Low-Fat "Refried Beans"
Creamy, flavorful low-fat refried beans with a hint of spice, perfect for burritos, nachos, or as a side dish. Made with simple ingredients like pinto beans, jalapenos, onion, and garlic, this healthy recipe offers a satisfying, hearty taste suited for quick weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Finely chop the onion and jalapeno peppers and mince the garlic.
- Saute the onion, jalapenos, and garlic in 1 tablespoon of oil in a Dutch oven until fragrant and tender.
- Drain the pinto beans, reserving the fluid.
- Add the drained beans to the sauteed vegetables and simmer for about 1 hour.
- Mash the beans until smooth or desired consistency.
- If the beans are dry, add the reserved bean fluid to loosen the mixture.
- Use the refried beans for burritos, nachos, or as a side dish.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoky flavor, consider adding a dash of smoked paprika or chipotle powder. If you're short on time, canned jalapenos can substitute fresh ones. For a creamier texture, blend the beans instead of mashing them. This recipe is versatile; feel free to add other spices like cumin or oregano to enhance the flavor or even incorporate taco seasoning for added zest.
Serving Suggestions
These low-fat refried beans are perfect for burritos and nachos, or as a hearty side dish. They pair beautifully with Mexican Velveeta Cheese Dip or can be topped with fresh cilantro and diced tomatoes for a refreshing finish. Serve alongside rice or a simple salad to create a complete meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover refried beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or reserved bean fluid in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring until warmed through. You can also microwave them, covered, for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Low-Fat "Refried Beans" contains roughly 2743 calories, with 2g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 304g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (70% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of beans instead of pinto beans?
Yes, you can use black beans or kidney beans as alternatives. Each will give a slightly different flavor and texture, but they will still work well in this recipe. Just remember to adjust cooking times if using beans that require longer cooking.
How can I make these beans spicier?
To increase the heat level, add more jalapenos or include a pinch of cayenne pepper while cooking. You can also mix in diced pickled jalapeno peppers for an extra kick. Taste as you go to achieve your desired spice level.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Absolutely! This refried beans recipe is naturally vegan-friendly since it contains no animal products. You can enjoy it as part of your vegan recipes collection without any modifications.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).