Description
This Easy Refried Beans recipe is a simple, flavorful dish made with pinto beans, aromatic spices, and fresh cilantro. Cooked on the stovetop, these creamy beans are perfect as a side dish for Mexican meals, tacos, or as a dip. Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe offers a nutritious and delicious addition to any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- ½ cup finely chopped yellow or white onion (about ½ small onion)
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
- 2 cloves garlic, pressed or minced
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) pinto beans, rinsed and drained, or 3 cups cooked pinto beans
- ½ cup water
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (about ½ medium lime), to taste
Instructions
- Warm the Oil and Cook Onions: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, warm the olive oil until shimmering. Add the chopped onions and salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions soften and turn translucent, about 5 to 8 minutes.
- Add Spices and Garlic: Add the pressed or minced garlic, chili powder, and ground cumin to the onions. Cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. This step releases the aromatic flavors into the oil.
- Cook the Beans: Pour the drained pinto beans and ½ cup water into the saucepan. Stir to combine, then cover and cook over medium heat for 5 minutes, allowing the beans to heat through and soften further.
- Mash the Beans: Reduce the heat to low and remove the lid. Using a potato masher or the back of a fork, mash at least half of the beans until you reach your desired consistency—some like it chunky, others smooth. Continue cooking uncovered, stirring often, for an additional 3 minutes to let excess moisture evaporate and flavors meld.
- Finish and Season: Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in fresh chopped cilantro and lime juice. Taste the beans and adjust seasoning with additional salt or lime juice as needed. If the mixture seems too dry, add a small splash of water. Cover until ready to serve.
Notes
- For creamier beans, mash more thoroughly or add extra water as needed.
- Adjust chili powder to your preferred spice level.
- Fresh lime juice can be substituted with lemon juice if unavailable.
- Use low-sodium beans or rinse canned beans well to reduce sodium content.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Keywords: refried beans, pinto beans, easy Mexican side dish, vegetarian beans, quick side dish
