Refried beans bring cozy comfort to every gathering, gently bubbling on the stove into creamy perfection. Tender pinto beans simmer with fragrant garlic and onion in warm olive oil, then are mashed with earthy cumin and a touch of mild chili powder. A squeeze of bright lime juice and a splash of rich vegetable broth lift each bite, while fresh cilantro adds a lively finish. Spoon them into crunchy tacos or spread them over warm tortillas for instant fiesta vibes. Smooth, affordable, and made from scratch, these refried beans are wholesome, satisfying, and always a crowd pleaser.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This refried beans
- Rich, creamy texture that melts in your mouth.
- Perfectly seasoned for a burst of authentic flavor.
- Versatile dish that complements any meal.
- Easy to make with simple, wholesome ingredients.
- Great for meal prep and leftovers!
refried beans
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Heat the Fat – Heat lard or oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Step 2: Sauté the Onion – Add chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Step 3: Add Garlic – Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Step 4: Combine Beans – Add the cooked pinto beans and about ¼ cup of the bean cooking liquid (or water).
- Step 5: Mash the Beans – Mash the beans with a potato masher or the back of a spoon until smooth, adding more liquid as needed to reach desired consistency.
- Step 6: Season – Season with ground cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Step 7: Cook Through – Cook, stirring occasionally, until heated through and slightly thickened, about 5–7 minutes.
- Step 8: Serve – Serve hot, garnished with cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice if desired.
Notes
| Nutrition Facts | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 200 |
| Fat | 8g |
| Protein | 10g |
| Carbs | 30g |
Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to make creamy and delicious refried beans at home!
- 2 cups cooked pinto beans – with liquid
- 2 tablespoons lard or vegetable oil – for cooking
- 1 small onion – finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic – minced
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin – for flavor
- Salt and pepper – to taste
- Optional: chopped cilantro – for garnish
- Optional: lime juice – for garnish
How to Make Refried Beans
Making refried beans is a delightful experience! With a preparation time of about 10 minutes and a cooking time of 15 minutes, you’ll have creamy, flavorful beans ready to enjoy in no time. Let’s get started!
Step 1: Heat the Fat
Heat lard or oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion
Add chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
Step 3: Add Garlic
Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Step 4: Combine Beans
Add the cooked pinto beans and about ¼ cup of the bean cooking liquid (or water).
Step 5: Mash the Beans
Mash the beans with a potato masher or the back of a spoon until smooth, adding more liquid as needed to reach desired consistency.
Step 6: Season
Season with ground cumin, salt, and pepper.
Step 7: Cook Through
Cook, stirring occasionally, until heated through and slightly thickened, about 5–7 minutes.
Step 8: Serve
Serve hot, garnished with cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice if desired.
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Side Dish |
| Cuisine | Mexican |
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 15 minutes |
| Total Time | 25 minutes |
| Dietary | Vegetarian |
| Serves | 4 |
| Best Served | Hot, garnished with cilantro and lime juice! |
Pro Tips for Making refried beans
- Soak your beans overnight for a creamier texture.
- Use vegetable broth instead of water for added flavor.
- Cook on low heat to enhance the beans’ natural sweetness.
- Experiment with spices like cumin and chili powder for a kick.
- Top with fresh cilantro and lime for a zesty finish.
How to Serve this refried beans
- Spread on warm tortillas for a delicious burrito base.
- Top with fresh avocado slices and a sprinkle of lime juice.
- Serve as a dip with tortilla chips for a tasty appetizer.
- Pair with grilled veggies for a hearty vegetarian meal.
- Use as a filling for quesadillas or tacos for extra flavor.
- Mix in some sautéed onions and peppers for a colorful twist.
- Serve alongside rice and salsa for a complete dish.
- Garnish with cilantro and diced tomatoes for a fresh touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing and enjoying your refried beans later is easy!
Storing Leftovers
- Let the beans cool to room temperature.
- Transfer to an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Label with the date for easy tracking.
Freezing
- Cool the beans completely before freezing.
- Portion into freezer-safe bags or containers.
- Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating
- Thaw frozen beans in the refrigerator overnight.
- Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat.
- Add a splash of vegetable broth or water for creaminess.
- Stir frequently until heated through and smooth.
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FAQs
Here’s a helpful FAQ about this recipe:
1. What are refried beans made of?
Refried beans are typically made from pinto beans or black beans that are cooked until soft, then mashed and fried in a bit of oil or butter. They are often seasoned with garlic, onion, and spices to enhance their flavor, making them a delicious and versatile dish that can be used in various recipes or served as a side dish.
2. Why do Mexican restaurant refried beans taste so good?
Mexican restaurant refried beans often taste amazing due to the use of high-quality ingredients, traditional cooking methods, and a blend of spices that enhance their natural flavor. Many restaurants also use lard for frying, which adds richness, but you can achieve a similar taste at home by using vegetable oil or butter along with seasonings like cumin and chili powder.
3. Are refried beans healthy?
Refried beans can be a healthy option, especially when made from scratch. They are high in protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. To keep them healthy, use minimal oil and avoid adding excessive cheese or cream. Opting for whole beans rather than canned varieties can also help reduce sodium intake and increase nutritional value.
4. Why do they call them refried beans?
The term ‘refried’ can be a bit misleading. The ‘re’ in refried comes from the Spanish word ‘refritos,’ which means ‘well-fried.’ This refers to the process of frying the beans after they have been cooked, rather than implying that they are fried twice. The cooking method gives them their creamy texture and rich flavor that we all love.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—your very own batch of creamy, homemade refried beans! It’s a simple, rewarding dish that brings a taste of tradition right to your table. So grab your tortilla chips or warm tortillas, and dig in! Enjoy every bite, and don’t forget to share this delightful recipe with friends and family!