Easy Recipe to Make Tasty Refried Beans with Canned Pinto Beans

If you’re a fan of Mexican cuisine, there’s no way you haven’t tasted refried beans. These creamy, savory, and slightly addictive beans are a staple in many Mexican dishes and are perfect for adding flavor and texture to burritos, tacos, tostadas, and more. But did you know that you don’t actually have to soak and cook dried beans to make delicious refried beans at home? Canned pinto beans work just as well, and they’re a great option when you’re short on time or don’t have access to dried beans.

In this article, we’ll show you how to make refried beans with canned pinto beans, using simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions. Whether you’re a beginner cook or an experienced home chef, you’ll find this recipe helpful, tasty, and budget-friendly. So grab a can of pinto beans, a few spices, and let’s get cooking!

The Ultimate Guide on How to Make Refried Beans with Canned Pinto Beans

Refried beans are a delicious and nutritious addition to any meal, and they’re surprisingly easy to make at home! With just a few simple ingredients and some canned pinto beans, you can whip up a batch of refried beans that are perfect for tacos, burritos, or as a side dish for any Mexican-inspired meal. In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make the perfect batch of refried beans using canned pinto beans.

Ingredients

The first step in making refried beans is gathering your ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

– 2 cans of pinto beans
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup of vegetable oil or lard
– 1/2 tsp of cumin
– 1/4 tsp of chili powder
– 1/4 tsp of salt
– 1/4 cup of water

Step 1: Drain and Rinse the Beans

The first step in making refried beans is draining and rinsing the canned pinto beans. This removes any excess salt or preservatives and helps to improve the overall flavor of the finished dish.

Open the cans of beans and pour them into a colander. Rinse them thoroughly with cold water until the water runs clear. Set the beans aside to drain while you prepare the other ingredients.

Step 2: Fry the Garlic

Next, it’s time to fry the garlic. Add the minced garlic to a large skillet or sauté pan and cook over medium heat until it starts to turn golden brown, about 2-3 minutes.

Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this can make the refried beans taste bitter.

Step 3: Add the Beans

Once the garlic is golden brown, add the drained and rinsed pinto beans to the skillet. Stir them around with the garlic for a minute or two until they start to get hot.

Step 4: Mash the Beans

Now it’s time to mash the beans. You can use a potato masher or the back of a wooden spoon to mash the beans until they’re as smooth or as chunky as you like.

If the beans are too dry and difficult to mash, add a bit of water or chicken broth to the skillet to help loosen them up.

Step 5: Add the Spices and Salt

Once the beans are mashed to your liking, it’s time to add the spices. Add the cumin, chili powder, and salt to the skillet and stir until everything is well combined.

Step 6: Add Water

If the beans are still too thick and dry, you can add a bit of water or chicken broth to the skillet to help loosen them up. Start with 1/4 cup of water and add more as needed until the beans are the consistency you like.

Step 7: Continue to Cook and Stir

Continue to cook and stir the beans over medium heat for another 5-10 minutes or until they’re hot and fully cooked.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!

Once the beans are fully cooked, they’re ready to serve and enjoy! Refried beans make a great addition to tacos, burritos, or any Mexican-inspired meal.

Tips for Making Perfect Refried Beans with Canned Pinto Beans

Here are a few tips and tricks to help you make the perfect batch of refried beans using canned pinto beans:

– Use vegetable oil or lard to fry the garlic. Vegetable oil has a neutral flavor that won’t overpower the garlic, while lard adds a richness and depth of flavor that can’t be beat.
– Don’t skimp on the spices. Cumin and chili powder are key ingredients in refried beans, and they add a delicious smoky and slightly spicy flavor to the finished dish.
– Mash the beans to your liking. Some people prefer their refried beans smooth and creamy, while others like them a bit chunky and textured. Mash the beans to your personal preference.
– Add liquid as needed. If the beans are too dry and difficult to mash, add a bit of water or chicken broth to help loosen them up.
– Cook and stir constantly. Refried beans can burn easily, so be sure to cook and stir them constantly over medium heat until they’re fully cooked and heated through.

Conclusion

Making refried beans with canned pinto beans is a quick and easy way to add a delicious and nutritious side dish to any Mexican-inspired meal. With just a few simple ingredients and some basic kitchen equipment, you can whip up a batch of refried beans that are sure to impress. So why not give it a try and see how easy it is to make your own refried beans at home? Your taste buds will thank you!

Gather the Ingredients

Now that you have decided to make refried beans with canned pinto beans, the first step is to gather all your ingredients to make sure you have everything you need. This will make the entire cooking process smooth and seamless.

Here is a list of all the ingredients you will need:

1. Canned pinto beans
2. Onion
3. Garlic
4. Salt
5. Cumin
6. Water
7. Olive oil
8. Butter
9. Jalapeno pepper (optional)
10. Lime juice (optional)

Make sure you have all the ingredients on hand, and you are all set to begin the process of making delicious refried beans.

Drain and Rinse the Beans

The first step in preparing refried beans with canned pinto beans is to drain and rinse them thoroughly. This removes any excess salt or preservatives and helps to improve the texture of the beans.

Take the canned pinto beans and open them up using a can opener. Empty the contents into a strainer and let them drain for a few minutes. Next, rinse the beans with cold water to get rid of any excess salt.

Chop the Onion and Garlic

While the canned beans are still draining, take an onion and chop it into small pieces. Peel the garlic and mince it finely. These two ingredients are the flavor base for your refried beans and will add a lot of depth and aroma to the dish.

Cook the Onion and Garlic

Now that the onion and garlic are chopped, it’s time to cook them. Heat up a pan over medium heat and add some olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and onion to the pan and sauté for a few minutes until they are fragrant and golden brown.

Season the Beans

Add the drained and rinsed pinto beans to the pan with the garlic and onion. Add a pinch of salt and cumin to the beans and mix everything together. You can also add a diced jalapeno pepper at this stage if you want to give the beans a little bit of heat.

Mash the Beans

To make refried beans, you need to mash the beans with a potato masher or a fork until they reach your desired consistency. If you like your refried beans chunky, then mash them less. For a smoother texture, mash them more.

Add Water to the Beans

Once the beans are mashed, add some water to the pan. The amount of water you add will depend on how thin or thick you want your refried beans to be. Start with a little bit of water and keep adding until you reach the desired consistency.

Cook and Stir the Beans

Now it’s time to cook and stir the beans. Cook the beans over medium heat until they start to bubble and thicken. Stir frequently to prevent the beans from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

Add Butter to the Beans

To make the refried beans extra rich and creamy, you can add some butter to the pan. This is an optional step, but it adds a lot of flavor to the beans. Once the butter melts completely, stir it into the beans.

Add Lime Juice (Optional)

To enhance the flavors of the refried beans, you can add a squeeze of lime juice at the end. This adds a bright and tangy flavor to the beans. Taste the refried beans and adjust the seasoning as per your taste. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious homemade refried beans!

How to Flavor Your Refried Beans?

Refried beans can be a versatile side dish that can work in many ways to complement a variety of Mexican foods. Many seasoned cooks have their own secrets to add flavor to their beans. Below are some ways that you can add flavor to your refried beans.

Jalapeños

Jalapeños can add a bit of heat to your refried beans. By sautéing diced jalapeños with onions and garlic, you can add a new layer of flavor. Just be cautious about the number of chili peppers that you use and make sure that you remove the seeds before sautéing. It will keep the heat level manageable and enjoyable rather than contending.

Cumin

Cumin can give a smoky, earthy flavor to your refried beans. Similar to jalapeños, cumin needs to be sauté with onions and garlic to release its flavor. As you cook the beans, gradually add cumin powder to the mixture and stir until fully combined. It can make a contrast to the flavor of jalapeños if used together.

Cilantro

Cilantro can add a refreshing note to your refried beans. After adding the canned beans to the skillet, toss fresh chopped cilantro into the mixture. Let it simmer together, so it blends the flavor with the beans. You will inhale the freshness as you eat your tasty refried beans, which cilantro will add to them.

Chorizo

If you are a meat lover, you might want to throw in some chorizo sausage while making refried beans. The intense flavor of chorizo can complement refried beans amazingly. Cook some chorizo in a separate skillet and add the crumbles to the beans while cooking. It will undoubtedly enjoy your taste buds, and you can satisfy your meat cravings as well.

Oregano

Oregano can give a slightly sweet and bitter taste to your refried beans. Sautéed oregano with onions and garlic can introduce a new flavor to your plate. You can gradually add oregano powder to the beans and stir until thoroughly mixed. Oregano and cumin will go well together if you are willing to try more flavors.

In the end, as you experiment with various flavors, make sure to taste little and adjust the seasoning accordingly. Refried beans are versatile and easy to make if you follow these instructions and add some creativity.

Thanks for joining us!

We hope you found this guide helpful in making delicious refried beans with canned pinto beans. Don’t be afraid to experiment and add your own personal touch with spices and toppings. Remember to visit us again for more tasty recipes and cooking tips. Have a great day and happy cooking!