(Easy!) Refried Beans Recipe

Bowl of homemade refried beans topped with cheese and cilantro.

(Easy!) Refried Beans Recipe

This quick and easy refried beans recipe is rich, flavorful, and comes together quickly (no lard needed!). Ready in 30 minutes and better than anything you'll find in the store!

Course Dinner, Side Dish

Cuisine American, Mexican

Diet Vegetarian

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Servings servings

Calories 199kcal

Author Sam Merritt

Equipment

Saucepan

Ingredients

2 15.5 oz cans pinto beans rinsed and drained
3 Tablespoons salted butter divided
1 cup finely chopped onion (about 1 medium onion)
1 Tablespoon minced garlic
½ teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon dried oregano (Mexican oregano preferred)
½ teaspoon table salt
¼ cup (60 ml) chicken or vegetable broth plus additional if/as needed
½ Tablespoon fresh lime juice (juice from half a lime)
Queso fresco or cotija cheese for topping optional

Instructions

Heat 2 Tablespoons of butter in a medium-sized saucepan over medium-heat until melted.
Add onion, cook, stirring occasionally, until softened (about 5 minutes).
1 cup finely chopped onion
Add garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant (about 30-60 seconds).
1 Tablespoon minced garlic
Add cumin, oregano, and salt and stir well.
½ teaspoon ground cumin, ½ teaspoon dried oregano, ½ teaspoon table salt
Add beans and broth and stir until ingredients are well combined. Bring to a simmer over medium/low heat and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2 15.5 oz cans pinto beans, ¼ cup chicken or vegetable broth
Using a potato masher or fork, mash the refried beans until desired consistency is reached. If needed/if the beans seem dry, add additional broth, a splash at a time.
Add remaining Tablespoon of butter and the lime juice and stir well. Taste-test and add more salt or lime if needed.
½ Tablespoon fresh lime juice
Serve immediately, topped with cotija cheese or queso fresco, if desired.
Queso fresco or cotija cheese for topping

Notes

Storing

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They could be reheated in the microwave, but I like to warm them in a saucepan with a splash of broth or water to keep the beans from becoming too thick.

Nutrition