Border Town Refried Beans or Bean Dip

Transport your taste buds to the Southwest with this versatile Border Town Refried Beans or Bean Dip recipe, a crowd-pleasing combination of authentic flavors and creamy perfection. Starting with tender, slow-cooked pinto beans infused with the subtle sweetness of white onion and garlic, this dish is elevated with a blend of bold spices like smoky chipotle chili powder, fragrant cumin, and vibrant paprika. Whether you mash the beans into a silky-smooth dip laced with sharp cheddar cheese or keep them chunky for a classic refried texture, this recipe is a must-try. Best of all, it’s easy to customize with a splash of lime juice or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a bright finish. Perfect as a savory dip for tortilla chips or a hearty side for tacos and enchiladas, this recipe is your go-to for adding Southwestern flair to your table.

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:120 mins

Total Time:130 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 cups pinto beans
• 6 cups water
• 1 medium (peeled and halved) white onion
• 3 large (peeled and smashed) garlic cloves
• 1.5 teaspoons kosher salt
• 2 tablespoons lard or vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
• 0.5 cup (shredded, optional for bean dip) sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 tablespoon (optional for bean dip) lime juice
• 2 tablespoons (chopped, optional for garnish) cilantro

Directions

Step 1

Rinse and sort the pinto beans to remove any debris or damaged beans.

Step 2

In a large pot, combine the pinto beans, water, halved onion, and garlic cloves. Bring to a boil over high heat.

Step 3

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beans are tender. Stir occasionally, and add more water if needed to keep the beans submerged.

Step 4

When the beans are tender, remove from heat and carefully discard the onion and garlic. Drain the beans, reserving about 1 cup of the cooking liquid.

Step 5

In a large skillet, heat the lard or vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the cooked beans and mash them with a potato masher or the back of a spoon to your desired consistency.

Step 6

Stir in the reserved cooking liquid a little at a time until the beans reach your desired texture—smooth for a bean dip or chunkier for refried beans.

Step 7

Stir in the kosher salt, ground cumin, paprika, and chipotle chili powder. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently, to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 8

If serving as bean dip, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and lime juice, if using, until the cheese is melted and fully incorporated.

Step 9

Transfer the beans to a serving bowl and garnish with cilantro, if desired.

Step 10

Serve immediately with tortilla chips, or as a side with your favorite Southwestern dishes!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2013.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1252.2

Total Fat 72.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 26.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 10.5g
Cholesterol 86.4mg	0%
Sodium 2177.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 109.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 34.5g	0%
Total Sugars 4.7g
Protein 48.2g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 729.0mg	0%
Iron 10.0mg	0%
Potassium 1843.3mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 50.9%

Protein: 15.0%

Carbs: 34.1%