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Recipes with beans: refried, soups, burritos and more

Use when someone has dry or canned beans (pinto, black, kidney, lentils) and wants to know how to cook them and make meals.

In danger right now: call 911. Crisis or thoughts of suicide: call or text 988. Not sure where to start? Call the Silver City Gospel Mission: 575-388-5071. Police, fire or sheriff, not an emergency: 575-388-8840 (Central Dispatch). Print our list of phone numbers → · Food pantry calendar → · Free meals calendar → · Getting there: bus and rides →
These are the same steps our staff use when they help someone. "They" means the person who needs help: you, or someone you are helping. Go in order, and call ahead when you can.
In this guide
  1. Before you start
  2. A pot of pinto beans
  3. Refried beans
  4. Bean and rice burritos
  5. Lentil or bean soup
  6. Bean tostadas or nachos

1Before you start

You can ask"Are your beans dry or canned? What can you cook on?"
Dry beans are the cheapest protein. One pound dry makes about 6 cups cooked.
At the Gospel MissionBeans may come in Mission food boxes and the Senior Pantry. See the guide "Hungry today and needs food for the month".
Red kidney beans must boil hard for at least 10 minutes before slow cooking. Undercooked kidney beans can make people very sick. A crockpot alone is not hot enough.

2A pot of pinto beans

Makes about 10 servings. 2-3 hours (or overnight in a crockpot).
  • 2 cups dry pinto beans
  • 8 cups water, plus more as needed
  • 1 onion, 2 cloves garlic, salt
  1. Sort out stones and rinse. Soak in water overnight, then drain. (Or skip soaking and cook longer.)
  2. Cover with fresh water. Add onion and garlic. Boil, then simmer on low 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 hours. Add water so beans stay covered.
  3. Add salt when beans are soft. They are done when you can mash one easily.

3Refried beans

Makes 4 servings. About 15 minutes.
  • 3 cups cooked pinto beans with some cooking liquid (or 2 cans)
  • 2 spoons oil, salt, cumin or chile powder
  1. Heat the oil in a pan. Add the beans and a little liquid.
  2. Mash with a fork or potato masher while they cook, 5-10 minutes, until thick.
  3. Season to taste.

4Bean and rice burritos

Makes 6 burritos. About 15 minutes (with cooked beans and rice).
  • 6 tortillas
  • 2 cups refried or whole beans, 2 cups cooked rice
  • Cheese, salsa, red or green chile
  1. Warm the tortillas in a dry pan or microwave.
  2. Fill each with beans, rice and toppings. Roll up.

5Lentil or bean soup

Makes 6 servings. About 45 minutes.
  • 1 cup dry lentils (no soaking needed), or 2 cans beans
  • 1 can diced tomatoes, 1 can carrots or mixed vegetables
  • 6 cups water, onion, garlic, cumin, salt
  1. Put everything in a pot. Boil, then simmer 30-40 minutes until lentils are soft.
  2. Mash some beans against the pot to thicken it.

6Bean tostadas or nachos

Spread hot refried beans on toasted tortillas. Top with cheese, chile, lettuce or tomatoes.

More help like this

Hungry today and needs food for the monthUse when someone is hungry now and also needs enough food for the rest of the month.Has special diet needs (diabetes, allergies, no teeth)Use when someone needs food that fits a health need: diabetes, food allergies, kidney or heart problems, soft food for missing teeth, or special baby formula.Someone is asking for money at your doorUse when a stranger knocks at your home or business asking for money, gas, food or a ride, and you want to stay safe, spot scams, and point them to real help.All food pantries in Grant County: places, days, times and what to bringUse when someone wants a list of every food pantry and free food distribution in Grant County, with where and when they are, who qualifies and what to bring.Wants to stock up on beans, rice, masa, flour, sugar, salt and oilUse when someone wants to buy basic staples (beans, rice, masa, flour, sugar, salt, oil) in bulk to save money and have food that lasts for months.Wants more fresh fruit and vegetables with SNAP (Double Up Food Bucks)Use when someone gets SNAP and wants more fresh fruit and vegetables. Double Up Food Bucks gives free extra money for New Mexico-grown produce at farmers markets.

See all guides in Food and basics →

This guide is general information only, not medical, legal or other professional advice. Places and rules change, so please call before you go. In an emergency, call 911; in a mental health crisis, call or text 988. Disclaimer

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Questions, or want someone to walk through this with you? The Silver City Gospel Mission, 111 S. Texas St., Silver City, 575-388-5071, weekdays 9:00am-1:45pm. Everyone is welcome.