Pinto beans are creamy and rich and are mixed in incredibly well with rice, soup, scrambled eggs, and more. So, in this guide, you will be given the Healthy Refried Beans Recipe.
Given the fact that they are very buttery, pinto beans happen to make the best-refried beans.
These delicious refried beans are jazzed up by fresh cilantro and then made to taste more complex by adding a squeeze of lime juice.
Also, these healthy refried beans are a healthy source of plant-based fiber and protein (you will find 12 grams of each per serving).
Healthy Refried Beans
This recipe is extremely simple to prepare. And, to make this easy recipe faster, I used high-quality canned beans.
You won’t be able to tell the difference between the home-cooked beans. However, you can definitely cook your own beans if that’s what you prefer.
Compared to store-bought refried beans, this recipe is far superior, and it has also become a staple in many kitchens.
Refried beans are actually a healthy side dish to serve with any Mexican meal. You can also eat them with tortilla chips as a bean dip.
Also, you can use these protein-rich, vegan refried beans inside burritos, tacos, and enchiladas.
You can never go wrong when you spread them on top of a tostada or on the inside of a quesadilla.
Recipe for Healthy Refried Beans
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
As previously mentioned, these refried beans are delectable and very simple to make. This easy refried bean recipe is also fast.
Use canned beans, and they are ready and done in 25 minutes. In addition, these beans are hearty, vegan, and gluten-free.
This recipe yields 2 ½ cups of refried beans (21 ounces), which is enough for 5 servings.
Ingredients
- 2 cans of (15 ounces each) of pinto beans, rinsed and drained, or 3 cups of cooked pinto beans
- 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of lime juice (around ½ medium lime), to taste
- ½ cup of water
- ¼ teaspoon of fine sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon of ground cumin
- ½ cup of finely chopped yellow or white onion (around ½ small onion)
- 2 cloves of garlic, pressed or minced
- ½ teaspoon of chili powder
- 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh cilantro
Laid-Out Instructions
- First, warm the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat until it shimmers.
- After that, you can proceed to add the onions and salt. Cook and then stir it occasionally until the onions have softened and are turning translucent.
- This should take around 5 to 8 minutes. Also, add the chili powder, garlic, and cumin. Proceed to cook and stir constantly until fragrant.
- This should take about 30 seconds. That being done, pour in the drained beans and water, then stir, cover, and cook for 5 minutes.
- Now, reduce the heat to low and remove the lid. Get the potato masher or use the back of a fork to mash up at least half of the beans.
- Do this until you reach your desired consistency. And continue the cooking of the beans, stirring them often for 3 extra minutes.
- Make sure it is uncovered. When that is done, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the cilantro and lime juice.
- You can go ahead and taste it, then add more lime juice and cilantro if needed.
- Just add a very small splash of water and stir to combine if the beans seem dry.
- After that is done, cover it until you are ready to serve it.
How to Serve These Healthy Refried Beans
Tacos
You can serve it with refried bean tacos, which taste extremely good.
Sopes
Sopes are a fun substitute for tacos, and they are also easy to make at home. So try homemade sopes.
As a Side
These tasty refried beans are a perfect side to go with tacos, and you can just garnish them with chopped cilantro, queso fresco, and a little chili powder.
Taquitos
You can also go with baked flautas (taquitos), as they are a delectable snack.
Refried Bean Dip
This is also another great option, and it is vegan or plant-based.
How to Store Refried Beans
To Refrigerate or to Freeze?
Allow the beans to cool completely if you intend to refrigerate or freeze them in containers.
So, just place the beans in tightly sealed containers of the desired size.
Then, proceed to refrigerate for up to 4 days or just freeze for up to 3 months.
To Freeze
First, you are to allow the beans to cool off completely, then divide them into zip-top freezer bags and make sure you label them with a date.
After that, seal the bags and make sure you get rid of as much air as possible.
Then, squish the beans, and the bags can lay flat. Now, freeze flat for up to 3 months.
To Reheat
Just defrost your beans overnight in the refrigerator if they are frozen. Just proceed to warm the beans gently on the stove or do this in the microwave.
The beans will thicken as they cool. Just add a bit of water or vegetable broth if you want to thin them out.
You can also store the beans mashed (refried) or unmashed.
Recipe FAQs
What Kind of Beans Are Used For Refried Beans?
Pinto beans are normally used for refried beans. However, you can also make refried black beans.
Are Refried Beans Healthy?
Beans are amazingly good for you. However, for some people, the lard and fat used in refried beans can make them unhealthy.
Fortunately, this recipe for hearty refried beans is vegan and also fat-free.
Can You Freeze Refried Beans?
Refried beans are actually a perfect thing to freeze and keep on hand. All you need to do is divide the refried beans into 2-cup portions and then freeze them.
Ensure that each portion is an approximate substitute for a can of commercial refried beans.
Final Thoughts on Healthy Refried Beans
For beans with additional flavor and texture, just add a finely chopped bell pepper (any color) or jalapeno pepper(s) with the onion.
I suggest you go for jalapenos, as they will make the beans tangier, but ensure that you get rid of the seeds and membranes first because then you will have more control over the spice level.
Compared to pinto beans, black beans are not as easily blended, so if you use them, they might be a little more chunky.
That being said, this will be the conclusion to this guide on the Healthy Refried Beans Recipe.
Healthy Refried Beans Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cans of 15 ounces each of pinto beans, rinsed and drained, or 3 cups of cooked pinto beans
- 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of lime juice around ½ medium lime, to taste
- ½ cup of water
- ¼ teaspoon of fine sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon of ground cumin
- ½ cup of finely chopped yellow or white onion around ½ small onion
- 2 cloves of garlic pressed or minced
- ½ teaspoon of chili powder
- 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- First, warm the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat until it shimmers.
- After that, you can proceed to add the onions and salt. Cook and then stir it occasionally until the onions have softened and are turning translucent.
- This should take around 5 to 8 minutes. Also, add the chili powder, garlic, and cumin. Proceed to cook and stir constantly until fragrant.
- This should take about 30 seconds. That being done, pour in the drained beans and water, then stir, cover, and cook for 5 minutes.
- Now, reduce the heat to low and remove the lid. Get the potato masher or use the back of a fork to mash up at least half of the beans.
- Do this until you reach your desired consistency. And continue the cooking of the beans, stirring them often for 3 extra minutes.
- Make sure it is uncovered. When that is done, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the cilantro and lime juice.
- You can go ahead and taste it, then add more lime juice and cilantro if needed.
- Just add a very small splash of water and stir to combine if the beans seem dry.
- After that is done, cover it until you are ready to serve it.
