Quick Refried Beans Rick Bayless
Transform your mealtime with Rick Bayless-inspired Quick Refried Beans—an irresistible, authentic side dish that’s ready in just 25 minutes! Perfect for busy weeknights or boosting your taco night spread, this versatile recipe combines pantry staples like canned pinto or black beans, garlic, and ground cumin with a touch of fresh lime juice for irresistible flavor. The creamy texture is effortlessly achieved with a potato masher, while optional garnishes like chopped cilantro and queso fresco elevate every bite. Whether paired with tacos, burritos, or crispy tortilla chips, these homemade refried beans are a flavorful, protein-packed classic you’ll come back to again and again.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked pinto beans or black beans (canned, drained, and rinsed)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or lard
- 0.5 cup white onion (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 0.5 cup vegetable broth or water
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro (chopped, for garnish, optional)
- 0.25 cup queso fresco or crumbled feta (optional)
Instructions
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil or lard.
Once the oil is hot, add the finely chopped white onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring often, until it becomes soft and translucent.
Add the minced garlic and ground cumin to the skillet, and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
Add the cooked pinto or black beans to the skillet and stir to combine with the onion and garlic mixture.
Using a potato masher or the back of a large spoon, mash the beans to your desired consistency. Some chunks are fine if you prefer a textured result.
Pour in the vegetable broth or water, a little at a time, stirring to help the beans reach a creamy consistency. You can adjust the amount of liquid based on how thick or runny you want the beans to be.
Season the beans with salt and cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors meld together and the mixture thickens slightly.
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the fresh lime juice for a bright, tangy finish.
Serve warm, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro and a sprinkle of queso fresco or crumbled feta, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
891 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 42.6 g | 55% | |
| Saturated Fat | 12.8 g | 64% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 43 mg | 14% | |
| Sodium | 2964 mg | 129% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 90.0 g | 33% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 29.7 g | 106% | |
| Total Sugars | 7.5 g | ||
| Protein | 40.8 g | 82% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 545 mg | 42% | |
| Iron | 10.0 mg | 56% | |
| Potassium | 1458 mg | 31% | |
*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.
