After many wonderful vacations in Mexico over the years, I feel like have tried every variation on refried beans imaginable.

Traditionally, refried beans are made from pinto beans. However, this version also incorporates red kidney beans for an interesting alternative.

This Quick and Easy Vegan Refried Beans recipe boasts the powerful flavors of sauteed onions,  garlic, beans, ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and crushed red pepper flakes which are blended or mashed into a creamy consistency, then topped with fresh cilantro or jalapeno peppers.

In addition, we substituted olive oil for the bacon grease that is traditionally used in many authentic Mexican refried bean dishes.

These Vegan Refried Beans are a perfect dish for busy weeknight meals or whenever you want a healthy, meatless side dish for your favorite Mexican or Tex-Mex entrees.

Quick and Easy Vegan Refried Beans 

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Serves: 4

Ingredients:

3 T. extra virgin olive oil
½ medium yellow onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
2 16-oz. cans pinto beans, rinsed and drained
1 15-oz. can red kidney beans, with liquid
1 T. ground cumin
1 t. chili powder
½ t. smoked paprika

Optional garnish:
½ t. crushed red pepper flakes
Jalapeno pepper
Fresh cilantro

Directions:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add onion and garlic and season with salt and black pepper, to taste.

Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and translucent, approximately 4-5 minutes.

Reduce heat to medium and add beans, ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and crushed red pepper flakes, if using.

Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beans are heated through and start to break apart slightly, approximately 8-10 minutes.

Remove from heat and puree beans with an immersion blender or a potato masher until almost smooth.

Serve topped with fresh cilantro and jalapeno pepper, if desired.

Make it a party with your favorite Mexican  foods and condiments and such as red and green salsas, shredded lettuce, tortilla chips, tortillas, lime wedges, taco shells. and more!

Dig in and enjoy!

What are your favorite ways to make vegan refried beans?

Share your thoughts and comments with us.

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