Julie's Bean Dip or Refried Beans

Creamy, flavorful, and oh-so-versatile, Julie's Bean Dip or Refried Beans is the perfect addition to any meal or party spread. This easy, homemade recipe features tender pinto beans mashed to your desired texture and enhanced with fragrant spices like cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika. A touch of lime juice adds zippy freshness, while optional cilantro and cheese provide a customizable finish. Whether served as a smoky bean dip with tortilla chips or as a hearty side dish for tacos and enchiladas, this dish brings bold, authentic flavor in just 30 minutes. Made with olive oil for a vegan-friendly base—or lard for a traditional touch—this quick and satisfying recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Nutriscore Rating: 82/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 3 cups pinto beans (canned or cooked from dry)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or lard for traditional flavor)
• 0.5 medium onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 0.5 teaspoon chili powder
• 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 0.75 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon pepper
• 0.5 cup vegetable broth or water
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
• 0.5 cup shredded cheese (optional, for serving)

Directions

Step 1

In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil (or lard) over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the finely diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until softened and translucent.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.

Step 4

Add the ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine with the onion and garlic and toast the spices for 1 minute to enhance their flavor.

Step 5

Reduce the heat slightly and add the pinto beans to the skillet, along with the vegetable broth or water. Stir well to combine everything.

Step 6

Mash the beans directly in the pan using a potato masher or the back of a spoon. For a smoother texture, transfer the mixture to a blender or use an immersion blender to purée it to your desired consistency.

Step 7

Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened. Adjust the consistency by adding more broth or water if needed.

Step 8

Stir in the lime juice and taste for seasoning, adjusting salt and pepper as needed.

Step 9

If using fresh cilantro, stir it in just before serving for a fresh pop of flavor.

Step 10

Serve warm as a dip with tortilla chips or as a side dish. Optionally, garnish with shredded cheese for added creaminess.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1028.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1203.5

Total Fat 48.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 16.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 60mg	0%
Sodium 4853.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 140.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 43.7g	0%
Total Sugars 7.0g
Protein 57.6g	0%

Vitamin D 12IU	0%
Calcium 713.0mg	0%
Iron 14.4mg	0%
Potassium 2422.8mg	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: 35.6%

Protein: 18.7%

Carbs: 45.7%