How to Make the Perfect Refried Beans
Mexican · Easy · 25 min · 6 servings
These creamy homemade refried beans are so much better than canned and kids love them as a dip side dish or burrito filling. Made with simple ingredients and perfectly seasoned they are a nutritious and versatile kid friendly staple that every family should have on rotation.
Why this recipe works
This Refried Beans recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 25 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 190 calories with 9g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 7 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 2 cans pinto beans drained and rinsed
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil or lard
- 0.5 cup diced white onion
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 0.5 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tsp cumin
- 0.5 tsp salt
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Saute the Aromatics
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 5 minutes until softened and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Add Beans and Broth
Add the drained pinto beans cumin and salt to the skillet. Pour in the broth and stir everything together. Cook for 5 minutes letting the beans heat through and absorb the flavors.
Step 3: Mash to Desired Texture
Use a potato masher or fork to mash the beans to your desired consistency. For kids a very smooth creamy texture works best. Add a splash more broth if the mixture seems too thick.
Step 4: Cook Until Creamy
Continue cooking the mashed beans over medium low heat for 5 minutes stirring frequently until they reach a thick spreadable consistency. Taste and adjust salt as needed before serving.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- pinto beans → black beans for a darker richer flavored version kids also enjoy
- vegetable oil → butter for an extra rich and creamy flavor that kids love
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Not mashing the beans smooth enough leaving large chunks that kids find unpleasant in texture
- Adding too much broth at once making the beans too watery and loose instead of thick and creamy
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 190 calories, 9g protein, 28g carbs, 5g fat, 8g fiber.
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