Name: Easy Vegan Refried Beans
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 2 cans of rinsed and drained pinto beans; 1 tbs extra virgin olive oil or coconut oil; 1/2 cup of finely diced onion; 1/4 cup finely diced peppers of your choice; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp chili powder; 1/4 tsp cumin; Water if needed

Beans are a staple in a vegetarian or vegan diet. They are a delicious protein source and can be enjoyed in many ways. One would assume that refried beans are automatically vegan. Refried beans can be a tricky food. Are refried beans vegan?

Not all refried beans are vegan. Some refried beans contain pig fat or lard. You must check the ingredients before enjoying refried beans while following a vegan diet. Some common canned refried bean brands like Amy’s and Eden Organic are vegan friendly. When dining out you can enjoy Taco Bell and Chipotles vegan refried beans.

Why Aren’t All Refried Beans Vegan?

Many brands and recipes of refried beans contain lard. Using Pig fat to fry the beans in adds flavor to the beans.

Lard has been used for many years in traditional refried bean recipes. Even if you aren’t a vegan or vegetarian refried beans including lard should be avoided since it’s often hydrogenated.

Are Fat-Free Refried Beans Vegan?

Fat-Free is not always vegan. The beans may not contain lard but, they can sometimes have dairy or natural flavorings that are not vegan friendly.

Are Refried Beans Keto?

What Makes Refried Beans Refried?

It’s a myth that refried beans are called refried because they are fried twice. The word comes from the Spanish name for the dish “Frijoles Refritos”. In Spanish “Refritos” mean well fried.

Are Old El Paso Refried Beans Vegan?

Old El Paso is a well-known brand when it comes to Tex-Mex Food. You need to be careful and read the labels before purchasing Old El Paso products.

Old El Paso Traditional Refried Beans contain lard and are not vegan. Old El Paso does carry some vegan options. The following Old El Paso Refried Beans are vegan friendly.

Old El Paso Vegetarian Refried Beans

Old El Paso Refried Black Beans

Old El Paso Spicy Fat Free Refried Beans

Old El Paso Fat Free Refried Beans

Many of the Old El Paso refried bean flavors also include natural flavors which is truly an unknown ingredient.

Another questionable ingredient to be aware of is soybean oil. Soybean oil is a GMO product that is often highly sprayed with pesticides.

Are Rosarita Refried Beans Vegan?

The Rosarita Traditional Refried Beans, Lower Sodium Refried Beans, Restaurant Style, and Spicy Jalapeno all contain lard and are not vegan. Rosarita does offer many vegan-friendly refried bean options.

Rosarita Vegetarian Refried Beans

Rosarita Low Fat Black Beans

Rosarita No Fat Traditional Refried Beans

Rosarita No Fat Zesty Salsa Refried Beans

Rosarita No Fat Green Chile And Lime Refried Beans

Rosarita Refried Beans also contain mysterious natural flavors.

Are Amy’s Refried Beans Vegan?

All of Amy’s Refried Beans Are Vegan.

Amy’s Traditional Refried Beans

Amy’s Low Sodium Refried Beans

Amy’s Refried Beans With Chilies

Amy’s is a great brand for quick organic ingredients and meals.

Are Santa Fe Bean Company Refried Beans Vegan?

I had never heard of Santa Fe Bean Company until I started to write this article. Their beans are not canned like most prepared refried beans. They come in a foil packet and need to be rehydrated with boiling water.

The majority of Santa Fe Bean Company’s beans are made with simple real food ingredients. The following flavors are vegan-friendly.

Santa Fe Instant Vegetarian Refried Beans

Santa Fe Instant Refried Black Beans

Santa Fe Instant Southwest Style Refrfied Beans

Santa Fe Fires Roasted Chipotle Refried Beans

Are Eden Organic Refried Beans Vegan?

Eden Organic Refried Beans are my favorite from this list. They are made using just organic beans, water, and seasonings. All of their refried beans are vegan.

Eden Refried Pinto Beans

Eden Spicy Refried Pinto Beans

Eden Refried Kidney Beans

Eden Refried Black Beans

Are Ortega Refried Beans Vegan?

Ortega refried beans are vegan.

Are Taco Bell Canned Refried Beans Vegan?

Taco Bell Canned Refried Beans are vegan. They make the following flavors.

Taco Bell Orginal Refried Beans

Taco Bell Fat Free Refried Beans

Are Taco Bell Refried Beans Vegan?

Tacos Bells Refried Beans are certified vegan.

I was surprised to discover how vegan and vegetarian-friendly Taco Bell is. Take a look at all of the Vegetarian-Friendly items available at Taco Bell.

Are Chipotles Refried Beans Vegan?

Chipotles Refried Beans are vegan.

Chipotle is known for their fresh made food and high quality ingredients.

Are Fuzzy’s Refried Beans Vegan?

Fuzzy’s Refried Beans contain milk and are not vegan.

Are Tijuana Flats Refried Beans Vegan?

Tijuana Flat Refried Beans are vegan.

The best part about dining at Tijuana Flats is all of their delicous hot sauces. Try the Vidalia Onion and Georgia Peach Hot Sauce.

How To Make Refried Beans?

Making your own refried beans is easy and delicous. You are able to customize the flavors to your desire.

Heat olive or coconut oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add finely diced onions and peppers to the pan. Add salt. Cook stirring often to prevent the onions from burning. Cook until the onions are translucent.

2. Add chili powder, garlic powder, and cumin. Cook the spices in the pan for a few moments until they become fragrant. Pour in the drained can of beans. Cook the beans for 5 to 10 minutes.

3. Reduce the heat and remove the lid. Mash the beans until they are at your desired consistency. Continue to cook the beans uncovered for about 5 minutes. Stir continuously to avoid burning and sticking.

4. Remove the pan from the heat and taste. Add more salt or water to if needed.

5. Enjoy!

What Can I Make With Refried Beans?

Refried beans are a delicous and hearty side side to any tex-mex meal.

Many recipes can be made with refried beans.

Tacos

Enchiladas

Burrittos

Quesdillas

Tostadas

Rice Bowls

Bean Dip

Nachos

Conclusion

Not all refried beans are vegan. Many refried beans contain lard. Make sure to check the ingredients if you do not eat animal products.

Many brands of refried beans are vegan including Eden Organic, Amy’s, Taco Bell Canned Beans, and Ortega. There are other brands that include some vegan-friendly refried beans in their product lines.

You can enjoy vegan refried beans when you dine out at Taco Bell, Chiptole, and Tijuana Flats.

What Are The Best Vegetarian Options At Taco Bell?

What’s The Difference Between Vegetarian Beans And Regular Beans?

Easy Vegan Refried Beans

Recipe by Sara- Sara's Veggie KitchenCourse: SidesCuisine: Mexican

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time