refried beans recipe authentic

Refried Beans Recipe

These homemade refried beans are smooth, flavorful, and quick to make using simple pantry ingredients. With canned pinto beans as the base, this recipe brings an authentic Mexican flair to your table, making it perfect for tacos, burritos, or as a savory side dish.

refried beans recipe vegetarian
refried beans recipe vegetarian

Ingredients

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
½ cup finely chopped yellow or white onion
¼ teaspoon sea salt
2 garlic cloves, minced
½ teaspoon chili powder
¼ teaspoon ground cumin
2 (15-ounce) cans pinto beans, drained and rinsed
½ cup water
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
1 tablespoon lime juice

Directions

  • In a medium saucepan, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and salt, cooking for 5 to 8 minutes until soft and translucent.
  • Stir in the minced garlic, chili powder, and cumin, cooking briefly for 30 seconds until the spices release their aroma.
  • Add the drained pinto beans and water, mixing well. Cover the pan and let cook for 5 minutes.
  • Lower the heat, uncover, and mash the beans with a potato masher or fork until they reach your preferred texture. Cook uncovered for an additional 3 minutes, stirring often.
  • Remove from heat and mix in the chopped cilantro and lime juice. Taste and adjust with more salt or lime juice if needed. Serve warm as a side, dip, or filling.
refried beans recipe
refried beans recipe

Preparation Details

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 5
Yield: About 2 ½ cups