Refried Pinto Beans Recipe – This quick, tasty and healthy refried pinto beans recipe is 1000% better than canned refried beans. Plus, it’s easy to make in a food processor and our refried beans are healthy!
The BEST Tasting Refried Pinto Beans Recipe
Not only is this the BEST tasting Refried Pinto Beans recipe but my refried beans are healthy too. Using only whole ingredients, they cannot get better than this.
My recipe is simple and easy to make. Just grab out a large food processor. Drain the pinto beans and combine with the following ingredients:
- fresh garlic
- Spanish onion
- jalapeno
- cumin
- sea salt
- a little extra virgin olive oil
Yes, that’s it. Toss them all into a food processor and then add the refried pinto beans recipe to a large skillet to cook for about 10-15 minutes to reduce the liquid.
Super Easy and Very Healthy Refried Beans Dip
I’ve got a new staple recipe for making super satisfying Meat Free Monday dinners: refried pinto beans!
We are BIG into eating beans over here. Literally, every single day. We make it a point, right along with eating more fruits and vegetables. Eating more beans ranks right up there with one of the most important health-enhancing diet habits you could adopt.
Eat More Beans for Resistant Starch
From the resistant starch to the antioxidants and phytonutrients, the fiber, the super clean plant protein and so much more, beans are a powerhouse of nutrition.
Are Refried Beans Anti Inflammatory?
All beans, including these refried pinto beans promote gut health.
There is even new research showing the consumption of fiber-rich beans is linked to an increase in short chain fatty acids (1) Short-chain fatty acids are produced by the friendly bacteria in your gut and they play a major role in optimizing health. Research links an increase in short chain fatty acid production to a reduction in inflammatory diseases, type 2 diabetes, obesity, heart disease and other conditions (2).
Blue Zone Centenarians Eat Beans Daily Too!
If you happened to see my recipe for “Blue Zone Friendly” Bean Chili, you might recall the research I shared on beans from the New York Times bestselling book, The Blue Zone Solutions.
The Blue Zones consist of five regions in Europe, Latin America, Asia and the U.S. that researchers have identified as having the highest concentrations of centenarians in the world. Blue Zone residents are considered to be the “world’s healthiest people.”
And when it comes to diet, Blue Zone residents are BIG on beans. Just like my grandfather, most centenarians eat beans every day.
So now you not only have LOTS of reasons to eat more beans, but also a super easy, quick and incredibly versatile and healthy refried pinto beans recipe to make it all so much easier. This recipe makes the perfect refried beans dip. Let me show you how to use it!
5 Ways to Enjoy this Healthy Refried Pinto Beans Recipe
If you can’t think of what to do with these tasty and authentic refried pinto beans recipe, here are 5 tasty ideas!
#1: Make These Homemade Nachos
A few years ago I started making this sheet pan-style Recipe for Homemade Nachos under a broiler. And now it’s a household menu staple. Crispy chips, homemade refried beans covered in all of our favorite Mexican toppings.
#2: Easy Homemade Enchiladas
We have enchiladas three different ways here at Clean Cuisine. You can make these Slow Cooker Enchiladas, a saucy Enchiladas Casserole or these tasty Chicken Enchiladas. Let us know which ones you try!
#3: Make Bean Burritos
Long before we adopted a full clean eating diet, our kids loved the bean and cheese burritos at fast food restaurants. I have been trying to replicate this for years and finally, this refried pinto beans recipe does the trick.
Just top a gluten free flour tortilla shell with some refried pinto dips. Add some roasted onions and peppers or chopped red onion, fresh cilantro and of course, some hot sauce.
#4: Make a Healthy 7 Layer Dip or Salad
Our healthy recipe for 7 Layer Salad can also be used as a 7 Layer Dip with fresh chopped vegetables. Think carrots, celery and tri-colored peppers or with our homemade tortilla chips.
#5: Dish up the Perfect Mexican Side Dish
Add this refried beans dip to a side dish bowl and drizzle with a little hot sauce, red onion and cilantro. Trust me, the flavor of this refried pinto beans recipe on their own is absolutely perfect. I do eat them by the spoonful.
#6: Make a Healthy Tostada
Make a clean and healthy tostada using my Grain Free Tortilla Recipe. Simply spread the refried bean on top of the tortilla, top with a dollop of sour cream and sliced avocados.
#7: The Perfect Chip Companion
Or, use this refried beans dip exactly as it was intended — with homemade tortilla chips.
More Mexican-Inspired Clean Eating Recipes
If you love Mexican-inspired recipes as much as we do, then you know it’s not always easy to find clean, healthy recipes. However, I am committed over the next several months to build our Mexican Recipe category.
In the meantime, here are some of my favorites:
- My Homemade Guacamole is far better than the store bought tub and so tasty with our homemade tortilla chips.
- Stuffed Mexican Peppers with Quinoa is a vegetarian dish loaded with flavors. Of course, you can always add some grilled chicken or steak.
- Mojo Shrimp Skillet with Cauliflower Rice is has lots of garlic, citrus and fresh cilantro.
- Black Bean Dip with Peaches – you are in for a treat. Just trust me on this combination. You are going to make this over and over again!
Refried Pinto Beans Recipe
Refried Beans Dip is easy it is to make, incredibly delicious and authentic-tasting. This perfect dip is perfect for a snack or meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Ingredients
- 2 – 14.5 oz cans organic pinto beans, drained but not rinsed
- 1/2 cup Spanish onion
- 1 medium jalapeno, seeds removed, to taste
- 2–3 garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- In a large food processor, add the pinto beans, onion, jalapeno, garlic cloves, olive oil, cumin and sea salt.
- Process on high until smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides and re-process, as needed.
- Transfer the bean puree to a 12″ ceramic skillet and simmer on medium heat for 10 to 15 minutes. Serve warm.
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Notes
*Refried pinto beans can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container. To re-heat, add to a small sauce pan with 1 tablespoon of water and heat over medium until warmed through.