These Pinto Beans that Taste Like Chipotle are simple to make, cheap, and good for you. You can put them in salads and burritos or serve them with rice for a tasty vegetarian meal.
Pinto beans are versatile and healthy, inexpensive and delicious. Chick-fil-A used to put bacon in their beans, but now they don’t because you don’t need it!
These beans flavorful on their own and perfect for adding to burritos and tostadas. Or, serve them on the side of scrambled eggs and corn tortillas for a hearty Mexican breakfast.
At a Glance: Here is a quick snapshot of what ingredients are in this recipe. Please see the recipe card below for specific quantities.
One of the best parts of burritos and bowls from Chipotle is getting to customize your order exactly how you like it. With a variety of salsa, rice, meat and veggie options to choose from, you can mix and match ingredients to create your perfect combo.
One key decision is which beans you want included in your meal. Chipotle offers both black beans and pinto beans, leaving many customers debating which variety tastes better. Both types of beans offer their own unique flavor profile and health benefits.
So when it comes down to it, which beans reign supreme in taste at Chipotle – black or pinto? Let’s compare these two common bean varieties and see which one delivers the best flavor.
Black Beans
Chipotle describes their black beans as having an “earthy, mild” taste. They are soft and creamy yet still retain their shape when cooked.
Black beans have a smooth, mushy texture that pairs well with spicy salsas and seasonings. Their mild flavor allows the other ingredients like rice, meat and veggies to shine rather than overpowering them.
In terms of health, black beans are an excellent source of plant-based protein and fiber. They contain iron magnesium folate and antioxidants as well.
Overall Chipotle’s black beans offer a smooth, soft texture and an earthy but mild bean flavor. Their creaminess works well in burritos or tacos when you want the other ingredients to be the star of the show.
Pinto Beans
In contrast to black beans Chipotle describes their pinto beans as having a “nutty, sweet” taste. They hold their shape better than black beans when cooked.
The flavor of pinto beans is slightly sweeter and fuller than black beans. While still fairly mild, pintos have a bit more pronounced bean taste. Their firmer texture offers a nice contrast to softer ingredients like rice or queso.
Nutritionally, pinto beans are another excellent source of plant protein and fiber. They also contain iron, potassium, magnesium and B vitamins.
Chipotle’s pinto beans deliver a firmer, nuttier bean flavor compared to the more delicate black beans. Their texture provides a satisfying chew in burritos, bowls or tacos.
Comparing Flavor, Texture and Uses
Here’s a quick recap of the main differences when it comes to black beans vs. pinto beans from Chipotle:
Flavor
- Black beans: Mild, earthy taste
- Pinto beans: Nutty, subtly sweet taste
Texture
- Black beans: Soft, creamy, mushy
- Pinto beans: Firmer, hold their shape when cooked
Best Uses
- Black beans: Allow other ingredients to shine; pair with spicy salsa
- Pinto beans: Provide more pronounced bean flavor and texture contrast
So in terms of pure flavor when tasting these beans side-by-side, which variety comes out on top?
The Verdict: Pinto Beans Win for Flavor
When comparing the overall taste of black beans vs. pinto beans from Chipotle, most people find the pinto beans have a richer, more satisfying flavor.
The nuttier taste and firm texture of the pinto beans makes them more interesting to eat than the milder black bean option. While black beans tend to fade into the background, the pintos hold their own in the flavor department.
Don’t get me wrong – Chipotle’s black beans have a great creamy, soft texture perfect for burritos and tacos. But when you’re focused purely on flavor, the pinto beans edge them out.
The sweeter profile with subtle bean flavor comes through with each bite. The firmer texture also provides a nice contrast against the other soft fillings.
While it ultimately comes down to personal preference, many Chipotle fans agree the pinto beans pack more flavor punch. The black beans work better when you want other ingredients to take the spotlight.
How to Order for Maximum Taste
To get the most flavor out of your Chipotle order, keep these tips in mind:
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For burritos or bowls, choose pinto beans as your bean base to maximize the nutty, sweet bean taste.
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Add black beans for a smoother, creamier texture to complement the pintos.
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For soft tacos or nachos, stick with all black beans to avoid overly firm texture.
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To make the pinto beans shine, pair with white rice and lighter salsas like the tomatillo green chili or fresh tomato salsa.
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For black beans, combine with brown rice and spicier salsas like the hot salsa or habanero to balance the mildness.
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Add other crunchy toppings like lettuce, diced onions or crispy tortilla strips to provide texture contrast to creamy black beans.
Other Factors to Consider
While taste preferences should guide your final bean choice, a few other factors are worth considering:
Dietary restrictions: Black beans are lower FODMAP than pinto beans. For low-FODMAP diets, black beans may be the better option.
Nutrition: Both beans offer similar nutritional benefits. Go with personal taste preference.
Price: Pinto beans tend to cost slightly more than black beans. If price is a concern, black beans may be the better value.
Regional tastes: In some regions, pinto beans are preferred in Mexican/Tex-Mex cuisine, while black beans are favored in other areas. Stick with local tastes if you can’t decide.
Pairings: As noted earlier, black and pinto beans work differently with various Chipotle ingredients. Keep optimal pairings in mind.
Preferences: Those who dislike mushy textures may favor the firmer pinto beans over soft black beans.
How to Make Your Perfect Bowl or Burrito
While pinto beans may have a slight edge in pure flavor, the right bean choice ultimately depends on your own tastes.
Here are some combinations to try for delicious burritos and bowls optimized for each type of bean:
Perfect Pinto Bowl:
Pinto beans, brown rice, steak, fresh tomato salsa, cheese, lettuce
Ideal Black Bean Burrito:
Black beans, white rice, chicken, tomatillo green chili salsa, fajita veggies, guacamole
Ultimate Mixed Combo Burrito:
Half pinto beans, half black beans, brown rice, barbacoa, hot salsa, lettuce, sour cream
No matter which bean variety you prefer, you can make a mouthwatering Chipotle meal. Follow your own tastes, and choose the beans and toppings that appeal most to you.
The Bottom Line
So in the battle of black beans vs. pinto beans, pintos win out for their nuttier, sweeter flavor and firm texture when tasted side-by-side. But both bean varieties have their strengths and are nutritious choices.
Let your personal preferences, salsa pairings and texture needs guide you. Try out different combos, and see which bean tastes best to you in your custom burritos and bowls. No matter which you choose, you can’t go wrong when it comes to these two tasty legumes.
Recipe tips and variations
- This recipe makes 16 cups of Chipotle pinto beans, which is about 8 cups.
- Storage: Cover leftovers and put them in the fridge for up to four days.
- Label the containers that can go in the freezer and put the beans in them after they are cool. They can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
- Soak your beans quickly if you forgot to do it the night before. This will help you start cooking them faster. Pick through and rinse 1 pound beans. Put beans and enough water to cover them by an inch in a large saucepan. Bring beans to boil and cook for 2 minutes. Take the pot off the heat, cover it, and let the beans sit for an hour. Drain and discard soaking liquid.
- To make Chipotle pinto beans in a slow cooker, heat the oil until it shimmers and cook the onions until they are soft. Add the beans, spices, and enough water to cover. Stir in the garlic until it smells good. Bring to a boil, then transfer to a slow cooker. Set the timer to LOW for 6 to 8 hours or HIGH for 3 to 4 hours. Remove bay leaves and chipotle chilies if desired. To taste, add lemon juice, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
- Using kidney beans instead: Kidney beans have phytohemagglutinin in them, which is a type of lectin that is very harmful in large amounts. If you want to use dried kidney beans instead of canned ones in this recipe, you MUST soak them first and then boil them for at least 10 minutes. In other words, you should never use a slow cooker to cook kidney beans. There’s no way to know for sure if the slow cooker reached 212 degrees and stayed there for 10 minutes. Better to be safe than sorry!.
To substitute canned beans for the dried beans, use 4 cans of pinto beans. Rinse and drain the foods before putting them in step 2. Add enough water to cover (you may only need 1 to 2 cups), and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, or until everything is hot.
No, you don’t have to pre-soak your beans. If you don’t soak the beans first, they will take about 30 minutes longer to cook. So keep an eye on them and be ready to add more water or cook them longer if you don’t soak them first.
Yes, you should. If you keep and use the soaking liquid in your recipe, it might add a sour taste. But, some people think it’s wasteful to discard the soaking water, so ultimately the choice is yours.
Tonight, stay in and build your own Chipotle Burrito Bowl with the copycat recipes you know and love. Fluffy rice, black beans, tender chicken, sweet corn salsa, tomato salsa, and lots of guacamole. It’s great….
More Chipotle copycat favorites
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FAQ
Is chipotle, pinto or black beans better?
Do pinto beans or black beans taste better?
What is the bean choice at Chipotle?
Are pinto beans from chipotle spicy?
Are Chipotle black beans healthy?
These copycat Chipotle Black Beans are easy to make, inexpensive, and healthy! Add to burritos and salads or serve with rice for a tasty vegetarian meal. In a Dutch oven or large pot over medium high heat, heat oil until shimmering. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
What does Chipotle pinto beans taste like?
Chipotle pinto beans recipe has a depth of flavor similar to cowboy beans or Mexican frijoles charros. There are a few ingredient details that make this recipe shine. It’s worth taking some time to look over these to ensure your dish comes out as satisfying as the OG pinto bean recipe.
Why did you choose Chipotle pinto beans?
I’m glad you chose pinto today because my Chipotle pinto beans recipe captures the umami smoky notes found in Chipotle’s original recipe. Sometimes you just don’t want to leave home to enjoy something you crave, don’t worry I’ve got you covered!
What are Chipotle pinto beans made of?
Chipotle’s list of ingredients for their pinto beans recipe is as follows: bay leaf, black pepper, chipotle chili, cumin, garlic, lemon juice, lime juice, onion, oregano, pinto beans, rice bran oil, salt, and water. Does Chipotle put meat in their pinto beans? Chipotle’s pinto beans are vegan-friendly!