This easy and healthy refried beans recipe is made without lard. It’s perfect for vegan and authentic Mexican dishes. All you need are four main ingredients and 15 minutes. This is the perfect recipe for easy, high-protein meals.
The perfect refried beans recipe does not need lard or heavy amounts of oil. I have a secret tip on how to get the perfect flavor without the excess fat. My mom loves using Fresh Press Farms Extra Virgin Olive Oil, making this healthy refried beans recipe extra heart-healthy!
My mom taught me how to make these, so I guess you can say they are authentic. In Mexico, everyone makes their beans a bit differently and according to their taste buds!
You can also adjust this recipe to your liking because everyone is different. I do recommend you follow it as much as possible the first time, and then taste and adjust it to your liking.
Why You’ll Love This Healthy Refried Beans Recipe
- Simple and delicious: Made with pantry staples and full of comforting, authentic flavor.
- Healthier twist: This version uses olive oil instead of lard, making it a heart-healthy option.
- Budget-friendly: A protein-packed dish that’s perfect for feeding the whole family without breaking the bank.
- Versatile: Serve with tacos, burritos, tostadas, molletes, or as a side dish for any Mexican meal.
- Freezer-friendly: Make a big batch and store extras for quick weeknight dinners.
This healthy refried beans recipe is flavorful, budget-friendly, and a perfect side dish for any Mexican-inspired meal. These beans are rich in plant-based protein, naturally gluten-free, and can be made with just a few simple ingredients. Whether you’re making tacos, burritos, tostadas, or just want a comforting bowl of frijoles, this recipe will be your new go-to. Plus, it includes an oil-free option!
Ingredients
- Cooked pinto beans: Homemade frijoles de la olla or canned beans.
- Bean broth, water, or vegetable broth:
- Olive or Avocado oil: Healthy fats that help fry the onion for more flavor.
- Onion: Choose a white or yellow onion.
- Salt to taste: taste as you go!
- Arbol chiles, serrano, or jalapeno: Optional. Adds flavor and a little kick.
How to Make Refried Beans
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until translucent and fragrant. Add the chilies and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
- Add the cooked pinto beans and a splash of bean broth or water. Use a bean masher or the back of a spoon to mash the beans to your desired consistency.
- Continue cooking for 5-7 minutes, adding more liquid as needed until the beans are thick and creamy.
- Season with salt to taste. Serve warm as a side dish, or use in tacos, burritos, molletes, tostadas, and more.
Are Refried Beans Healthy?
Absolutely! Refried beans can be a nutritious and affordable addition to your meals, especially when made at home. They’re packed with plant-based protein, fiber, and iron, and can help you feel full and energized. My version uses Fresh Press Farms Extra Virgin Olive Oil instead of lard to keep them heart-healthy and 100% plant-based.
My Mom’s Health Journey and Why This Recipe Matters
This recipe is extra special to me because it’s one of the first things I learned to make with my mom. After she was diagnosed with high blood pressure, she began finding ways to make our favorite Mexican dishes more nutritious without sacrificing flavor. We started swapping lard for olive oil and added more fiber-rich beans to our meals. Watching her take care of her health inspired me to do the same—and now I get to share those recipes with you.
How to Store Leftover Refried Beans
Let the beans cool completely and transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. To reheat, warm them on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of water to loosen the texture.
Can You Freeze Refried Beans?
Yes! Refried beans freeze really well. Let them cool and then portion them into freezer-safe containers or bags. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat before serving.
How to Serve Refried Beans
There are so many delicious ways to enjoy these healthy refried beans:
- As a side dish with rice
- In tacos or burritos
- Spread on tostadas
- In molletes or sopes like the photos you see above
- As a dip with tortilla chips
Recipes with Refried Beans
There are so many different ways to enjoy refried beans. Here are some of my favorite recipes that you should try:
- Tlayuda (Mexican Pizza)
- Molletes (Open-faced torta or Mexican Toast)
- Bean Tostadas
- Flautas – Crispy taquitos
Refried Beans Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This refried beans recipe is healthy, simple, and packs all the flavor! All you need is 4 main ingredients and 15 minutes. This is the perfect recipe for easy, high-protein meals.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked beans
- ¼ onion, diced
- 2 dried arbol chilies or serran/ jalapeño pepper (optional but recommended)
- 2 tbsp Fresh Press Farms Olive Oil
- ½– ¾ cup bean broth, water, or vegetable broth
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until translucent and fragrant. Add the chilies and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
- Add the cooked pinto beans and a splash of bean broth or water. Use a bean masher or the back of a spoon to mash the beans to your desired consistency.
- Keep on low simmer for 5-7 minutes, adding more liquid as needed until the beans are thick and creamy.
- Season with salt to taste. Serve warm as a side dish, or use in tacos, burritos, molletes, tostadas, and more.
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: sides
- Method: Stove
- Cuisine: Mexican
These refried beans are very tasty! I used pinto beans. And the recipe is very simple
Delicious and no lard needed!