Heart-Healthy Refried Beans with Cheese

Transform your favorite Tex-Mex dishes with this wholesome twist on a classic—Heart-Healthy Refried Beans with Cheese. Packed with protein-rich dried pinto beans and sautéed aromatics like onion, garlic, and savory spices, this recipe skips the lard for heart-smart olive oil and a low-sodium vegetable broth for a guilt-free indulgence. Mashed to creamy perfection and topped with melty low-fat cheese and a burst of fresh lime juice, these flavorful refried beans are finished with a sprinkle of vibrant cilantro for a fresh flourish. Ready in just over two hours (with easy prep steps), this dish is perfect as a nutritious side or a satisfying meat-free main. Whether paired with tacos or topped on a burrito bowl, this healthier take on a comfort food classic is sure to please your taste buds while keeping your health goals in check.

Nutriscore Rating: 84/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:120 mins

Total Time:135 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 cups dried pinto beans
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium, finely chopped onion
• 3 cloves, minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 3 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 0.5 cup, shredded (such as mozzarella or cheddar) low-fat cheese
• 2 tablespoons, chopped fresh cilantro

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the dried pinto beans under cold water and remove any debris. Place them in a large bowl, cover with water, and soak overnight.

Step 2

Drain the soaked beans and set aside.

Step 3

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 4

Add the minced garlic, cumin, and chili powder to the pot, and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 5

Add the drained beans and vegetable broth to the pot. Stir to combine, then bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 6

Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the beans simmer for about 90 minutes or until they are tender, stirring occasionally.

Step 7

Once the beans are tender, use a potato masher or the back of a spoon to mash the beans to your desired consistency. If the beans seem too dry, add a little more broth or water.

Step 8

Stir in the salt and fresh lime juice, adjusting the seasoning if necessary.

Step 9

Remove the pot from the heat. Sprinkle the shredded low-fat cheese over the top of the beans, cover, and let the heat melt the cheese for about 2 minutes.

Step 10

Before serving, sprinkle fresh cilantro over the beans as a garnish. Serve warm as a side dish or a main course.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1432.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1119.5

Total Fat 36.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 8.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.5g
Cholesterol 21.4mg	0%
Sodium 3349.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 131.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 35.9g	0%
Total Sugars 14.1g
Protein 70.6g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1131.7mg	0%
Iron 11.5mg	0%
Potassium 2678.5mg	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: 28.8%

Protein: 24.9%

Carbs: 46.3%