Vegan Refried Beans with Cheese

Elevate your plant-based meals with this hearty and satisfying recipe for Vegan Refried Beans with Cheese. Packed with bold flavors from smoky paprika, cumin, and chili powder, these creamy refried beans are made extra indulgent with gooey, melted vegan cheese. Perfect as a side dish or a delectable filling for tacos and burritos, this recipe combines the richness of pinto beans with the brightness of fresh lime juice and cilantro for a balanced and zesty finish. Ready in just 30 minutes, this easy one-skillet dish is both comforting and nutritious—ideal for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings. Whether you're a seasoned vegan or just exploring plant-based cooking, this flavor-packed recipe is sure to become a new favorite!

Nutriscore Rating: 81/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 15-ounce cans canned pinto beans
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium, chopped onion
• 3 cloves, minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup, shredded vegan cheese
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 2 tablespoons, chopped fresh cilantro

Directions

Step 1

Drain and rinse the canned pinto beans thoroughly under cold water and set aside.

Step 2

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant.

Step 4

Sprinkle the cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder over the onion and garlic mixture, stirring to coat evenly with the spices.

Step 5

Pour in the rinsed pinto beans and vegetable broth. Stir well to combine with the onion and spice mixture.

Step 6

Reduce the heat to low and let simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the beans to soften.

Step 7

Using a potato masher or a fork, mash the beans in the skillet until they reach your desired consistency. You can leave some beans whole for texture or mash completely for creamier refried beans.

Step 8

Stir in the salt, black pepper, and vegan cheese. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the cheese is fully melted and the beans are creamy.

Step 9

Remove the skillet from heat and add the lime juice, stirring to incorporate.

Step 10

Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro before serving. Serve warm as a side dish or as a filling for vegan tacos or burritos.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1433.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1365.1

Total Fat 54.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 17.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.4g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 4882.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 185.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 51.0g	0%
Total Sugars 14.8g
Protein 47.1g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 383.7mg	0%
Iron 16.4mg	0%
Potassium 3580.0mg	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: 34.5%

Protein: 13.3%

Carbs: 52.2%