Low Fat Refried Beans with Cheese

Elevate your side dish game with this creamy and flavorful Low Fat Refried Beans with Cheese recipe! Made with protein-packed pinto beans, a hint of aromatic cumin, and a touch of richly melted low-fat Mexican blend cheese, this comfort food favorite is lightened up without sacrificing taste. By using olive oil and a quick mash-and-simmer method, these refried beans achieve the perfect balance of smooth and chunky textures in just 30 minutes. Garnished with fresh cilantro for a pop of brightness, this dish works beautifully as a hearty side or a filling for tacos, burritos, or nachos. With its straightforward prep and wholesome ingredients, it’s an ideal choice for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Healthy, satisfying, and loaded with flavor, these low-fat refried beans are a must-try for lovers of Mexican-inspired cuisine!

Nutriscore Rating: 78/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups canned pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 0.5 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 cup low-fat Mexican blend cheese, shredded
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the chopped onion and sauté until the onion is soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and ground cumin, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the drained and rinsed pinto beans to the skillet.

Step 5

Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, stirring to combine.

Step 6

Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes until most of the liquid has been absorbed and the beans are tender.

Step 7

Mash the beans in the skillet using a potato masher or the back of a spatula until they reach your desired consistency.

Step 8

Season the mashed beans with salt and black pepper, adjusting to taste.

Step 9

Reduce the heat to low and sprinkle the beans with the shredded low-fat Mexican blend cheese.

Step 10

Cover the skillet and let the cheese melt for about 3-4 minutes.

Step 11

Stir the melted cheese into the beans until well combined.

Step 12

Transfer the refried beans to a serving dish and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro, if using.

Step 13

Serve immediately as a side dish or as a filling for tacos, burritos, or any Mexican-inspired dish.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(785.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	683.7

Total Fat 22.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 6.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g
Cholesterol 20mg	0%
Sodium 2707.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 81.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 24.2g	0%
Total Sugars 6.9g
Protein 40.7g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 611.0mg	0%
Iron 7.9mg	0%
Potassium 1386.4mg	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: 29.4%

Protein: 23.5%

Carbs: 47.1%