"Refried" Beans

• 2 Cups dry pinto beans rinsed
• 1 Medium Onion cut into fourths
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 2 tsp. kosher salt
• 8 Cups of water(for oven method) or 5 Cups of water (for instant pot)
• Optional: after they are cooked, you can sprinkle in any spices you like. I have done cumin & chili powder, but usually I will just use the Fiesta Brand extra fancy pinto bean seasoning. 

There are 2 ways you can cook these, and they turn out amazing! Put all the above ingredients into an instant pot and cook for 30 minutes, then use a hand mixer to smash it all up.

OR

Put the above ingredients into a cast iron dutch oven, or oven safe soup pot with heavy lid. Put the lid on, and cook for 2 hours in the oven at 375 degrees. Check them after 2 hours and see if they are soft. If they are not done, cook 15-30 min. more until they reach desired doneness. Use a hand mixer to smash them all up.

I love these so much! We do so many things with them. Even my kids love these(which is saying a lot!).

• I love to make tostadas with cheese, fresh salsa, guacamole, and greek yogurt or sour cream.
• Eat them in a bowl with sour cream or greek yogurt, cheese, tortilla chip strips, and corn bread.
• Make burritos. I love to do this and freeze them! 
• Eat as a side dish with any Mexican meal.
• Make 7 layer bean dip with the beans on the bottom, sour cream next, cheddar cheese, Monterey jack cheese, tomatoes, olives, and a big glop of guacamole on top!