These Fat Free “Refried” Beans are healthy, flavorful and super easy to prepare! You only need a can of pinto beans and a handful of spices and in under 20 minutes you have creamy, delicious and better-for-you refried beans. Yields about 1-1/4 cups and will server 4 to 5.

Fat Free Refried Beans

Easy ✔️

Healthy ✔️

Delicious ✔️

I created this recipe back in 2019 when wanting creamy refried beans but without the added calories of fat. Since then I have made these hundreds of times. We use the as the glue in our double decker tacos, on nachos, and they’re also great sprinkled with cheese and ate as a dip!

Fat Free Refried Beans ingredients

To Make These Fat Free Refried Beans You Will Need:

  • pinto beans (canned) – Reserving 1/3 cup of the bean liquids.
  • ground cumin – Lends earthiness and warmth, with an edge of citrus.
  • garlic powder – Adds flavor that’s sweeter yet milder than fresh garlic.
  • onion powder – Lends bold oniony flavor.
  • coriander (ground) – Lends a citrusy flavor with a slight sweetness and subtle hint of earthiness.
  • kosher salt – Enhances all the flavors in the recipe.

beans, some bean liquid and spices in pan or skillet

In a small saucepan or skillet, add in the drained beans and 1/3 cup reserved bean liquid.Then measure and add 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon both ground coriander and kosher salt.

Stir and simmer

Stir to combine. Bring this to a low boil, reduce to low and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes.

Let cool slightly then transfer to mini food processor

Mash by hand using a potato masher or allow the beans to cool slightly before transferring to a mini food processor.

pureed

Pulse until smooth or desired consistency. Taste and add more salt if desired. Transfer back to pan to keep warm over low heat.

How To Store Homemade Refried Beans:

Allow any leftover refried beans to cool completely before transferring to a container that has an air-tight lid and refrigerate.

How Long Will Homemade Refried Beans Last?

If stored properly, they should last 3 to 4 days.

Fat Free Refried Beans

Refried Bean Recipe Variations:

  • mildly spicy – For mild heat add some (canned) diced green chiles.
  • spicy – For more heat, sauté a small diced jalapeño (seeds and ribs as well) in the pan before adding the beans and spices.
  • smoky and spicy – Stir in 1 small diced chipotle pepper or 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon ground chipotle powder.
  • cheesy – Once pureed, transfer back into saucepan and stir in 1/4 to 1/3 cup of cheddar jack, monterey jack or pepper jack cheese. Really any cheese you prefer!
  • cilantro lime – Stir 2 to 3 tablespoons of finely minced cilantro and some lime zest and juice once pureed.

Fat Free Refried Beans
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Yield: 4 servings

Fat Free "Refried" Beans

These Fat Free "Refried" Beans are healthy, flavorful and super easy to prepare! You only need a can of pinto beans and a handful of spices and in under 30 minutes you have creamy, delicious and better-for-you refried beans. Yields about 1-1/4 cup or about 4 to 5 servings.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

  • 15 ounces pinto beans, reserving 1/3 cup bean liquid
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, or more to taste

Equipment

Instructions 

  • Drain the pinto beans, reserving the liquids from the can. In a small saucepan add the drained beans plus the 1/3 cup reserved bean liquids.
  • Measure and add in the ground cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, ground coriander and kosher salt.
  • Stir to combine. Bring beans to a low boil, reduce to low and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes.
  • Mash by hand with a potato masher or let cool slightly, transfer to a mini food processor and pulse until desired consistency.
  • Taste and season with more salt if desired. Transfer back to pan and keep warm over low heat.
  • Store any leftovers, once completely cooled, in a container with a tight-fitting lid and refrigerate up to 3 to 4 days.

Notes

Refried Bean Recipe Variations:
  • mildly spicy - For mild heat add some (canned) diced green chiles.
  • spicy - For more heat, sauté a small diced jalapeño (seeds and ribs as well) in the pan before adding the beans and spices.
  • smoky and spicy - Stir in 1 small diced chipotle pepper or 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon ground chipotle powder.
  • cheesy - Once pureed, transfer back into saucepan and stir in 1/4 to 1/3 cup of cheddar jack, monterey jack or pepper jack cheese. Really any cheese you prefer!
  • cilantro lime - Stir 2 to 3 tablespoons of finely minced cilantro and some lime zest and juice once pureed.
Nutrition Disclaimer: All information presented on this site is intended for informational purposes only. I am not a certified nutritionist and any nutritional information shared on SimplyScratch.com should only be used as a general guideline.
Serving: 4ounces, Calories: 90kcal, Carbohydrates: 17g, Protein: 5g, Fat: 1g, Saturated Fat: 0.1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 0.2g, Sodium: 431mg, Potassium: 305mg, Fiber: 5g, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 3IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 54mg, Iron: 2mg
Author: Laurie McNamara
Course: Homemade Ingredients & Condiments, Side Dish
Cuisine: Mexican, Tex Mex