Unfried Refried Beans

Satisfy your Tex-Mex cravings with this healthier take on a beloved classic—Unfried Refried Beans! Crafted from scratch with tender, slow-cooked pinto beans, aromatic garlic, and onion, this recipe skips the frying but delivers all the creamy, flavorful goodness you love. Seasoned with fragrant cumin, smoky paprika, and a splash of refreshing lime juice, these beans are packed with zesty flavor and can be customized to your desired consistency. Whether served as a savory side dish or a hearty filling for tacos, burritos, or tostadas, these unfried refried beans are a wholesome, vegan-friendly option that’s as nutritious as it is delicious. Easy to prepare and naturally gluten-free, this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking for a healthier twist on a Mexican food staple.

Nutriscore Rating: 74/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:120 mins

Total Time:130 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 cups dried pinto beans
• 6 cups water
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 units garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped

Directions

Step 1

Rinse and sort the dried pinto beans, discarding any debris or stones.

Step 2

Place the beans in a large pot and cover them with 6 cups of water. Let them soak overnight or use the quick soak method by bringing the pot to a boil, then removing it from heat and letting it sit covered for 1 hour.

Step 3

After soaking, drain and rinse the beans, then return them to the pot with 6 fresh cups of water.

Step 4

Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the beans. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the pot.

Step 5

Cook the beans for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until they are very tender. Stir occasionally and check the water level, adding more if needed to keep the beans covered.

Step 6

Once the beans are fully cooked, reserve 1 cup of the cooking liquid and drain the rest.

Step 7

Return the beans to the pot or place them in a large mixing bowl. Using an immersion blender, potato masher, or the back of a spoon, mash the beans to your desired consistency. Add the reserved cooking liquid a little at a time to achieve a creamy texture.

Step 8

Stir in cumin, paprika, salt, and olive oil (if using). Mix well to distribute the seasoning evenly.

Step 9

Finish by stirring in lime juice and topping with fresh cilantro before serving.

Step 10

Serve warm as a side dish or use as a filling for tacos, burritos, or tostadas.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1965.3 grams (1965.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	707

Total Fat 16.80g	22%
Saturated Fat 2.50g	13%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.80g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 3250mg	141%
Total Carbohydrate 111.20g	40%
Dietary Fiber 35.20g	126%
Total Sugars 6.30g
Protein 34.80g	70%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 322mg	25%
Iron 10mg	56%
Potassium 1873mg	40%

*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: 20.6%

Protein: 18.9%

Carbs: 60.5%