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Creamy Refried Beans from Canned Beans Easy Homemade Recipe

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A quick and easy recipe for creamy, flavorful refried beans made from canned pinto beans, perfect for busy weeknights or any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cans (15 oz / 425 g each) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • ½ cup (120 ml) vegetable or chicken broth (or bean liquid reserved from the can)
  • Juice of ½ lime
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a medium skillet over medium heat (about 3-4 minutes). Add the finely chopped yellow onion and cook until translucent and soft, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  2. Add minced garlic, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, and ½ teaspoon chili powder. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently.
  3. Add the drained and rinsed pinto beans to the skillet along with ½ cup vegetable or chicken broth. Stir well to combine.
  4. Reduce heat to low and let the beans simmer gently for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Mash the beans gently with a potato masher or the back of a spoon. For a smoother texture, pulse in a blender or food processor and return to the skillet.
  5. Taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Squeeze in the juice of half a lime and stir well. Simmer for an additional 2 minutes.
  6. Transfer to a serving bowl, garnish with fresh chopped cilantro if desired, and serve warm.

Notes

Rinse beans well to reduce sodium and canned flavor. Use butter for richness or olive oil for a vegan option. Mash gently for creamy texture with some chunks. Add lime juice at the end to brighten flavors. Adjust seasoning gradually.

Nutrition

Keywords: refried beans, creamy beans, canned beans recipe, quick refried beans, easy Mexican side dish, pinto beans, homemade refried beans

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