Description
This Easy Refried Beans recipe offers a simple, flavorful way to prepare creamy and savory beans on the stovetop. Using basic pantry staples like onions, garlic, and spices, these refried beans make a perfect side dish or filling for various Mexican-inspired meals. Ready in under 30 minutes, they deliver rich taste with fresh cilantro and a splash of lime juice for bright contrast.
Ingredients
Scale
Beans and Liquids
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) pinto beans, rinsed and drained, or 3 cups cooked pinto beans
- ½ cup water
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (about ½ medium lime), to taste
Vegetables and Herbs
- ½ cup finely chopped yellow or white onion (about ½ small onion)
- 2 cloves garlic, pressed or minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
Oils and Spices
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt (plus more to taste)
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
Instructions
- Sauté Onions: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, warm the olive oil until shimmering. Add the finely chopped onions and sea salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions soften and become translucent, about 5 to 8 minutes.
- Add Aromatics and Spices: Stir in the pressed garlic, chili powder, and ground cumin. Cook while stirring constantly until fragrant, approximately 30 seconds, to release the flavors.
- Simmer Beans: Pour in the rinsed and drained pinto beans along with ½ cup water. Stir to combine, then cover and cook for 5 minutes over medium heat to allow flavors to meld.
- Mash Beans: Reduce heat to low and remove the lid. Use a potato masher or the back of a fork to mash about half of the beans until you achieve your desired creamy consistency. Continue cooking uncovered, stirring frequently, for 3 more minutes to thicken the mixture.
- Finish and Season: Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in fresh chopped cilantro and lime juice. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and lime juice if needed. If the beans seem too dry, add a small splash of water and stir to blend. Cover the beans until ready to serve to keep warm.
Notes
- For a smoother texture, mash the beans more thoroughly or use an immersion blender briefly after mashing.
- Adjust chili powder and cumin quantities to your taste preference for spiciness and smokiness.
- Fresh lime juice brightens the flavor; add gradually to avoid overpowering the beans.
- Leftover refried beans store well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and can be reheated gently on the stove or microwave with a splash of water to loosen.
- Use whole pinto beans canned without added salt or preservatives for a better homemade taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Keywords: refried beans, easy refried beans, pinto beans recipe, Mexican side dish, stovetop beans, bean dip, vegetarian beans
