• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Shane & Simple

  • Recipes
  • Main Dishes
  • Side Dishes
  • About
    • Subscribe
    • Contact
    • Work With Me
  • ebooks
    • Meal Planner
    • 5 Day Kickstart
    • 5 Day Kickstart (printable version)
menu icon
go to homepage
  • about
  • recipes
  • shop
  • subscribe
  • contact
  • Connect

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • about
    • recipes
    • shop
    • subscribe
    • contact
  • Connect

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    Unfried Refried Beans

    Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe
    Unfried refried beans banner.
    Unfried refried beans pinterest banner.

    Unfried Refried Beans! Fat-free, low-sodium, vegan and healthy. These unfried refried beans are perfect as a side dish or making your favorite party bean dip. 

    Unfried refried beans in bowl on table with burlap.

    Do you love Mexican food? Yeah, me too. Especially, the refried beans. But, there’s a problem. They’re usually cooked with oil, lard and a crap ton of salt. That stuff will jack up your cholesterol and raise your blood pressure. Who needs that?

    So, how about much healthier alternative that’s extremely tasty?

    These Unfried Refried Beans are low-sodium, healthy, require no cooking, and have less than 1 gram of fat. Sound good? Yeah, I thought so too. Let’s make some beans!

    How To Make Unfried Refried Beans

    Refried beans aren’t really fried. Just overcooked. But, we’re not even going to be cooking these. You can warm them if you like, but these do just fine without ever turning on the stove.

    This recipe really couldn’t be any simpler. So, here we go!

    Rinse and drain two 15-ounce cans of low-sodium or no salt added pinto beans. But, be sure and save ¼ cup of the bean juice. If you accidentally forget this part don’t worry. You can use water or low-sodium veggie broth. 

    Now, throw the beans and spices into a food processor and start processing.

    Unfried refried bean ingredients in food processor.

    You may have to stop and scrape down the sides but that’s totally normal and cool.

    Now, start to add a little of the bean juice until you get your desired consistency. Some like their beans thicker while others enjoy a them a little thinner. There’s really no wrong way. It’s totally up to you!

    If you don’t have a food processor, not to fear. Use a potato masher. Honestly, it works just as well. It just requires a little extra effort.

    And, that’s it! Literally, that’s it. But, shouldn’t it be more complicated? Uh, no. 

    Unfried refried beans blended in food processor.

    I use a basic mixture of cumin, onion powder, garlic powder and chili powder for this recipe. These spices work well for me. And, I don’t like for any one spice to stand out over another. So, I’m always looking for balance. 

    That being said, use whatever you like in the amount you like. The spices are very basic. So, feel free to experiment with others until you find something that suits you. 

    You can also try different types of beans. Pintos just happen to be my preference for this recipe. But, black beans also work very well. 

    How To Use Unfried Refried Beans

    Don’t let the simplicity of this recipe fool you. These beans are super versatile. They’re great for burritos, taquitos, burrito bowls or making an amazing 7 layer dip.

    I realize it ain’t the prettiest dish, but it does have a great personality. And, it’s healthy and delicious. So, what more do you want? 

    If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a little tahini. It’s almost like a refried bean hummus. But, I promise it’s good just the way it is.

    Make these Unfried Refried Beans part of your regular routine. Because they’re…

    • Super tasty
    • Versatile
    • Quick & easy to make
    • Filling
    • A great source of protein
    • Loaded with fiber
    • & just plain delicious.

    Speaking of dips. You should try my Vegan Spinach Artichoke Dip, Oil-Free Hummus, Smoky Bacon Flavored Hummus & Mexican 7-Layer Bean Dip. 

    These beans are great with my Quinoa Chipotle Bowl with Southwest Tahini Sauce!

    If you make this recipe, be sure and let me know! Leave a comment, RATE IT, and tag a photo #shaneandsimple on Instagram.

    Unfried refried beans in bowl on table.
    Print
    clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
    Unfried refried beans in bowl on table.

    Unfried Refried Beans

    ★★★★★ 5 from 5 reviews
    • Author: Shane Martin
    • Prep Time: 2 mins.
    • Cook Time: 5 mins.
    • Total Time: 7 minutes
    • Yield: 8 servings 1x
    • Category: Sides
    • Cuisine: Vegan
    • Diet: Vegan
    Print Recipe

    Description

    Unfried Refried Beans! Fat-free, low-sodium, vegan and healthy. These unfried refried beans are perfect as a side dish or making your favorite party bean dip.


    Ingredients

    Scale
    • 2 15-ounce cans pinto beans. (low-sodium or no salt added)
    • 1 tsp. cumin
    • ½ tsp. onion powder
    • ½ tsp. garlic powder
    • ½ tsp. chili powder
    • ½ tsp. salt or to taste
    • ¼ cup of bean juice

    Instructions

    1. Drain and rinse pinto beans and save ¼ cup of juice from beans for blending.
    2. Place all ingredients into a food processor. Pulse a few times to combine the ingredients. Scrape down sides if needed, add a little of the saved bean juice and blend. Continue until you get desired consistency.
    3. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container until ready to use. You can store in the fridge for up to 5 days.

    Equipment

    Cuisinart Food Processor

    Buy Now →

    Notes

    If you don’t have a food processor use a potato masher to mash the beans then add your spices and combine.

    Nutrition

    • Serving Size:
    • Calories: 94
    • Sugar: 0.3 g
    • Sodium: 151.5 mg
    • Fat: 0.5 g
    • Carbohydrates: 17.3 g
    • Fiber: 5.9 g
    • Protein: 5.9 g
    • Cholesterol: 0 mg

    Keywords: beans, low-fat, refried beans, healthy

    THANKS SO MUCH FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

    Donations and tips are more than welcome and help to keep this site running.
    CLICK here to donate and show your support!

    Unfried refried beans pinterest banner.
    « Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili
    The Best Vegan 7 Layer Dip »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Laura B

      May 13, 2022 at 1:13 am

      I’m going to make these using a home-cooked mix of different beans. May look odd but I think it will taste just as good. One question: In the nutritional information, I don’t see a serving size — is it 1/2 cup?

      I enjoy your humor. Thank you for your great easy recipes and for helping make these challenging times easier!

      Reply
      • Shane Martin

        May 13, 2022 at 2:36 pm

        Hi, Laura! Yes, 1/2 cup and thank you!!!

        Reply
    2. Joanie

      September 13, 2021 at 7:51 pm

      I love refried beans! This recipe is so good and definitely hit the spot! Will make again and again. Thank you Shane.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    3. Lori Brighton

      February 20, 2020 at 1:41 pm

      I can’t wait to try these! They look so good and so easy to make – thanks so much for sharing!

      Reply
      • Shane Martin

        February 21, 2020 at 3:48 pm

        Thank you, Lori!

        Reply
    4. Karen

      June 22, 2019 at 6:29 pm

      can u use a tater masher instead of a food processor…… cause I don’t have a food processor…. thank u

      Reply
      • Shane Martin

        June 22, 2019 at 7:18 pm

        Karen, absolutely! In fact, I’ll go in and put a note in the recipe. Enjoy!

        ★★★★★

        Reply
    5. Michael

      February 02, 2019 at 10:51 am

      I’m making this with the game day cheese dip for tomorrow!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Shane Martin

        February 02, 2019 at 11:22 am

        That will be rockin’!!!

        Reply
    6. Rosemary

      February 02, 2019 at 7:29 am

      Can you use dried beans? How many cups would you use?

      Reply
      • Shane Martin

        February 02, 2019 at 9:55 am

        Yes, you can use dry beans. Roughly 1/2 cup of dry beans is the equivalent to 1 15-ounce can of beans. Hope this helps.

        ★★★★★

        Reply
    7. Barbara Wrigley

      February 02, 2019 at 1:37 am

      Hi Shane,
      Morning from a snow cover UK.

      Want to say, again That your food is fabulous. Another brilliant recipe. Thankyou so much for sharing.

      Reply
      • Shane Martin

        February 02, 2019 at 9:53 am

        Barbara, thank you so much for your kind words. I hope you enjoy the beans. Peace.

        ★★★★★

        Reply

    Let Me Hear From You! Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

    Primary Sidebar

    Hey, I’m Shane!

    I share healthy vegan recipes that are practical, affordable, anyone can make and everyone will love!

    About Me →

    STAY UPDATED!

    Sign up to receive practical, plant-based recipes everyone will love.

    We won't send you spam. Unsubscribe at anytime. 

    Success!

    Now check your email to confirm your subscription.

    .

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    Info

    • About
    • Contact
    • Shop
    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer
    • Content Policy

    Follow

    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • Instagram

    Recipes

    • All Recipes
    • Recipe Round-Ups
    • Pantry Staple Recipes

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2022 Shane & Simple LLC