Easy Refried Beans Refritos
Transform your mealtime with this Easy Refried Beans (Refritos) recipe—an authentic, flavor-packed Mexican staple that complements any dish. Made with tender pinto beans, a fragrant blend of sautéed onions, garlic, and ground cumin, and enriched with butter or lard for a creamy finish, this quick and simple recipe comes together in just 25 minutes. Perfect as a hearty side, taco filling, or even a savory dip, these refried beans strike the ideal balance of smoky depth and zesty freshness with a hint of lime juice. Customizable to your preferred texture—chunky or smooth—and garnished with fresh cilantro for an optional burst of color and flavor, this versatile dish ticks all the boxes for ease, taste, and tradition.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked pinto beans (canned or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter or lard
- 0.5 medium, finely chopped white onion
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 0.5 teaspoons ground cumin
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
- 0.5 cups reserved bean cooking liquid or water
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the butter or lard. Allow it to melt and coat the pan.
Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until soft and translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Add the pinto beans to the skillet, along with the ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
Pour in the reserved bean cooking liquid or water, starting with 1/4 cup and adding more as needed to reach your desired consistency.
Use a potato masher or the back of a wooden spoon to mash the beans to your preferred texture, leaving them chunky or making them smooth.
Lower the heat and let the beans simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and heated through.
Stir in the lime juice and taste for seasoning, adjusting with more salt if necessary.
Serve warm as a side dish, taco filling, or dip. Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
706 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 25.5 g | 33% | |
| Saturated Fat | 15.2 g | 76% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 63 mg | 21% | |
| Sodium | 2053 mg | 89% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 91.6 g | 33% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 28.9 g | 103% | |
| Total Sugars | 4.1 g | ||
| Protein | 27.5 g | 55% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.5 mcg | 2% | |
| Calcium | 218 mg | 17% | |
| Iron | 9.0 mg | 50% | |
| Potassium | 1563 mg | 33% | |
*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.
