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and your favorite toppings for a crunchy and satisfying meal.

Bowl: Create a hearty large bowl by layering chipotle refried beans with rice, sautéed vegetables, salsa, and toppings like avocado and cilantro.

Frequently Asked Questions 

What if I don't have a high speed blender? 

Don't have a high speed blender? Don't worry! You can use a food processor, or even a potato masher to achieve a smooth texture. This may take a little more time but it will easily get the job done. 

How spicy are chipotle refried beans? 

The spiciness of the chipotle refried beans depends on how many chipotle peppers you use. As this recipe is written, using 2 chipotle peppers, I don't think it's very spicy at all. Chipotle peppers have a moderate to high level of heat, and their spiciness can range from mild to hot. However, when they're combined with beans they tend to become more mild. 

If you prefer milder beans, you can start with a smaller amount of chipotle peppers or use less of the adobo sauce. On the other hand, if you enjoy a spicier kick, you can add more chipotle peppers. I recommend tasting the beans as you go and adjust the spice level accordingly. Remember that the heat can intensify as the flavors meld during cooking, so you can start conservatively and add more spice if needed. 

How do I store and reheat? 

To store chipotle refried beans, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate. The beans can stay in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

To reheat, gently warm the beans in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. If the beans have thickened in the refrigerator, you can add a small amount of water or broth to achieve your desired consistency. Alternatively, reheating in the microwave in short intervals, stirring between each, is another convenient option

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