Healthier Refried Beans

Elevate your Mexican-inspired meals with this easy and flavorful recipe for Healthier Refried Beans! Made with creamy pinto beans, aromatic garlic, and a boost of smoky spices like cumin and chili powder, this wholesome dish ditches traditional lard for heart-healthy olive oil and a splash of vegetable broth. Ready in just 30 minutes, you'll love how these beans are mashed to perfection—whether chunky or ultra-smooth—creating a versatile dish that's perfect as a taco filling, side dish, or dip. A squeeze of fresh lime juice adds a zesty finish, while optional cilantro garnish takes the presentation to the next level. Packed with protein, fiber, and bold flavors, these refried beans are a guilt-free way to enjoy a Mexican classic without sacrificing taste or nutrition!

Nutriscore Rating: 86/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked pinto beans
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic
• 0.5 medium-sized onion
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 0.5 cup vegetable broth
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat.

Step 2

Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic. Add them to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until the onion is soft and translucent.

Step 3

Stir in the ground cumin and chili powder, cooking for 1 minute to bring out their flavors.

Step 4

Add the cooked pinto beans to the skillet, followed by the vegetable broth. Stir well to combine.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will help soften the beans and incorporate the flavors.

Step 6

Using a potato masher or the back of a wooden spoon, mash the beans to your desired consistency. Leave some chunks for texture or mash until smooth.

Step 7

Season the beans with salt, black pepper, and lime juice. Stir well and taste, adjusting the seasonings as needed.

Step 8

Remove from heat. If desired, garnish with freshly chopped cilantro before serving.

Step 9

Serve warm as a side dish, taco filling, or dip with tortilla chips. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	780.1 grams (780.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1097

Total Fat 33.00g	42%
Saturated Fat 5.20g	26%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.00g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2727mg	119%
Total Carbohydrate 156.20g	57%
Dietary Fiber 50.10g	179%
Total Sugars 7.70g
Protein 50.10g	100%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 339mg	26%
Iron 14mg	77%
Potassium 2675mg	57%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 26.5%

Protein: 17.9%

Carbs: 55.7%