Easy Refried Beans
The simple way to make flavor-bursting Easy Refried Beans using dried beans and pantry staples, no chopping onions required!
Equipment
- medium to large saucepan
- potato masher recommended
Ingredients
- 2 cups dried pinto beans
- water to cover
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 Tablespoon lard, butter or oil (optional)
- ⅛ teaspoon onion powder
- 1/16 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ cup shredded cheese of choice: cheddar, jack, Colby jack, Mexican cheese blend (optional, but highly recommended)
Instructions
- Place beans in saucepan and cover with several inches of water. Soak overnight.
- Drain and rinse a few times until water runs clear.
- Cover with fresh water. Bring to a boil. Cover and simmer 1 1/2 - 2 hours or until beans are soft.
- Add salt. Boil 20 minutes more. Drain, reserving cooking water.
- Mash beans with potato masher or fork, adding cooking water back to desired consistency. I like to add about 2 cups water back.
- Add onion powder, garlic powder and optional lard. Taste and salt as needed.
- Stir in handful of shredded cheese. Allow to melt and stir in.
Notes
- The amount of garlic powder I used is 1/16 teaspoon, which is what cooks call "a pinch". I measure it out by filling an 1/8 teaspoon halfway.
- If you really like things cheesy, feel free to add more!