Introduction
Welcome to our Cheater Restaurant Style Refried Beans recipe! If you’ve ever dined at a Mexican restaurant and wondered how they make their refried beans so delicious, you’re in luck. Our recipe will help you recreate that same authentic flavor right at home. Whether you’re planning a Mexican-themed dinner or simply craving a side of deliciously creamy refried beans, this recipe is sure to satisfy your taste buds.
Ingredients
To make our Cheater Restaurant Style Refried Beans, you’ll need the following ingredients:
1. Canned Pinto Beans
– 2 cans (15 ounces each) of pinto beans, drained and rinsed
2. Onion
– 1 medium-sized onion, finely chopped
3. Garlic
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
4. Vegetable Oil
– 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
5. Cumin

– 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
6. Salt and Pepper
– Salt and pepper to taste
Steps
Now that you have all the necessary ingredients, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making our Cheater Restaurant Style Refried Beans:
1. Sauté the Onion and Garlic
In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion becomes translucent and slightly golden.
2. Add the Pinto Beans
Add the drained and rinsed pinto beans to the skillet with the sautéed onion and garlic. Stir well to combine.
3. Season with Cumin, Salt, and Pepper
Sprinkle the ground cumin, salt, and pepper over the beans. Stir again to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed.
4. Mash the Beans
Using a potato masher or the back of a spoon, gently mash the beans to achieve a creamy consistency. If you prefer a chunkier texture, mash them less. For smoother beans, mash them more.
5. Simmer and Stir
Reduce the heat to low and let the beans simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent them from sticking to the skillet.
6. Taste and Adjust Seasoning
After simmering, taste the beans and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add more salt or pepper according to your preference.
Variations
While our Cheater Restaurant Style Refried Beans recipe is already delicious as is, you can always add your own twist to customize the flavors. Here are a few variations you can try:
1. Spicy Refried Beans
– Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to give your beans a spicy kick.
2. Bacon Refried Beans
– Cook some bacon until crispy, crumble it, and add it to the beans for a smoky and savory twist.
3. Cheese Refried Beans
– Sprinkle shredded cheese over the beans and let it melt before serving for an extra creamy and cheesy flavor.
Tips
Here are a few tips to ensure your Cheater Restaurant Style Refried Beans turn out perfectly:
1. Use Canned Pinto Beans
– Canned pinto beans are already cooked and softened, making them perfect for this recipe. Rinse and drain them before using to remove any excess salt or preservatives.
2. Adjust the Consistency
– If your beans turn out too thick, you can add a splash of vegetable broth or water to thin them out. On the other hand, if they are too runny, continue simmering until they reach the desired consistency.
3. Customize the Seasoning
– Feel free to experiment with different spices and herbs to suit your taste. You can add a pinch of chili powder, oregano, or smoked paprika for extra flavor.
Conclusion
With our Cheater Restaurant Style Refried Beans recipe, you can easily recreate the authentic flavors of your favorite Mexican restaurant at home. These creamy and flavorful beans are the perfect side dish for tacos, burritos, enchiladas, or simply enjoyed on their own. Impress your friends and family with this easy and delicious recipe that will transport them straight to a Mexican fiesta!
FAQs
Q1: Can I use other types of beans?
A1: While the traditional choice for refried beans is pinto beans, you can experiment with other varieties such as black beans or kidney beans for a unique twist.
Q2: Can I make these beans ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! These beans can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Simply reheat them on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
Q3: Are refried beans vegetarian-friendly?
A3: Yes, our Cheater Restaurant Style Refried Beans recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it does not contain any meat or animal products. However, always check the labels of canned beans for any non-vegetarian additives.
Q4: Can I freeze the leftover beans?
A4: Yes, you can freeze the leftover refried beans in an airtight container for up to three months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as needed.

Cheater Restaurant Style Refried Beans
Recreate the authentic flavors of Mexican restaurant-style refried beans at home with this delicious and creamy recipe. Perfect as a side dish for tacos, burritos, or enchiladas.
Ingredients
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2 cans (15 ounces each) of pinto beans, drained and rinsed
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1 medium-sized onion, finely chopped
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2 cloves of garlic, minced
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2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
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1 teaspoon of ground cumin
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Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
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In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion and minced garlic until translucent and slightly golden.
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Add drained and rinsed pinto beans to the skillet with onion and garlic. Stir well.
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Season with ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine evenly.
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Mash the beans using a potato masher or the back of a spoon to achieve desired consistency.
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Simmer the beans on low heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
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Taste and adjust seasoning if needed with more salt or pepper.