Easy Refried Beans
These Easy Refried Beans are a flavorful and satisfying side dish that can be whipped up in no time. Canned pinto beans are seasoned with aromatic spices, then mashed and simmered with chicken broth and melted cheese for a creamy and delicious result. Serve them as a side to your favorite Mexican-inspired dishes or as a tasty dip.
Equipment
- Saucepan
- Potato Masher
- Spatula
Ingredients
- 30 ounces canned pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons flour
- ½ cup chicken broth (more as needed)
- 1/2 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt (more or less to taste)
Instructions
- Drain and rinse the canned beans.
- Add the olive oil to a saucepan and heat over medium heat.
- Add the chili powder, cumin, onion powder, and garlic powder to the oil. Toast the spices, stirring constantly, for about 1-2 minutes or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the spices.
- Stir in the flour to form a paste and cook for 1 minute.
- Add the beans to the pot and stir well to combine. Heat over medium heat until the beans are warmed through. Use a potato masher to mash the beans.
- Add the chicken broth and shredded cheese to the beans. Stir to combine. Once the cheese is melted, taste the beans and season with salt to taste. If you prefer a thinner consistency, add additional broth to thin out the beans.
- Continue cooking the beans for 5 minutes to fully heat through and let the flavors distribute.
- Serve the refried beans hot with additional cheese sprinkled on top, if desired.
Notes
These refried beans are versatile and can be customized with additional spices or toppings such as chopped cilantro, diced jalapeños, or a dollop of sour cream. They also freeze well for future use.