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    You Are Here Home » Side Dish Recipes

    Published: Oct 22, 2021 Updated: Nov 9, 2021 by Hilda Sterner | This post may contain affiliate links 2 Comments

    Cheesy Chipotle Chorizo Beans

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    chipotle chorizo beans pin

    This creamy, 3-step Chorizo Beans recipe only takes 15 minutes to prepare and is a family favorite, and in our family, the cheesier and spicier the better! However, you can easily tame the heat down by leaving out the peppers. Chorizo Beans have tons of flavor and pair beautifully with Pulled Pork Enchiladas, Carne Asada, or any Mexican feast!

    chorizo beans in a pan with a white and red checkered towel on the counter

    Why This Recipe Works

    This stovetop recipe is great when you're short on time and need a quick and delicious side dish, especially with Mexican main dishes like enchiladas. Using canned refried beans means it's as easy as frying the chorizo, mixing in the beans, and melting the cheese in one skillet. Ok, I'm skipping a few little details, but you get the idea!

    This recipe can be prepared ahead of time too. So if you are planning a meal for a future date, or one that takes a lot of time, like Tamales, this is a great simple recipe to keep in mind. Additionally, if you have leftovers, they freeze really well.

    Serve the chorizo beans as a side with tortilla chips, spread them over a tostada, or wrap them in a tortilla with some taco meat. The possibilities are endless!

    What You Need For This Recipe

    Recipe Ingredients/Substitutions

    • Beans — Some people start with dry beans, while others use whole canned beans. I prefer using refried beans, which are always in my pantry and so convenient.
    • Chorizo — Chorizo comes in various varieties. This includes beef, pork, chicken, turkey, and soy. I recommend using beef or pork and the kind that comes in a casing.
    • Chipotle Peppers — Canned chipotle peppers add flavor and heat. If you prefer your food mild, you can use less or skip them altogether.
    • Cheese — Use your favorite cheese, shredded cheddar, or any Mexican cheese blend.

    How to Make Chorizo Beans

    Step 1 | Fry the Chorizo

    Remove chorizo sausage from its casing and fry it in a saucepan until all the fat is rendered.  Scoop the chorizo out of the pan and drain 75% of the fat. If you don't mind the extra calories, you don't need to drain the fat.

    • raw chorizo in a pan
      Remove the casing and fry
    • a pan with the lid on
      To avoid splatter, cover the pan
    • something cooking in a pan
      Break up the sausage
    • fried chorizo in a pan
      Cook until all the fat is rendered
    • scooping chorizo out of a pan
      Remove the cooked chorizo
    • draining oil out of a pan
      Pour most of the oil out of the pan

    Step 2 | Sauté Peppers and Garlic

    Chop chipotle peppers, Serrano, and garlic. Add to the pan and sauté for a few minutes over medium heat. Add the chorizo back to the pan and stir for an additional minute.

    • chopped peppers and garlic on a cutting board
      Chop peppers and garlic
    • sautéed peppers nd garlic in a pan
      Sauté for a few minutes
    • chorizo, peppers, and garlic in a pan
      Add the chorizo back into the pan
    • chorizo mixture in a pan
      Sauté for one more minute

    Step 3 | Add Beans and Cheese / Cook Chorizo

    Next, add refried beans and mix to combine. For a smoother texture, mash the beans with a potato masher. Simmer bean mixture, over low heat, for five to ten minutes, stirring occasionally. Add shredded cheese, turn off the heat, and cover the pan until the cheese melts. Serve while hot.

    • canned refried beans in a pan over sausage
      Add canned refried beans
    • chorizo beans being stirred by a blue spatula
      Mix to combine and mash the beans as it cooks.
    • sprinkling oil over beans
      If needed, add some fat back in
    • scooping chorizo beans out of a pan
      Melt cheese over the beans

    Recipe FAQs and Expert Tips

    How do you make Chorizo Beans?

    The easiest way to make Chorizo beans is by mixing fried chorizo with canned refried beans, then melt shredded cheese over it.

    Do you add bacon to Chorizo Beans?

    Some people like to add bacon to chorizo beans but it's not a required ingredient for making chorizo beans.

    What kind of cheese do you add to Chorizo Beans?

    What cheese you use in your chorizo beans is a matter of preference. You can use Colby jack, a Mexican blend, or shredded cheddar cheese. You can even serve chorizo beans without cheese, but where's the fun in that?

    • If you don't mind the extra fat, you can skip draining the fat from the pan. Unfortunately, some of us have high cholesterol.
    • Leftovers can be frozen. Just place them in a freezer bag and store them in the freezer until you plan on serving them.
    • Chorizo beans can be reheated in a microwave, but be sure to cover them with a paper towel to avoid splatter.
    • Chop cilantro and sprinkle it over the chorizo beans for a pop of color.
    chorizo beans in a pan
    Cheesy Chipotle Chorizo Beans

    Related Recipes

    • Mexican Bean Dip Recipe
    • Spicy Mexican Pickled Carrots
    • Easy Chile Relleno Recipe
    • Pressure Cooker Carnitas

    Love this recipe? Please leave a 5-star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟rating in the recipe card below & a review in the comments section further down the page.

    Stay in touch with me through social media @ Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok, and Facebook. Don't forget to tag me when you try one of my recipes!

    chorizo beans in a pan

    Cheesy Chipotle Chorizo Beans

    These Cheesy Chipotle Chorizo Beans are quick to prepare, delicious, and make a great side dish to any Mexican entree.
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Appetizers, Side Dish
    Cuisine: Mexican
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 10 minutes
    Total Time: 15 minutes
    Servings: 6 servings
    Calories: 359kcal
    Author: Hilda Sterner

    Ingredients

    • 1 12 ounce beef or pork chorizo
    • 1 medium Serrano pepper (minced)
    • 2 canned chipotle peppers
    • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
    • 2 16 ounce canned refried beans
    • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

    Instructions

    • Remove chorizo sausage from its casing and fry it in a saucepan until all the fat is rendered.  Scoop the chorizo out of the pan and drain 75% of the fat. If you don't mind the extra calories, you don't need to drain the fat.
    • Chop chipotle peppers, Serrano, and garlic. Add to the pan and sauté for a few minutes over medium heat. Add the chorizo back to the pan and stir for an additional minute.
    • Next, add refried beans and mix to combine. For a smoother texture, mash the beans with a potato masher. Simmer bean mixture, over low heat, for five to ten minutes, stirring occasionally. Add shredded cheese, turn off the heat, and cover the pan until the cheese melts. Serve while hot.

    Notes

    • If you don't mind the extra fat, you can skip draining the fat from the pan. Unfortunately, some of us have high cholesterol.
    • Leftovers can be frozen. Just place them in a freezer bag and store them in the freezer until you plan on serving them.
    • Chorizo beans can be reheated in a microwave, but be sure to cover them with a paper towel to avoid splatter.
    • Chop cilantro and sprinkle it over the chorizo beans for a pop of color.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1serving | Calories: 359kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 8mg | Sodium: 712mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 2g
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    Comments

    1. Kelly Methey says

      October 23, 2021 at 11:46 am

      5 stars
      These are delicious and very easy to make! Makes a nice side dish for any Mexican food!

      Reply
      • Hilda Sterner says

        October 24, 2021 at 8:48 am

        Thanks, Kelly! I agree they are easy to prepare and delicious!

        Reply

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