Refried beans are one of those quiet kitchen heroes. Affordable, filling, and ridiculously versatile, they bring warmth and comfort to almost any meal—tacos, burritos, enchiladas, rice bowls, or just straight off the spoon with warm tortillas.

This version uses pinto beans, the classic choice, and keeps it simple while still packing real flavor. You can make it from scratch with dried beans or use canned beans for a quicker option—either way, this is way better than the stuff from a can.

No lard needed (unless you want it). Just a handful of ingredients and some patience.

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Authentic Homemade Refried Beans

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Ingredients

• From Dried Beans
• 1 lb dry pinto beans, sorted and rinsed
• ½ medium onion, peeled
• 2 cloves garlic, peeled
• 8 cups water
• 1½ tsp salt (more to taste)
• 2 tbsp neutral oil, bacon fat, or lard
• ½ tsp ground cumin (optional)
• Fresh lime juice (optional, for finishing)
• If Using Canned Beans (Faster Version)
• 2 (15-oz) cans pinto beans, undrained
• 1 tbsp neutral oil, bacon fat, or lard
• ½ onion, finely chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt to taste
• ¼ cup water or broth, if needed

Instructions

Cook the Beans:

Add rinsed beans, onion, garlic, and water to a large pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cook uncovered for about 1.5 to 2 hours, until beans are tender. Add more water if needed to keep them submerged. Stir in the salt near the end of cooking.

Drain and Reserve Liquid:

Once beans are soft, remove onion and garlic if desired. Drain the beans but reserve about 2 cups of the cooking liquid.

Mash and Fry:

Heat oil or fat in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the beans and about ½ cup of the reserved liquid. Use a potato masher or the back of a spoon to mash the beans to your desired consistency.

Adjust Texture:

Add more bean liquid as needed to loosen them up. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until thick and creamy.

Taste and Season:

Add more salt if needed. Finish with a splash of lime juice or a pinch of cumin for an earthy note.

Using Canned Beans (Quicker Method)

Sauté Aromatics:

Heat oil in a skillet over medium. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 4 minutes. Add garlic and stir for another minute.

Add Beans:

Pour in the undrained canned beans. Bring to a simmer.

Mash & Cook:

Mash beans with a spoon or potato masher. Add water or broth a little at a time to reach the right texture. Simmer 5–10 minutes until thick and creamy.

Season:

Taste and adjust with salt, pepper, or lime juice.

Notes

• Want smoky depth? Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cook the beans with a piece of bacon or smoked ham hock.
  
• Spice it up: Stir in minced jalapeño or chili powder while mashing.
  
• Vegan version: Stick with avocado or vegetable oil.
  
• Make ahead: These store well in the fridge for 4–5 days and freeze beautifully.
  

Nutrition Information

Yield

3-5

Serving Size

1/2
Amount Per Serving Calories 180Sodium 340mgCarbohydrates 28gProtein 10g

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How to Make Refried Beans – Step-by-Step with Detail

Start by boiling your beans with aromatics like garlic and onion. This adds flavor without needing broth or meat. Once tender, the beans get mashed and fried in oil, letting the starch break down into that creamy, rich consistency.

If you’re using canned beans, you’ll sauté onion and garlic in a pan, add your beans with a little of their liquid, mash, and simmer.

The trick is to let them cook after mashing, so they thicken and the flavors deepen. It’s like transforming the humble bean into something rich, silky, and deeply satisfying.

You don’t want them too wet—just creamy enough to spread or scoop.

Customization Options

• Add cheese: Stir in grated cheddar or cotija at the end.
• Creamy-style: Add a splash of milk, cream, or even sour cream while mashing.
• Chipotle version: Blend in chipotle in adobo for heat and smokiness.
• Bacon-style: Cook diced bacon in the pan first, then use the rendered fat to mash the beans.

Serving Suggestions / Meal Pairings

Refried beans are the perfect partner for almost anything:

• Serve with Mexican rice and grilled chicken or steak
• Spoon into burritos, tacos, or enchiladas
• Use as a base layer in tostadas or nachos
• Enjoy with fried eggs and tortillas for a classic Tex-Mex breakfast

These homemade refried beans prove that the best food doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. With just a few basic ingredients and a little love, you can create something better than anything from a can.

Whether you’re building tacos or just craving something cozy, this is a recipe to keep in your back pocket and make on repeat.

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