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    Home » Meals » Side Dishes

    Vegan Refried Beans

    Published Feb 3, 2023 · Updated Feb 3, 2023 · Leave a Comment

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    This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission. See my disclosure policy.

    JUMP TO RECIPE

    Easy vegan refried beans made in about 10 minutes with 6 simple ingredients.

    A bowl of refried beans topped with white onion and lime.

    Homemade refried beans are a low-effort side dish to accompany many meals like tacos, quesadillas, enchiladas, and more. This recipe is also great as a snack with some tortilla chips.

    Sometimes when I have leftovers, I will mix together leftover taco meat, these refried beans, and rice for an easy lunch.

    Traditional refried beans contain lard, which is an animal-derived fat. This homemade version is totally lard-free!

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients for Vegan Refried Beans
    • Instructions
    • Substitutions
    • Variations
    • Storage
    • Recipe

    Ingredients for Vegan Refried Beans

    6 ingredients, including water, are used to make these vegan refried beans without lard.

    Ingredients on a table.
    • Pinto beans: These are the traditional beans for refried beans.
    • Oil: For sautéing purposes. You can leave out the oil and sauté with water.
    • Onion: I use a white onion.
    • Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves, minced.
    • Water: Use as much as you need to achieve the desired consistency. I start out with a little and work my way up.
    • Salt: As needed. This will vary depending on whether you choose salt-free beans or not.

    See the recipe card for quantities.

    Trying to go vegan? Sign up for our (FREE) Vegan Beginner's Guide!

    Instructions

    Onion and garlic cooking in a pot.

    In a medium-sized pan on medium-low heat, sauté the chopped onion in oil until translucent. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.

    All ingredients for vegan refried beans added into a pot.

    Add the remaining ingredients to the pan (pinto beans, water, and salt.)

    Finished beans in a pot.

    Heat until warm, while mashing with a fork or potato masher until you get your desired consistency. Add more water if needed.

    Refried beans, made without lard, in a bowl.

    Add optional seasonings and enjoy as desired.

    Substitutions

    • Black beans can be used in place of pinto beans.
    • Instead of fresh garlic and onion, garlic powder and onion powder will work. Use about a teaspoon of each.
    A bowl of easy homemade refried pinto beans topped with onion and lime.

    Variations

    • Added seasoning ideas: Lime juice, paprika, chili powder, green chilis, jalapeños. Make the beans as spicy as you'd like!

    Storage

    Store leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Freeze for up to 3 months.

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    Vegan Dinners eBook

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    Recipes Include:

    • Taco Casserole
    • Sweet Potato Chili
    • "Cheesy" Potato Burritos
    • ...and way more!

    You can use refried beans as a side dish or added into many recipes, like tacos, quesadillas, and more. You can also enjoy as a dip with chips or veggies.

    A bowl of beans.

    If you are looking for more easy vegan side dishes, try roasted sweet potatoes, homemade baked beans, or grilled corn on the cob.

    Recipe

    Vegan Refried Beans

    Karissa Besaw
    Simple vegan refried beans, perfect as a side dish or snack with tortilla chips.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Total Time 10 mins
    Course Side Dish
    Cuisine Mexican, Vegan
    Servings 4 sides
    Calories 68 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 tablespoons oil
    • 2 cloves garlic minced
    • ¼ cup onion chopped
    • 1 can pinto beans drained and rinsed
    • ¼ to ½ cup water
    • ¼ teaspoon salt or to taste
    • optional seasonings: paprika and lime juice

    Instructions
     

    • In a medium-sized pan on medium-low heat, sauté the chopped onion in oil until translucent.
    • Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
    • Add the remaining ingredients to the pan (pinto beans, water, and salt.)
    • Heat until warm, while mashing with a fork or potato masher until you get your desired consistency. Add more water if needed. Add optional seasonings.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 68kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 0.2gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.03gSodium: 147mgPotassium: 22mgFiber: 0.2gSugar: 0.4gVitamin A: 0.3IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 6mgIron: 0.05mg
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    More Vegan Sides

    • Maple Roasted Carrots
    • Garlicky Sautéed Green Beans
    • Vegan Cheesy Mashed Potatoes
    • Vegan Green Bean Casserole
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    Hey! I’m happy you’re here! My name is Karissa and I’ve been cooking up delicious vegan food since going vegan in 2016. Not vegan and just want to eat more plants? We don't judge - everyone is welcome in our kitchen. Read more...

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    Welcome to Karissa's Vegan Kitchen! I’m happy you’re here! My name is Karissa and I’ve been cooking up delicious vegan food since going vegan in 2016. Not vegan and just want to eat more plants? We don't judge - everyone is welcome in our kitchen.

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