Name: Refried Beans Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or lard; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 (15-ounce) cans pinto beans, drained and rinsed; 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon chili powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 cup vegetable broth or bean liquid, more as needed; freshly ground black pepper to taste

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If you’re looking for comfort in a bowl or the perfect sidekick to your favorite Mexican dishes, look no further than these sensational Refried Beans. Creamy, soulful, and instantly satisfying, this recipe brings that irresistible, homemade taste you just can’t get from a can. Whether you serve them up with tacos, spoon them over rice, or enjoy them simply with warm tortillas, you’ll love how easy and delicious it is to prepare authentic Refried Beans in your own kitchen—even on the busiest weeknight.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about the building blocks that make Refried Beans so special! Every ingredient here, while simple on its own, plays a key role in creating that signature flavor and texture—rich, savory, and deliciously creamy.

Vegetable oil or lard (2 tablespoons): Start with a good fat—lard gives classic flavor, but vegetable oil keeps it vegetarian-friendly.
Onion, finely chopped (1 small): Sautéed onions bring a mellow, slightly sweet depth to the dish.
Garlic, minced (2 cloves): For that punchy, aromatic boost only garlic can give.
Pinto beans, drained and rinsed (2 15-ounce cans): The heart of Refried Beans; canned beans make things easy, but you’ll still get unbeatable homemade taste.
Ground cumin (1/2 teaspoon): Warm, earthy spice that sets the tone for classic Mexican flavors.
Chili powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a gentle kick and sun-kissed color.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Just enough to bring everything together.
Vegetable broth or bean liquid (1/4 cup, more as needed): The secret to creamy, luscious Refried Beans without them turning dry.
Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and complexity right at the end.

How to Make Refried Beans

Step 1: Sauté the Onions

In a large skillet, heat your choice of vegetable oil or lard over medium heat. Toss in the finely chopped onion and let it cook gently, stirring often, until the onion pieces are softened and translucent—about five minutes. This step unlocks all that mellow sweetness in the onion, laying the perfect foundation for Refried Beans.

Step 2: Bring in the Garlic

Add the minced garlic to the pan and stir for about a minute, just until fragrant. You don’t want to let it brown—just enough time to release that inviting garlicky aroma that makes your kitchen smell incredible.

Step 3: Add Beans and Spices

Next, pour in your drained and rinsed pinto beans, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and a few twists of black pepper. Give everything a good stir, allowing the spices to bloom and coat every bean. Let the mixture cook for two to three minutes, so the flavors start to come together in harmony.

Step 4: Mash the Beans

Now for the best part: grab a potato masher or the back of a sturdy spoon and start mashing the beans right in the pan. Mash as much or as little as you like—chunky or silky-smooth, it’s all up to you! This is where your Refried Beans begin to look and taste authentically homemade.

Step 5: Add Liquid and Finish

Gradually pour in the vegetable broth or bean liquid, stirring as you go, until you reach your ideal creamy texture. The beans should be lusciously smooth but not runny. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Keep your Refried Beans gently warm on the stove until it’s time to serve!

How to Serve Refried Beans

Garnishes

Garnishing your Refried Beans is the fastest way to transform them from a humble side into something truly special. A scattering of freshly chopped cilantro, a handful of crumbled queso fresco, a dollop of sour cream, or a sprinkle of sliced green onions instantly adds color, freshness, and a little something extra in every bite.

Side Dishes

Refried Beans shine brightest when they’re part of a bigger spread. They make an unbeatable partner for Mexican rice, a soft landing for sizzling fajitas, or the perfect anchor for hearty enchiladas. You can also serve them alongside crispy tortilla chips as a warm dip, or as a cozy base for huevos rancheros at brunch!

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t be afraid to get creative! Spoon your Refried Beans into mini tortillas for irresistible street-style tacos, layer them in burrito bowls, or use them as a hearty filling for quesadillas. Want a fun party idea? Serve them in individual ramekins with lots of toppings for a DIY “beans bar.” The possibilities are endless and always delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Refried Beans tasting fresh, let them cool to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. They’ll stay cozy and delicious in the fridge for up to four days, ready for quick lunches or speedy dinners all week long.

Freezing

Yes, you can absolutely freeze Refried Beans! Divide cooled beans into freezer-safe containers or bags—leave a little space for expansion. They’ll keep beautifully in the freezer for up to three months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge when you need an easy side in a pinch.

Reheating

When it’s time to enjoy your Refried Beans again, simply reheat them gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if they’ve thickened up. You can also microwave them, stirring every 30 seconds until heated through. A quick stir and they’ll be creamy, savory, and as good as new!

FAQs

Can I use dried beans instead of canned?

Absolutely! Soak and cook dried pinto beans until tender, then use them in place of canned beans. You might even find the flavor deeper and more satisfying made from scratch.

Are Refried Beans actually fried twice?

The name is a bit of a misnomer from the Spanish term “frijoles refritos,” which means “well-fried beans.” Traditionally, beans are cooked once, then fried or sautéed for added flavor—so they’re really only “fried” once!

How can I make my Refried Beans extra creamy?

For a super-smooth texture, blend the beans with an immersion blender just before serving. Also, don’t be shy with the liquid; adding more broth or bean cooking liquid can help achieve that luscious, creamy consistency.

Can I make these Refried Beans vegan?

Definitely! Simply use vegetable oil instead of lard, and stick with vegetable broth. This recipe is naturally vegan-friendly and still packed with flavor.

What’s the best way to reheat Refried Beans for a crowd?

For larger gatherings, reheat the beans in a slow cooker set on low, stirring occasionally. This keeps them warm and creamy for hours, letting guests serve themselves as the party goes on.

Final Thoughts

Refried Beans are the kind of dish that makes any meal feel more comforting and complete. I hope you give this recipe a try and find as much delight in its simplicity—and its flavor-packed magic—as I do. There’s nothing quite like sharing homemade Refried Beans with friends and family!

Refried Beans Recipe

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4.6 from 8 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Learn how to make flavorful and creamy homemade refried beans with this easy recipe. Perfect as a side dish or filling for burritos and tacos!

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons vegetable oil or lard
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 (15-ounce) cans pinto beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup vegetable broth or bean liquid, more as needed
freshly ground black pepper to taste

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Instructions

Heat the oil: Heat the oil or lard in a large skillet over medium heat.
Sauté onion and garlic: Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute.
Add beans and spices: Add drained pinto beans, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
Mash the beans: Mash the beans to desired consistency using a potato masher or spoon. Gradually add broth until creamy.
Adjust and serve: Adjust seasoning, keep warm, and serve.