Easy Refried Beans From Scratch!

My kids live on refried beans, and with this recipe, I’m going to share how to make them delicious and easy on a budget in this recipe for Easy Refried Beans From Scratch!

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If you’re on a tight budget, this is a great way to get in some protein! I buy organic pinto beans in bulk from Azure Standard, a co-op that delivers to most of the United States.

I cook my beans in a crock pot, and use my Vitamix 5200 blender to puree them. You can also use a food processor, or mash by hand. My Vitamix is my absolute favorite kitchen tool I use for everything from applesauce and baby food, to smoothies and ice cream, to butter and peanut butter, to flour and grinding spices. If you are interesting in adding one to your kitchen, you can find more information or purchase one here:

Step 1: Soak

Soak beans in water overnight

Step 2: Cook

Rinse beans and pour into crock pot, covering with fresh water. Cook on high until tender; in my crock pot they take about 4 hours.

Step 3: Season and Mash

Seasoning Option #1:

2 tsp. sea salt
1 clove garlic
2 T nacho cheese popcorn seasoning (this seasoning is gluten free and non-GMO from Azure Standard!)

Seasoning Option #2 (dairy-free):

2 tsp. sea salt
1 tsp. ground pepper
1 clove garlic
1 T paprika
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper

Scoop 3 1/2 cups cooked beans into your Vitamix, along with 1 cup of the liquid they were cooked in. Add seasonings of choice and blend on low, stirring with the tamper. Add more liquid if necessary to get a smooth consistency.

If you are mashing by hand, finely chop the garlic first; otherwise it can be thrown in the blender whole with the rest of your ingredients.

That’s it! I make a large batch of refried beans every week. Our favorite is the nacho cheese version, yum!