Refried Beans with Cheese
Creamy, cheesy, and bursting with bold flavors, this Refried Beans with Cheese recipe takes a beloved classic to the next level. Made with hearty pinto beans, sautéed onions, and a fragrant blend of garlic, cumin, and chili powder, this dish delivers a perfectly seasoned kick. The addition of melty cheddar cheese adds a rich, indulgent twist, while fresh cilantro and optional lime wedges brighten every bite with a zesty finish. Ready in just 30 minutes, this versatile recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners or as a crowd-pleasing side at gatherings. Perfect for tacos, burritos, or pairing with tortilla chips, this easy, customizable dish checks all the boxes for comfort food lovers and elevated Mexican-inspired cuisine.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked pinto beans
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 cup water or vegetable broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 optional lime wedges
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.
Add the cooked pinto beans to the skillet and mash them with a potato masher or the back of a spoon to your desired consistency.
Season the beans with ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper, stirring to combine.
Pour in the water or vegetable broth, stirring constantly until the beans are well incorporated and begin to thicken, approximately 5-7 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it is melted and thoroughly mixed with the beans.
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the chopped cilantro.
Serve the refried beans hot, garnished with optional lime wedges for added zest.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1254 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 67.3 g | 86% | |
| Saturated Fat | 29.0 g | 145% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 121 mg | 40% | |
| Sodium | 3240 mg | 141% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 108.3 g | 39% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 34.0 g | 121% | |
| Total Sugars | 4.8 g | ||
| Protein | 61.0 g | 122% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1047 mg | 81% | |
| Iron | 9.8 mg | 54% | |
| Potassium | 1729 mg | 37% | |
*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.
