Heart-Healthy Refried Beans with Cheese
Elevate your traditional refried beans with this Heart-Healthy Refried Beans with Cheese recipe—a wholesome, flavorful option perfect for any mealtime. Made from scratch with dried pinto beans, this recipe skips the unhealthy fats, opting for heart-friendly olive oil and low-sodium vegetable broth to keep things light yet satisfying. Infused with aromatic spices like cumin and chili powder, the beans are simmered to tender perfection before being mashed to just the right consistency. A hint of zesty lime juice and a touch of melty low-fat cheese bring extra depth to the dish, while fresh cilantro adds a refreshing pop of flavor. This high-fiber, nutrient-packed recipe offers a guilt-free way to indulge in creamy refried beans, making it an ideal side dish or vegetarian main course. Ready in just over two hours, these homemade refried beans are worth every minute!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups dried pinto beans
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium, finely chopped onion
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 3 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 0.5 cup, shredded (such as mozzarella or cheddar) low-fat cheese
- 2 tablespoons, chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
Rinse the dried pinto beans under cold water and remove any debris. Place them in a large bowl, cover with water, and soak overnight.
Drain the soaked beans and set aside.
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
Add the minced garlic, cumin, and chili powder to the pot, and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the drained beans and vegetable broth to the pot. Stir to combine, then bring the mixture to a boil.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the beans simmer for about 90 minutes or until they are tender, stirring occasionally.
Once the beans are tender, use a potato masher or the back of a spoon to mash the beans to your desired consistency. If the beans seem too dry, add a little more broth or water.
Stir in the salt and fresh lime juice, adjusting the seasoning if necessary.
Remove the pot from the heat. Sprinkle the shredded low-fat cheese over the top of the beans, cover, and let the heat melt the cheese for about 2 minutes.
Before serving, sprinkle fresh cilantro over the beans as a garnish. Serve warm as a side dish or a main course.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1120 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 36.3 g | 47% | |
| Saturated Fat | 8.3 g | 42% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 21 mg | 7% | |
| Sodium | 3349 mg | 146% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 131.5 g | 48% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 35.9 g | 128% | |
| Total Sugars | 14.1 g | ||
| Protein | 70.6 g | 141% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1132 mg | 87% | |
| Iron | 11.5 mg | 64% | |
| Potassium | 2678 mg | 57% | |
*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.
