Description
This Homemade Refried Beans recipe offers a flavorful and easy way to enjoy creamy, seasoned pinto beans cooked on the stovetop. With simple ingredients like garlic, cumin, chili powder, and lime juice, these refried beans are perfect as a side dish or filling for tacos, burritos, and more.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons canola oil
- 2 garlic cloves (peeled)
- 2 15 ounce cans pinto beans
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt to taste
- ½ lime (juiced)
Instructions
- Heat oil: Heat the canola oil in a skillet over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the garlic.
- Sauté garlic: Add the whole peeled garlic cloves to the skillet and cook until they turn lightly golden, infusing the oil with flavor.
- Add beans and spices: Pour in the pinto beans along with some of their liquid, then add cumin, chili powder, and salt to taste.
- Simmer: Let the mixture simmer gently for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally to meld the flavors and allow the beans to absorb the spices.
- Remove or mash garlic: Either remove the garlic cloves or mash them directly into the beans depending on your texture preference.
- Mash beans: Using a potato masher, mash the beans to your desired consistency, whether smooth or slightly chunky.
- Add lime juice and season: Stir in juice from half a lime and adjust seasoning as needed for the perfect balance of flavor.
- Serve: Serve the refried beans warm as a delicious side dish or as a filling for your favorite Mexican dishes.
Notes
- Use low-sodium canned beans to control salt content more easily.
- For extra richness, add a small amount of butter or cheese when mashing.
- The lime juice brightens the dish—don’t skip it!
- These beans can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- For a smoky flavor, consider adding a dash of smoked paprika or chipotle powder.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Keywords: Refried Beans, Homemade, Pinto Beans, Mexican Side Dish, Vegetarian
