Refried Beans
AI-generated image
Vegan Gluten-free Mexican

Refried Beans

Creamy, savory pinto beans fried with onion, garlic, and cumin until glossy and richly seasoned. Serve them as a satisfying Mexican main dish with warm tortillas, rice, or fresh toppings.

35 min 4 servings Medium
All recipes

How to prepare

1
Heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and lightly golden.
2
Add the garlic, cumin, and smoked paprika. Stir for 45 seconds, just until fragrant; do not let the garlic brown.
3
Add the pinto beans, salt, and 120 ml of the reserved bean liquid. Stir to coat, then simmer for 5 minutes until the beans are hot and the liquid is bubbling gently.
4
Reduce the heat to medium-low. Mash the beans in the skillet with a potato masher, adding the remaining bean liquid a little at a time until mostly smooth but still slightly textured.
Pinto beans being mashed into creamy refried beans in a skillet AI-generated image
5
Stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring often, until the beans are thick, glossy, and pull away slightly from the sides of the skillet. Taste and adjust the salt.
6
Turn off the heat and stir in the lime juice. Rest for 2 minutes so the beans settle, then serve warm topped with cilantro.
Glossy refried beans topped with cilantro and served with lime AI-generated image

Why this recipe works

Frying the aromatics first gives the beans a sweet, savory foundation, while mashing them directly in the skillet preserves texture and creates a naturally creamy finish without dairy.

Storage and reheating

How to store it

Cool within two hours, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

How to reheat it

Reheat gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat with 1 to 3 tablespoons of water, stirring until steaming hot and creamy; loosen further if needed.

Nutrition / serving

370kcal
17.02 gprotein
52.35 gcarbs
11.47 gfat
P
Pantryvale editorial kitchen
Recipe prepared for publication with complete ingredients and ordered cooking steps.
Published 20 Aug 2026 · updated 20 Aug 2026