Refried Beans With Cheese
Creamy refried beans with melted cheese and savory spices, perfect for hearty Mexican-inspired meals, suitable for vegetarian and comfort food lovers alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soak the pinto beans overnight, then bring them to a boil in water.
- Reduce heat and simmer the beans for 2 hours.
- Do not drain the beans; keep the liquid.
- Heat corn oil in a skillet.
- Cook minced onion and garlic in the skillet until fragrant.
- Add chili powder, salt, and tomato sauce; mix well.
- Remove the cooked beans from the liquid.
- Mash the beans and add them to the skillet with some of the liquid.
- Add grated cheese to the beans and stir until melted and well combined.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using smoked paprika in place of chili powder. If you prefer a creamier texture, blend some of the beans instead of mashing them. You can also substitute black beans or kidney beans if you have them on hand. For a healthier option, try using less cheese or a low-fat variety, especially if you're following Tex-Mex(Low-Fat) recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your refried beans with warm tortillas for a delightful meal. They pair beautifully with Taco Guacamole Dip for a complete Tex-Mex spread. You can also enjoy them as a side dish alongside grilled meats or as a filling for Bean-And-Corn Burritos. Garnish with fresh cilantro or jalapeños for an extra kick.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover refried beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, place them in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the consistency. Stir occasionally until heated through. For longer storage, you can freeze the beans for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Refried Beans With Cheese contains roughly 324 calories, with 4g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is a good source of vitamin A (14% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (11% of the Daily Value), and iron (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1289mg per serving (56% of the Daily Value).
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 canned beans instead of dried beans?
Yes, you can use canned pinto beans. Simply drain and rinse them, then skip the soaking and boiling steps. Instead, add them directly to the skillet after cooking the onion and garlic. Adjust the seasoning to taste, as canned beans may already contain salt.
What type of cheese is best for this recipe?
Cheddar cheese is a popular choice for refried beans, but you can also use Monterey Jack or a Mexican cheese blend. For a sharper flavor, opt for a sharp cheddar. If you're looking for a healthier alternative, try using a reduced-fat cheese.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! To make the refried beans vegan, simply omit the cheese or substitute it with a plant-based cheese alternative. You can also add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy. Ensure that any additional ingredients you use are also vegan-friendly.
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).