Simple and Easy Homemade Refried Beans
Transform your taco nights and Mexican-inspired meals with this Simple and Easy Homemade Refried Beans recipe! Made from scratch with tender, simmered pinto beans, sautéed onions, fragrant garlic, and a hint of ground cumin, this dish strikes the perfect balance of creaminess and bold flavor. A splash of lime juice adds a refreshing twist, while reserved bean broth ensures the perfect texture every time. Ready in under two hours with minimal effort, these refried beans are a versatile and wholesome side dish or filling for tacos, burritos, or nachos. Topped with fresh cilantro for optional garnish, they’re an authentic, savory addition to your home-cooked feasts. Perfect for those who love easy comfort food with rich, homemade flavor!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups dried pinto beans
- 6 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Rinse the dried pinto beans under cold water, removing any debris or broken beans.
In a large pot, combine the rinsed beans and 6 cups of water. Bring to a boil over high heat.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and simmer the beans for 60–90 minutes or until they are tender. Add the salt during the last 10 minutes of cooking. Stir occasionally and check to ensure they stay submerged; if needed, add more water.
Once the beans are tender, drain excess liquid, reserving about 1 cup of the cooking liquid to use later.
In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté for 3–4 minutes, or until soft and translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the cooked beans to the skillet along with the ground cumin and black pepper. Stir everything together.
Using a potato masher or the back of a spoon, mash the beans while stirring to incorporate the seasoning. Add a little of the reserved cooking liquid at a time until the beans reach your desired consistency.
Cook for 5–7 more minutes, stirring frequently, until the beans are heated through and slightly thickened.
Stir in the lime juice for a burst of freshness.
Optional: Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro before serving.
Serve warm as a side dish or use as a filling for tacos, burritos, or other Mexican-inspired dishes. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
799 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 28.6 g | 37% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.3 g | 22% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 17.6 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 3245 mg | 141% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 109.6 g | 40% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 34.5 g | 123% | |
| Total Sugars | 6.5 g | ||
| Protein | 34.1 g | 68% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 298 mg | 23% | |
| Iron | 8.2 mg | 46% | |
| Potassium | 1800 mg | 38% | |
*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.
