Refried Beans with Smoked Paprika

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Creamy pinto beans mashed with smoky paprika and aromatics, creating a deeply flavorful side that pairs perfectly with corn tortillas. This mexican-inspired vegetarian ready in about 25 minutes pairs (15 oz), drained and rinsed pinto beans, olive oil, finely chopped onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 160 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 3.9 (14 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 160 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Step 2: Add 1/2 cup finely chopped onion and cook for 5 minutes until softened and translucent.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 minced garlic clove and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 can (15 oz) drained pinto beans, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/4 tsp cumin, and 1/4 tsp salt. Mash the beans with a potato masher until mostly smooth, adding 2 tbsp water if too thick.
  5. Step 5: Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through and the beans have a thick, creamy texture.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Refried Beans with Smoked Paprika take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Refried Beans with Smoked Paprika?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Refried Beans with Smoked Paprika?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Refried Beans with Smoked Paprika for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Refried Beans with Smoked Paprika?

Mexican vegetarian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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