This simple recipe prepares refried beans with olive oil and seasonings making this makeover version both a skinny and healthy option.
Skinny Refried Beans low in fat but big on flavor.
I began exploring ways of creating refried beans with little to no fats as I was unhappy with both the aroma and appearance of what emerged out of the cans of refried beans. The goal was to create a recipe low in fat but with both the flavor and texture of refried beans. This dish is a staple in our home and served with some our favorite meals like tacos, carnitas and my recipe for Guajillo Chili Chicken.
With a few simple ingredients, this healthy side-dish is ready to serve in less than 10 minutes. All that is needed is olive oil, canned pinto beans, chicken or vegetable broth and your favorite taco sauce. After making these tasty low-fat refried beans, you’ll never feel the need to open a can of refried beans on taco night again.
The beans
Typically, pinto beans are used for making refried beans. But this isn’t the only option. Often times, I will make this recipe using black beans. It is all up to personal preference and availability. So go ahead and experiment!
The Seasonings
Basically, the only seasoning needed for this recipe is taco sauce. While my personal preference is Taco Bell Mild Sauce, feel free to choose your favorite. However, I would suggest to make to choose a sauce and not a salsa. By using taco sauce, the bean texture will remain smooth. While the addition of salsa would essentially make the beans chunky.
Creating a creamy texture
Broth is my secret weapon for making my refried beans tasty and delicious. If you are not following a plant based or vegan diet, chicken broth is the perfect choice. However, if you are preparing these for a vegan or vegetarian diet, choose vegetable broth.
Often times, I will prepare the beans ahead of time and set them aside. They tend to soak up the broth and become dry looking. Just before serving, reheat the beans over medium-low heat and a few tablespoons of additional broth, stirring until they are creamy in texture.
Weight Watcher and Waist Watchers
A 3/4 cup serving is Zero (0) WW Smart Points or 226 calories.
A 1 cup serving is 1 WW Smart Point or 276 calories.
PrintSkinny Refried Beans
Refried Beans beans that can be enjoyed without the guilt. Serve this healthy and delicious makeover with tacos, carnitas and Guajillo Chili Chicken.
- Prep Time: 5 Minutes
- Cook Time: 8 Minutes
- Total Time: 13 Minutes
- Yield: 4 1/2 Cups 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stove Top
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoon Olive Oil
- 1 – 45 oz can Pinto Beans, drained and rinsed (about 4 Cups)
- 3/4 cup to 1 cup Chicken Broth
- 1/4 cup Taco Sauce (My preference is Taco Bell-Mild Sauce)
- Pinch of Salt
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once heated add olive oil and pinto beans.
- With a potato masher, break-up and mash the pinto beans.
- Slowly add the 3/4 cup of broth, and continue mashing the beans until they become creamy and well blended.
- Reserve the remaining 1/4 cup for reheating the beans, just before serving.
- Reduce heat to low and add 1/4 cup of Taco Sauce and combine throughly.
- Season with a pinch of salt.
- Set aside until ready to serve.
- Just before serving, reheat beans and a few tablespoon of reserved broth to loosen and add additional creaminess.
- Remove from heat and serve.
Notes
Weight Watchers and Waist Watchers
- 3/4 Cup serving is Zero (0) WW Smart Points
- A 1 Cup serving is 1 WW Smart Point
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3/4 Cup
i
