My Refried Beans

Transform your next meal with "My Refried Beans," a hearty and flavorful side dish that’s easy to make from scratch! This recipe starts with tender, slow-simmered dried pinto beans, infused with aromatic onion, garlic, and warm spices like cumin and smoked paprika. A splash of lime juice brightens the rich, creamy texture, while optional chili powder adds just the right touch of heat. You can customize with olive oil for a lighter option or bacon fat for a smoky depth. Perfect for tacos, burrito bowls, or as a dip with tortilla chips, this versatile homemade refried beans recipe is a healthier, more delicious alternative to canned beans. With simple pantry ingredients and just a little effort, you'll elevate any dish to a whole new level of comfort and flavor!

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:120 mins

Total Time:130 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried pinto beans
• 4 cups water
• 1 cup vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 small, diced onion
• 2 cloves, minced garlic clove
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or bacon fat
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 0.25 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for heat)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 teaspoons lime juice
• 2 tablespoons, chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the dried pinto beans under cool water, removing any debris or damaged beans.

Step 2

In a large pot, combine the rinsed beans with water and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 1.5 hours or until the beans are tender. If needed, add more water during cooking to keep the beans submerged.

Step 3

Drain the cooked beans, reserving 1 cup of the cooking liquid.

Step 4

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil or bacon fat over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and slightly caramelized.

Step 5

Stir in the minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder (if using). Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 6

Add the cooked beans to the skillet along with the cup of broth and 1/3 cup of the reserved cooking liquid. Stir to combine.

Step 7

Mash the beans with a potato masher or the back of a wooden spoon until they reach your desired consistency. Add more reserved cooking liquid if the beans seem too dry.

Step 8

Season the beans with salt and black pepper. Stir and let simmer for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and creamy.

Step 9

Stir in the lime juice for a touch of brightness. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 10

Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired. Serve warm as a side dish, taco filling, or with tortilla chips for dipping.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1545.8 grams (1545.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	585

Total Fat 29.70g	38%
Saturated Fat 4.30g	22%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.40g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 3677mg	160%
Total Carbohydrate 64.80g	24%
Dietary Fiber 19.00g	68%
Total Sugars 6.70g
Protein 20.40g	41%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 218mg	17%
Iron 7mg	37%
Potassium 1147mg	24%

*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: 44.0%

Protein: 13.4%

Carbs: 42.6%