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!
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.
Remove the casing and fry To avoid splatter, cover the pan Break up the sausage Cook until all the fat is rendered Remove the cooked chorizo 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.
Chop peppers and garlic Sauté for a few minutes Add the chorizo back into the 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.
Add canned refried beans Mix to combine and mash the beans as it cooks. If needed, add some fat back in Melt cheese over the beans
Recipe FAQs and Expert Tips
The easiest way to make Chorizo beans is by mixing fried chorizo with canned refried beans, then melt shredded cheese over it.
Some people like to add bacon to chorizo beans but it's not a required ingredient for making 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.
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Cheesy Chipotle Chorizo Beans
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.
Kelly Methey says
These are delicious and very easy to make! Makes a nice side dish for any Mexican food!
Hilda Sterner says
Thanks, Kelly! I agree they are easy to prepare and delicious!