Vegan Refried Beans

If you want tender, seasoned, mouth-watering vegan refried beans, this recipe is for you. This budget-friendly recipe contains a wealth of healthy fiber, needed nutrients, and plant-based protein.

I am so excited to share this recipe with you – you can get creative with the flavoring and make them exactly how you like your refried beans. To say that refried beans are a go-to recipe in our home would be an understatement. We have beans in some form or another several times a week. It can be the most delicious, nutritious, and valuable addition when seasoned correctly and paired with the suitable side dish. In fact, when we travel and we go days without beans, we sure miss them.

So, what is refried beans?

Refried beans are usually mashed beans with added fat and salt. Sometimes they are cooked and then fried. In this vegan refried bean recipe we do not add fat, as it is not needed, and so much better for our health. However, if you miss the richness of restaurant-style refried beans, which often use lard to add flavor, add a couple of tablespoons of cold-pressed olive oil.

My favorite way to make refried beans is in the slow cooker. The beans can cook while you are busy with chores and errands, and when you get home, you can have the meal ready in no time.

However, if you do not have a slow cooker, you can easily cook them on the stovetop.

Why you’ll love vegan refried beans

• Tasty and authentic: This vegan refried bean recipe is packed with rich, authentic Mexican flavors that make them taste just like the ones you’d find in your favorite Mexican restaurant.
• Time-saving: Using a slow cooker makes the cooking process incredibly easy and hands-off. You can set it and forget it, allowing you to focus on other tasks while your beans cook to perfection. If you cook your beans on the stove top, you can still let them simmer gently for a while while you do other things, though you might need to check on them every now and then.
• Budget-friendly: Dried organic pinto beans are a cheap ingredient, and this recipe allows you to turn them into a delicious and budget-friendly dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping. Should this become a staple in your home, you can buy organic pinto beans in bulk, providing a cheap and healthy way to feed the family.
• Customize the spice: You have complete control over the spiciness. Leave the seeds in the Jalapeño for a spicer result.
• Versatile: There are tons of ways to use them. These refried beans can be used in a variety of ways – from a delicious side dish to the star ingredient in burritos, tacos, quesadillas, or as a topping for nachos.
• Healthy: Making refried beans from scratch allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring a healthier dish without unnecessary additives or preservatives. Because we do not add lard, these refried beans are much healthier. Lard contains high levels of cholesterol. Even if you decide to add a tablespoon or two of olive oil for a richer taste, olive oil does not contain cholesterol and is believed to reduce the levels of bad cholesterol. You can adjust the seasoning and fat content to meet your dietary preferences.
• Kids love them: Even picky eaters enjoy the mild and comforting taste of homemade refried beans. When I was little, I was very content with a side order of refried beans, and come to think of it, I still enjoy a side order of refried beans.
• Meal prep friendly: Prepare a big batch and freeze or refrigerate portions for future use. You’ll save time and effort, trust me!

Ingredients and Substitutions

• Dried organic pinto beans: When using dried pinto beans, it’s important to sort through them carefully to remove any stones or debris. Rinse the beans under cold water before cooking to remove any dirt. Soaking the beans overnight (or a minimum of 6 hours) in water is recommended to reduce cooking time and aid in digestion. I prefer a 8-10 hours soak if at all possible.
• Onion: Red, white, yellow – the choice is yours. The onion flavor is an excellent addition to refried beans. Fresh onion is best, but if not available, use dried granulated onion powder. It works wonders.
• Garlic: You can adjust the amount of garlic according to your taste. Garlic has huge health benefits, so I like to pack it in, but you be you; put in what you deem best!
• Jalapeño: This adds a bit of heat and a lovely peppery flavor to the refried beans. Remove the seeds and membrane if you want milder refried beans to control the spiciness, or omit it altogether if you prefer no spice, but if you don’t mind the heat, use the whole jalapeño.
• Ground cumin: This is a key seasoning for refried beans, providing a warm, earthy, and slightly nutty flavor. Cumin also has impressive antioxidant health benefits. However, it can be omitted if you prefer.
• Bay leaf: For a subtle herbal note to the beans, add a bay leaf or two. This is optional, of course, but it adds to the flavor depth of the beans. It is important to remove and discard the bay leaves after cooking the beans.

Recipe variations and add-ins

• Lime juice: A squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving can brighten the dish and add a refreshing citrusy element to your vegan refried beans.
• Smoked paprika: Enhance the smoky flavor by adding a pinch of smoked paprika. This spice can deepen the earthy notes of your beans and add a touch of complexity.
• Salsa or Pico de Gallo: Top your beans with a generous scoop of your favorite salsa or pico de gallo for an extra burst of flavor and a refreshing crunch.
• Guacamole: Serve with a side of vegan guacamole. It’s green and vibrant color, delicious creamy flavor, elevates the refried beans gives such a creamy flavor and freshness to beans.
• Green chilies: If you prefer a milder heat, add chopped green chilies or mild Anaheim peppers for a subtle kick.
• Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes can be stirred into your beans for a fresh and slightly tangy taste. They also add some moisture and color to the dish.

How to Make Vegan Refried Beans

Step one: SEVERAL HOURS BEFORE:  Sort, rinse, and soak the beans. Cover with plenty of fresh water (9 cups +). Let soak for 8 hours or more.

Step two:  Drain the water, rinse the beans. Place beans in a slow cooker (my preferred method), or in a large pot, coverwith water (2 in. above beans).

Step three: Flavor the water with onion, garlic, jalapeño, cumin, bay leaf (remove after cooking), and red pepper flakes.
 Note: If you are making refried beans, add salt after cooking as this will make the beans easier to mash, but if you want the beans intact add salt to the water before cooking.

Step four:  Cook beans in a slow cooker for 5-7 hours or until beans are tender. If using the stovetop, bring beans to a boil, reduce heat to a simmer, and simmer on low heat until beans are tender.  

Step five:  Drain water off the beans; keep some of the water in case you need to moisten the beans later.  

Step six: Mash with a potato masher until smooth, stir with a wooden spoon, add salt to taste.
 Note: You may choose to add 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil to increase flavor and consistency, but this is entirely optional. You can add cooking water from the beans instead as needed.

Top tips

• Season as you go: Season the beans throughout the cooking process. Add salt in moderation initially and adjust the seasoning as needed to avoid over-salting.
• Use homemade stock: For added flavor, cook the beans in homemade vegetable stock rather than water. It will infuse the beans with a richer taste.
• Add olive oil: Olive oil adds flavor and richness to the refried beans.
• Mash to your desired texture: Use a potato masher or immersion blender to mash the beans to your preferred consistency. For smoother refried beans, mash more thoroughly, and for chunkier beans, leave some intact.

Make Ahead & Storage

To make ahead and store vegan refried beans, prepare the recipe as directed, allowing the beans to cook until soft and flavorful. Once done, drain, remove the bay leaf, and mash into the right consistency. It is easier to mash when the beans are still warm. Once you have mashed the beans to the desired consistency, let them cool to room temperature, then transfer the refried beans to an airtight container.

I am very fond of the 2-quart restaurant storage containers Met Lux with lids, which are perfect for storing beans. You usually have to purchase the lids separately. You can find these in a restaurant supply store, or I am including a link to Amazon just in case you are interested in purchasing some online. Several years ago, we purchased a few of these storage containers, and they have been a fantastic storage option and have held up incredibly well.

Seal the container with an airtight lid and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for longer-term storage.

When reheating, thaw if frozen and warm on the stovetop, adding a bit of water or vegetable stock to adjust the consistency as needed. Enjoy the convenience of having delicious homemade refried beans readily available for a quick and easy meal.

Serving suggestions 

Vegan refried beans offer a versatile base for various delightful dishes. My favorite way to serve them is with fresh salsa, guacamole, and cheese sauce.

• Mexican Fare: Serve them as a side dish alongside classic Mexican fare, such as tacos, tortillas, corn tortillas, enchiladas, or burritos.
• Breakfast: Elevate your breakfast meals by making breakfast burritos, or spread the refried beans on toast and top with avocado and salsa for a hearty morning treat.
• Bowls: For a wholesome meal, incorporate these flavorful beans into vegan bowls with rice, avocado, and roasted vegetables.
• Dips: Use them as a dip. Add layers of vegan sour cream, vegan cheese, fresh salsa, and vegan guacamole for a 5-layer dip.
• Casseroles: For a Tex-Mex twist, layer them in casseroles.
• Toppings: These beans are also fantastic as a topping for loaded baked potatoes or a filling for quesadillas.
• Hearty Meals: For people who work in physically demanding jobs, it is helpful to have a hearty breakfast or lunch. Beans add a boatload of protein, energy, and strength to your day, and best of all, they stick with you and leave you satisfied for hours to come.

Health Benefits of Beans:  

Someone once said: “No one who has eaten a dish of beans can say that they have left the table hungry (George D. Pamploa-Rogers, MD).” But that is not the only benefit of eating beans; they are also profoundly nutritious, being exceptionally high in folate, iron, and niacin. Beans are known for being high in protein; in fact, they rival or surpass meat and contain no cholesterol. Beans are also very high in fiber, which helps lower blood cholesterol levels. (1)

FAQ

Can beans be eaten raw?  

No, beans should not be eaten raw. Soak beans in cold water for several hours before cooking. And continue to simmer until beans are tender.

Can you speed up the cooking process of beans?

Yes, beans can be cooked much faster in a pressure cooker. In fact, they may not even need to be soaked ahead, though I always seem to prefer pre-soaked beans.  

Are Pinto Beans high in calories? 

Pinto beans contain about 245 calories per cup, but don’t be afraid of them. They are one of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet and naturally fat-free, sodium-free, and cholesterol-free. It is actually a great food for a weight loss program as it will keep you satisfied longer and delivers much needed nutrition to the body.  

Do I have to mash pinto beans?  

No, you can eat the pinto beans whole. We use refried beans in foods such as tacos and tostadas as they do not roll off the plate as the whole beans often

What are Refried Beans?  

Traditionally refried beans was cooked and then fried on the stove top, adding another layer of flavoring and some fat, but we usually skip this step. We mash the beans and call it a day. If you prefer a righer taste, you can add some olive oil to the mashed beans for an extra smoothness.  

Do you add salt before or after cooking beans?

Salt after cooking when making refried beans as this will make the beans easier to mash, but when you want the beans intact, add salt to the water before cooking.

What kind of beans do you use in refried beans?  

Traditionally, pinto beans are used for refried beans. Their mild and smooth texture makes them an excellent choice for vegan refried beans.  

Can you use black beans for refried beans? 

Yes, you can. Black beans are a little tougher to mash and usually have a chunkier consistency.  

Can I make refried beans from canned pinto beans? 

Yes, you can. You may heat them before you mash them as they seem to mash better when a little warm, but it is not necessary. I usually use my food processor to make refried beans from canned beans. It makes quick work of things. Be aware that canned beans contain more salt, so be careful when seasoning.  

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Souces:

• Mayo Clinic “Dietary fiber: Essential for a healthy diet”