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Vegan refried beans served in a bowl, topped with fresh onion and parsley.
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5 from 2 votes

Easy Vegan Refried Beans

These easy Vegan Refried Beans are packed with flavor and ready in just 25 minutes! They’re perfect for tacos, burritos, quesadillas, or served as a delicious side dish or tasty dip.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Mexican
Diet: Vegan
Servings: 4
Calories: 74kcal
Author: Iosune

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil I used extra virgin olive oil
  • ½ onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • 2 15-ounce cans pinto beans drained and rinsed
  • ½ cup water
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • ½ teaspoon salt
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Heat the oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Add the onion and sauté for 3-5 minutes or until it’s soft and begins to turn golden brown.
    Sautéed onion in a frying pan.
  • Add the garlic, cumin, oregano, and chili powder. Sauté everything with the onions for about 1 minute, until the spices and garlic become fragrant.
    Sautéed onion, garlic, and spices in a frying pan.
  • Stir in the beans and water.
    Sautéed onions, garlic, spices with beans and water added in a frying pan.
  • Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5-10 minutes, until most of the water evaporates and the beans soften. If the mixture becomes too dry, add a bit more water as needed.
    Cooked vegan refried beans in a pan before mashing.
  • Remove the skillet or pan from heat and mash the beans with a potato masher until you reach your desired consistency, smooth or slightly chunky. If needed, return the skillet or pan to the heat to warm them up, adding more water if they’re too thick. If reheating, remove from heat once warm.
    Mashed vegan refried beans in a pan.
  • Season with lime juice and salt to taste, give them a final stir, and serve warm.
    Finished vegan refried beans in a bowl, garnished with fresh toppings.

Notes

  • Drain and rinse the beans: If you're using canned beans, drain and rinse them well to remove excess sodium and improve the flavor.
  • Cook the onions until soft: Finely chop and sauté until tender for a creamy texture. Large or undercooked onions can add an unwanted crunch.
  • Add liquid gradually: Start with ½ cup (120 milliliters) of water, but add more as needed to reach your desired consistency, especially if the beans start to dry out.
  • Mash to your liking: For a smoother texture, use a potato masher or immersion blender. If you prefer chunkier beans, mash less or leave some whole.
  • Keep it warm: If serving for a party or gathering, keep the refried beans warm in a slow cooker or covered on low heat.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 74kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 0.4g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Sodium: 298mg | Potassium: 45mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 84IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 15mg | Iron: 0.4mg