Craving the savory, perfectly seasoned black beans from Chili’s? Now you can make a Copycat Chili’s Black Beans Recipe at home that’s just as flavorful and perfect for pairing with your favorite dishes!

Copycat Chili’s Black Beans are a savory and flavorful side dish that perfectly complements any Mexican-inspired meal.
Packed with spices and simmered to perfection, these beans are tender, hearty, and full of rich flavor. With this easy recipe, you can enjoy the delicious taste of Chili’s black beans right at home, without the need to dine out. Whether served alongside fajitas, tacos, or enchiladas, this dish is sure to be a hit at your next meal!

Why You Will Love This Best Recipe for Chili’s Black Beans
- Rich and Flavorful: The blend of spices creates a deep, savory taste that rivals the original.
- Quick and Easy: With simple ingredients and easy preparation, you’ll have them ready in no time.
- Perfect Side Dish: Ideal for pairing with Mexican dishes like tacos, burritos, or enchiladas.
- Customizable: Adjust the seasoning and spice levels to fit your personal taste.
- Affordable and Simple: Uses pantry staples, making it a budget-friendly and convenient recipe.
Ingredients Needed For Chili’s Black Beans

- Canned Black Beans: Pre-cooked, ready-to-use, perfect for quick meals.
- Sugar: Adds sweetness to balance savory and spicy flavors.
- Chili Powder: Warm, smoky flavor, essential in spicy dishes.
- Garlic Powder: Aromatic, savory seasoning that enhances many recipes.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Canned Black Beans: If you don’t have canned black beans, use dried beans. Just remember to soak and cook them before using in your recipe.
- Sugar: For a healthier alternative, you can use honey or maple syrup. These substitutes will add a touch of natural sweetness to the dish.
- Chili Powder: If you don’t have chili powder, you can make your own by mixing paprika, cumin, and cayenne pepper. This will give your dish the same warmth and smoky flavor.
- Garlic Powder: Fresh garlic can be used instead of garlic powder. Just mince the garlic and sauté it before adding it to your dish.
How to Make Chili’s Black Beans

Step One: Start by draining and rinsing the canned black beans to remove excess liquid. Set them aside.
Step Two: In a medium saucepan, heat some oil over medium heat. Add the black beans, sugar, chili powder, and garlic powder. Stir well to combine. Let the beans simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together.
Step Three: Taste the beans and adjust the seasoning to your preference. Add more sugar, chili powder, or garlic powder if needed. Once the beans are fully heated and the flavors are well-blended, serve them as a side dish with your favorite Mexican meals!

Copycat Chili’s Black Beans Recipe Tips
- Adjust the seasoning: Feel free to adjust the sugar, chili powder, and garlic powder based on your taste preferences. You can add more or less depending on how sweet or spicy you like your beans.
- Add some heat: If you prefer spicier beans, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeño to the mix while cooking.
- Use vegetable or chicken broth: For extra depth of flavor, you can substitute part of the water with vegetable or chicken broth instead of just plain water.
- Let it simmer: Allow the beans to simmer for at least 10-15 minutes, as this helps the spices fully infuse into the beans, making them more flavorful.
- Garnish with cilantro: For an added touch of freshness, sprinkle some chopped cilantro on top of the beans before serving.
Storing
- Storing: Store leftover Copycat Chili’s Black Beans in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Make sure to let them cool completely before storing to avoid excess moisture buildup.
- Freezing: To freeze, place the cooled beans in a freezer-safe container or bag, and store for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat the black beans in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to help loosen them. Alternatively, you can microwave the beans in a microwave-safe dish, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.

What To Serve With Copycat Chili’s Black Beans
Copycat Chili’s Black Beans make a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. Serve them alongside grilled chicken, steak, or barbecued meats for a flavorful and satisfying meal. They’re also perfect with tacos, burritos, or fajitas, adding a savory and slightly sweet touch to your Mexican-inspired dishes.
Copycat Chili’s Black Beans Recipe Faqs
Can I use dried black beans instead of canned? Yes, you can use dried black beans, but you will need to soak and cook them first. This will add extra time to the recipe, as dried beans take longer to cook.
How do I make the beans spicier? To make the beans spicier, you can add cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or a chopped jalapeño along with the other seasonings. Adjust the amount based on your preferred spice level.
Can I make Copycat Chili’s Black Beans ahead of time? Yes, you can make them ahead of time. Simply cook the beans and store them in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Reheat before serving.
Can I freeze leftover black beans? Yes, you can freeze the black beans. Let them cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. They will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw and heat on the stove.
Can I add other vegetables to the beans? Yes, you can add diced onions, bell peppers, or corn to the beans for added texture and flavor. Sauté them along with the beans for a more well-rounded dish.

More Chili’s copycat recipes
- Copycat Chili’s Steak Fajitas Recipe
- Copycat Steak ‘n Shake Chili
- Chili’s Bacon Ranch Chicken Quesadillas
- Chili’s Santa Fe Chicken Salad
- Copycat Chili’s Texas Cheese Fries
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Copycat Chili’s Black Beans
Description
Ingredients
- 30 ounces black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, optional
- 1/4 cup water, optional, for consistency
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the black beans, sugar, chili powder, garlic powder, and salt (if using) to the saucepan. Stir well to combine.
- Let the beans simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the flavors to meld together. If the beans seem too thick, add a little water to reach your desired consistency.
- Once the beans are heated through and the flavors have blended, remove from heat and serve hot. Enjoy!
Equipment
- Saucepan
- Spoon
Nutrition
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