Creamy Refried Beans Recipe Is Super Simple to Make (No Lard) by Donna John

Hello, taco night! Up your game on taco night by making this homemade refried beans recipe. If you've never made refried beans before, this is an easy recipe to start with because it has just three ingredients: pinto beans, garlic and cumin. Most refried beans recipes contain lard, but this one does not, so it is healthier. But while these Mexican beans may lack a long ingredient list and an authentic ingredient, they don't lack in flavor.

Here is your short shopping list so you can make a bowl of these creamy refried beans tonight: dried pinto beans, fresh garlic, ground cumin, salt and optional shredded cheese for the top. The beans do take about one to one and a half hours to cook, so allow time (no canned refried beans here!).

Serve these easy homemade Mexican refried beans with tacos, quesadillas, enchiladas,grilled Mexican-spiced chicken, burritos, baked chimichangas or your favorite meal.

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Cuisine: Mexican
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 1 to 1 1/2 hours
Total Time: 1 to 1 1/2 hours
Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 16 ounces dried pinto beans, picked through and washed
• 6 cloves garlic, chopped fine
• 1 - 2 teaspoons cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• shredded cheese, for serving

Recipe Notes

• You could add chopped onion, chopped cilantro, chili powder, chopped jalapeno, chopped roasted poblano or lime juice to this refried beans recipe. Get creative!

• Cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack, pepper-jack, Manchego or your favorite Mexican blend is the perfect topping for these refried beans.

• It's easy to clean the beans by placing them into a colander under running water.

• Store the beans in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days.

Here’s how to make it:

1. Put the cleaned beans and garlic in a pot. Add enough water to just cover the beans.
2. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer, covered, about 1 to 1 1/2 hours, stirring often, until beans are soft.
3. Add salt and cumin and continue to cook, uncovered, until all the water has evaporated.
4. Mash beans. Taste and add addition salt, cumin and pepper, if needed.
5. Sprinkle with shredded cheese.
   

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