A quick side dish made with one pot and minimal ingredients that looks like its been simmering all day, make these stovetop refried beans to go with any mexican inspired dish!
I sure love beans, I’m not quite sure I have ever met anyone who doesn’t. They are filling, delicious and healthy to boot!
According to healthline.com, pinto beans are shown to contain high level of vitamin B1, which helps your body convert food into energy. They are also rich in fiber, antioxidants and minerals too!
I love this one pot stovetop recipe for quick weeknight meals.
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Let’s be honest here, not everyone has the mental space to plan days ahead, soaking and cooking dry batches of beans. Im sure its simple enough but I never seem to get around to it.
So I buy canned pinto beans! And those canned pinto beans are pretty good with a little extra pizazz thrown in.
So what’s in these quick stovetop refried beans?
Well, obviously BEANS. Whole pinto beans from a can!
Then I like to add salt, cumin, onion powder, a little chili powder, and garlic powder too.
I think what really makes the beans have a good smooth flavor is the addition of fat! I love to add some butter but I’ve also done chicken fat skimmed from my homemade broth and even milk!
Adding the additional fat will not only give your stovetop refried beans flavor but give them that Mexican restaurant “runny” texture. I should probably use a different word other than runny, but its all I can think of. You now what I am talking about though, right?
When you get those amazing burritos filled with almost blonde colored refried beans that have a more loose texture? SO unlike a regular can of refried beans. Ugh, canned refried beans are just no bueno. They are way too thick and always have some funky taste. No thank you!
The final step is what really does it.
After adding all of the ingredients, everything simmers and melds together for a bit. Then I bring out my hand immersion blender! The one linked here is what I got from Costco a few years ago for a great price. Check out Costco on a regular basis for these if you don’t have one OR look at the renewed listings on Amazon for a great deal on this immersion blender.
For so long I used my potato masher to mash the beans but the results were never stellar. And then one day it was like, duh! Use the immersion blender!
Using the immersion blender I can get a super smooth refried bean or even leave a few whole beans for more texture. Its probably my favorite use for this kitchen gadget.
What can I serve with these stovetop refried beans?
Well gosh, lots of things! I’ll mention some of my favorites that we rotate out on a weekly basis:
Taco salad, enchiladas, tacos, burritos, quesadillas and loaded nachos! Don’t forget a side of rice too!
I hope you enjoy these quick stovetop refried beans as much as my family and I do!
Here’s the recipe:
Quick Stovetop Refried Beans
A quick weekenight side dish that looks like it spent all day on the stove simmering. Make these stovetop beans in a flash with basic ingredients!
Ingredients
- 2 cans organic WHOLE pinto beans
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin powder
- 1/4 tsp chili powder
- 2 tbs butter or lard- sub with milk if needed
Instructions
- Open cans of beans and drain them, leaving enough liquid so that the beans are barely covered. Add beans into small pot on stove.
- Heat on medium/low heat until bubbling.
- Add all other ingredients and mix letting come back to a simmer.
- Turn off heat and mix with an immersion blender until desired texture is achieved.
- Taste and add addiotnal salt if needed.
Notes
In the absence of an immersion blender you could use a standard blender as well. Just remember to mind the heat and steam that will put pressure on the lid while blending.
Notes and Questions!
Can you add vegetable oil instead of butter or milk? You could, but I really enjoy the flavor added with the dairy.
Can you add a vegan milk alternative? You could but be sure it is a plain flavored milk.
What about a vegan butter? Sure!
Feel free to use a standard blender if you don’t have an immersion blender in your kitchen arsenal.
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