Homemade Refried Beans (Using Canned Beans!)

Homemade refried beans in a green bowl garnished with fresh cilantro.

Homemade Refried Beans (Using Canned Beans!)

These Homemade Refried Beans utilize the convenience of canned beans and turns them into ultra delicious refried beans that are similar to the flavor-infused ones you get when eating out. They're made with 5 simple steps, are perfectly rich and creamy, and are best when served on these Chicken Fajita Tacos or as a side dish to your favorite Mexican-inspired meals.

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American, Mexican, Spanish

Diet Gluten Free, Kosher, Low Calorie, Low Fat, Low Lactose, Low Salt, Vegetarian

Prep Time 22

Cook Time 8

Total Time 30

Servings servings

Calories 189kcal

Author Alana Lieberman

Cost $15

Equipment

Saucepan

Ingredients

3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
½ a yellow onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
4 cloves of garlic, minced
2 (15.5 ounce) cans pinto beans, rinsed and drained (you can also use black beans instead)
⅓ cup low sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
½ teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon dried oregano
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

Instructions

In a large saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add onions and sauté for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
Add garlic and cook 1 more minute.
Add pinto beans, broth, chili powder, cumin, salt, oregano, and smoked paprika. Stir to combine.
Bring to a simmer, then remove from heat. Use a potato masher to mash beans to your desired consistency.
Stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and lime juice. Serve warm.

Notes

If you prefer to use dried pinto beans, instead of canned, rinse the dried beans then soak them in water overnight. Drain the beans. Bring 3 cups of beans to a boil in 12 cups of water. Then turn down to simmer for about 1 hour, or until tender. Then, drain again and cook beans according to the rest of the recipe above.
If you want smoother refried beans, you can use an immersion blender to lightly blend the beans instead of just mashing them.

Nutrition