These flavorful Chipotle Black Beans are easy to make and can be used in many different ways. The chipotle peppers give these protein-packed black beans a spicy kick that really takes them to the next level. This freezer-friendly recipe can be enjoyed with rice, tortillas, or salads. Make a big batch today to have on hand all week long.
Beans are a huge part of my diet because they’re packed with protein and go so well in many different recipes. These Chipotle Black Beans are one of my favorite ways to prepare them. The chipotle peppers add a spicy kick and make these beans perfect for tacos, burritos, and so much more!
Why You’ll Love This Flavorful Black Bean Recipe
Easy to make – I use canned black beans for this recipe, so it comes together quickly, and you only need a handful of other ingredients you may already have. If you don’t already have the spices in your pantry, you can buy a packet of chili seasoning and add 3-4 teaspoons of it.
Versatile – These spicy black beans make a great side dish and are great with rice, tortilla chips, tacos, burritos, and salads. They can be enjoyed as a main dish or side.
Freezer friendly – I’m starting to stock up my freezer with healthy, protein-packed foods that can easily be thawed and used in various recipes. These black beans freeze well in bulk and in single-serving portions.
Why Your Body Will Love These Black Beans
Blood Sugar Regulation – Black beans are high in fiber and protein, giving them a low glycemic index. This means they digest slowly and don’t cause blood sugar levels to spike or rise too quickly. This makes black beans a healthy choice for people with diabetes who need to control their blood sugar levels more. They also keep you feeling full for a longer period of time since they digest slowly.
Heart Health – Beans contain a significant amount of soluble fiber, which helps decrease cholesterol absorption in the bloodstream. Lowering the “bad” cholesterol in the body can greatly reduce the chances of a stroke or heart attack.
Digestive Health – Beans are high in insoluble fiber, which helps bulk up the digestive system and prevent constipation. The fiber in beans also acts as a prebiotic that feeds the good bacteria in the large intestine and carries out toxins in the system.
Chipotle Black Bean Recipe Ingredients
Black Beans – I use canned black beans for this recipe, but homemade ones can easily be swapped. I don’t like my chipotle black beans to be too liquidy, so I drain off most of the extra liquid from the can before adding the beans into the pot.
Chipotle Peppers – Chipotle peppers are jalapeno peppers that have been dried and smoked. They’re spicy and usually come packed in adobo sauce or dried. I like to use both the chipotle peppers and the adobo sauce for this recipe. I really enjoy the flavor of the La Costena brand (pictured above).
Canned Tomatoes – I like to use fire-roasted canned tomatoes because they add so much extra flavor. For this recipe, I prefer the tomatoes to be chopped into small pieces, so I like to drain out most of the canned tomato liquid and then chop up the tomatoes before adding them in. That step is totally optional, though.
Onion & Garlic – Fresh onion and garlic add lots of flavor to these beans and will make your kitchen smell amazing while cooking them. They create a nice flavor base that all the other ingredients build on.
Jalapeno – I wanted to add some fresh jalapenos into this recipe since chipotle peppers are dried jalapenos. They add extra heat, so you can leave them out if you prefer.
Spices – These black beans are flavored with cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of cinnamon.
How To Make Spicy Chipotle Black Beans
Heat a large pan over medium heat and add 2 teaspoons olive oil and the diced onions, with a small pinch of salt. Cook onions until softened, 2 minutes. Next, add in the garlic and diced jalapeno and cook for another minute until the garlic is fragrant.
Add in the black beans, canned tomatoes, chopped chipotle peppers, spices, salt and pepper. Mix everything together and let the beans cook until they’re starting to simmer, stirring every minute or two. Use a potato masher or large fork to mash about half of the beans or until the desired texture is reached. Cook black beans for a minute or two more, until they’re slightly thickened, and then turn off the heat. Squeeze in some fresh lime juice and season with extra salt as needed.
Enjoy Chipotle Black Beans on their own or with rice. They can be added to tacos, burritos, nachos, and salads.
Recipe Frequently Asked Questions
This recipe is already both vegan and gluten-free.
Are these beans spicy? You can make these chipotle black beans as mild or spicy as you like. Add 2-3 chipotle peppers if you want them mild and 4-5 if you want spicy beans.
How should these beans be enjoyed? These chipotle beans can be used in many different ways, including on nachos, tacos, burritos, burrito bowls, with rice, or as a side dish.
How long do these beans last? If stored in an air-tight container in the refrigerator, they should last for about five days.
What is the best way to freeze these beans? I like to portion them out into 1-cup servings for the freezer to grab what I need to defrost. They can be frozen in a large container in bulk as well. Freeze for up to three months. Defrost in the refrigerator, on the kitchen counter, or in the microwave.
Have a question I didn’t answer? Ask me in the comment section below, and I will get back to you ASAP!
These flavorful Chipotle Black Beans are easy to make and can be used in so many different ways. The chipotle peppers give these protein packed black beans a spicy kick that really takes them to the next level. This recipe is freezer friendly and can be enjoyed with rice, tortillas or in salads. Make a big batch today to have them on hand all week long.
Ingredients
2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup diced onion, I used white but any color will work
1–2 tablespoons diced fresh jalapeno, depending on how much heat you want
2–3 cloves garlic, minced
3 (15 oz) cans black beans, drained*
1/3 cup chopped chipotle peppers with adobo sauce, or more if you want more heat
1 (14.5 oz) can fire roasted tomatoes, I like to drain all the liquid out and then chop up the diced tomatoes into even smaller pieces (as pictured above)
2 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon granulated garlic
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1 small pinch ground cinnamon, optional
Salt, to taste
Instructions
Heat a large pan over medium heat and add 2 teaspoons olive oil and the diced onions, with a small pinch of salt. Cook onions until softened, 2 minutes. Next, add in the garlic and diced jalapeno and cook for another minute, until garlic is fragrant.
Add in the black beans, canned tomatoes, chopped chipotle peppers, spices, salt and pepper. Mix everything together well and let the beans cook until they’re starting to simmer, stirring every minute or two. Use a potato masher, or large fork, to mash about half of the beans, or until desired texture is reached. Cook black beans for a minute or two more, until they’re slightly thickened and then turn off the heat. Squeeze in some fresh lime juice and season with any extra salt that is needed.
Enjoy Chipotle Black Beans by themselves or with rice. They can also be added to tacos, burritos, nachos and salads.
Notes
*I don’t like my chipotle black beans to be too liquidy, so I drain off almost all of the extra liquid from the bean cans and the canned tomatoes. You are welcome to leave some of that liquid in the recipe if you want your beans to be more on the soupy side.
These Rice and Bean Fajita Quesadillas are flavorful and easy to make. They’re cheesy, hearty, and filled with vegetables. The fajita filling can be prepared in advance, and it only takes about 10 minutes to cook the quesadillas. Serve them with your favorite toppings and enjoy for lunch or dinner.
Cheese quesadillas are really easy to make, and I enjoy them as quick snacks. But when it comes to quesadillas for lunch or dinner, I like them to have a little more substance to them. These Rice and Bean Fajita Quesadillas are packed with rice, black beans, and seasoned fajita peppers and onions. They’re filling, packed with protein, and great for any meal. Enjoy these quesadillas with your favorite toppings and tortilla chips.
Why You’ll Love This Filling Quesadilla Recipe
Packed with flavor – These fajita quesadillas get much of their flavor from the onions and peppers. I like to cook them all together in a frying pan until they’re sizzling and browned, just like at a restaurant. Cooking them down until they’re caramelized adds delicious flavor to this recipe.
Easy to make – This recipe may have a few more steps than a regular cheese quesadilla, but it’s all easy. Once you mix the fajita veggies with the rice and beans, you add them to the tortilla with some shredded cheese, and then the hot frying pan does the rest of the work. You can also make these quesadillas in the oven if you wish.
Great family meal – You may not think of a quesadilla as a full meal, but these fajita rice and bean quesadillas are really filling. I like to serve them with a side of chips and dip, along with my favorite quesadilla toppings (lettuce, salsa, sour cream, guacamole). You can make cheese quesadillas for kids, and chicken or beef can easily be added for any meat eaters.
Why Your Body Will Love These Hearty Quesadillas
Heart Health – Black beans contain a significant amount of soluble fiber, which helps decrease cholesterol absorption in the bloodstream. Lowering the “bad” cholesterol in the body can significantly reduce the chances of a stroke or heart attack.
Digestive Health – Black beans are high in insoluble fiber, which helps bulk up the digestive system and prevent constipation. The fiber in beans also acts as a prebiotic that feeds the good bacteria in the large intestine and carries out toxins in the system.
Immune Health – Bell peppers are high in Vitamin C, essential for keeping your immune system healthy and fighting off sickness. Vitamin C is also very beneficial in healing wounds and collagen production. Bell peppers are high in antioxidants, which also help protect the immune system. Antioxidants are molecules that can neutralize harmful free radicals, which otherwise can damage cells and tissues in our bodies.
Rice and Bean Fajita Quesadilla Recipe Ingredients
Peppers and Onion – Pepper and onion make up the fajita part of these quesadillas. I like to cook a variety of bell peppers, yellow onion, and spices together in a pan until they’re softened and beginning to brown. I have seen a few frozen fajita pepper and onion veggie mixes that may make this recipe a little easier. You can also buy packaged fajita seasoning instead of making your own.
Black Beans – I like to use black beans in this recipe, but pinto beans will also work well. Beans add extra protein and fiber to these quesadillas, helping them be more filling.
Rice – I use cooked white rice for this recipe. Brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice can also be used, though. You can omit the rice if you prefer.
Cheese – Any cheese can be used for these quesadillas. I usually use shredded Colby Jack, but you can also use pepper Jack or quesadilla cheese, which is made specifically for melting in quesadillas. Dairy-free cheese can also be used.
Tortillas – I use large burrito-sized flour tortillas for my quesadillas; you can make yours smaller if you like. Corn tortillas can also be used to make them gluten-free.
How To Make Vegetarian Fajita Quesadillas
Heat a large pan over medium heat and add the oil. Once hot, add the peppers, onions, and a pinch of salt. Mix and allow peppers and onions to cook until they are softened and starting to caramelize, about 5-7 minutes, stirring every so often to prevent burning.
Next, add the rice, beans, and fajita seasoning to the skillet and mix again until all ingredients are combined and the rice and beans are heated through. You can add a little extra oil, if needed.
Assemble your quesadillas: Lay a large tortilla flat and sprinkle about 1/4 cup shredded cheese onto just half of the tortilla. Top with about 1/3 cup of the fajita bean and rice mixture, and then another sprinkle of shredded cheese. Fold over the other side of the tortilla and press down.
Heat a large pan over medium heat and add butter, oil, or cooking spray. Place the quesadilla into the pan and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is crispy. Repeat with the remaining ingredients and enjoy fajita quesadillas with your favorite toppings.
Recipe Frequently Asked Questions
Make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free tortillas or corn tortillas.
Make this recipe vegan by using a meltable, shredded vegan cheese.
How should these quesadillas be served? You can eat them alone, or top with your favorite toppings and add a side of chips and dip for a more rounded meal.
Can quesadillas be cooked in the oven? Yes, they can easily be cooked in the oven. Just lay them flat on a large sheet pan and bake at 400 degrees F. for about 10-15 minutes.
How long do leftovers last? If stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, they should last about 4-5 days. They can be reheated in the oven, frying pan, or microwave.
Are quesadillas freezer-friendly? Yes, but they may not hold up the best in the freezer. I suggest assembling the quesadillas just until you’re about to cook them, wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap, and placing them in an airtight freezer bag. I have found it works best to reheat the frozen quesadillas in the oven.
Have a question I didn’t answer? Ask me in the comment section below, and I will get back to you ASAP!
These Rice and Bean Fajita Quesadillas are packed with flavor and easy to make. They’re cheesy, hearty and filled with vegetables. The fajita filling can be prepared ahead of time and then it only takes about 10 minutes to cook the quesadillas. Serve with your favorite toppings and enjoy for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil, or oil of choice
2 medium sized bell peppers, diced (whatever colors you prefer)
1/2 yellow onion, diced
1 cup cooked rice
1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
6–8 large flour tortillas
2 cups shredded cheese
Fajita Seasoning
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon granulated garlic
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Heat a large pan over medium heat and add in the oil. Once hot, add in the peppers, onions an a pinch of salt. Mix together and allow peppers and onions to cook until they are softened and starting to caramelize, about 5-7 minutes, stirring every so often to prevent burning.
Next, add the rice, beans and fajita seasoning into the skillet and mix again until all ingredients are combined and the rice and beans are heated through. You can add a little extra oil in, if needed.
Assemble your quesadillas: lay large tortilla flat and sprinkle about 1/4 cup shredded cheese onto just half of the tortilla. Top with about 1/3 cup of the fajita bean and rice mixture and then top with another sprinkle of shredded cheese. Fold over the other side of the tortilla and press down.
Heat a large pan over medium heat and add butter, oil or cooking spray. Place quesadilla into the pan and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until cheese is melted and tortilla is crispy. Repeat with the remaining ingredients and enjoy fajita quesadillas with your favorite toppings.
Notes
Quesadilla can also be cooked on a large sheet pan in the oven.
Prep Time: 15 mins
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