Creamy, savory, and incredibly satisfying, refried beans are a staple in Mexican and Tex-Mex cooking. Whether served as a side dish, tucked into burritos, or spread on tostadas, this delicious refried beans recipe you’ll love is simple to make and packed with authentic flavor. Best of all, it comes together with pantry ingredients and tastes far better than anything from a can.
Why You’ll Love This Refried Beans Recipe
Rich, homemade flavor
Ready in about 20 minutes
Budget-friendly and filling
Easy to customize
Perfect for meal prep
Once you try these, store-bought refried beans won’t compare.
Ingredients You’ll Need
2 cups cooked pinto beans (or 1 can, drained and rinsed)
2 tbsp oil or lard
½ small onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ tsp ground cumin
Salt to taste
½–¾ cup bean cooking liquid or broth
Optional additions:
Chili powder or paprika
Jalapeño or green chilies
Lime juice
Fresh cilantro
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat oil or lard in a skillet over medium heat.
Add onion and cook until soft and lightly golden.
Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 2: Add the Beans
Add cooked beans and cumin to the skillet.
Stir well to coat the beans with the onion and garlic mixture.
Step 3: Mash to Desired Texture
Using a potato masher or fork, mash the beans gradually.
Add broth or bean liquid slowly until you reach your preferred consistency—smooth or slightly chunky.
Step 4: Simmer and Season
Let beans simmer for 5–10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Season with salt and optional spices to taste.
Tips for the Best Refried Beans
Use bean liquid for richer flavor
Mash slowly to control texture
Don’t rush the simmer—flavor improves with time
Taste and adjust seasoning at the end
Lard = authentic flavor, oil = lighter version
These simple tricks make this truly a delicious refried beans recipe you’ll love.
Easy Variations to Try
Creamy Refried Beans
Stir in a splash of milk or a spoon of sour cream.
Spicy Refried Beans
Add diced jalapeños, chipotle powder, or hot sauce.
Vegan Refried Beans
Use vegetable oil and vegetable broth.
Restaurant-Style Beans
Finish with a knob of butter and extra salt.
How to Serve Refried Beans
As a side for tacos, enchiladas, or fajitas
Spread in burritos or quesadillas
On tostadas with cheese and salsa
With eggs for breakfast
As a dip with tortilla chips
Storage and Reheating
Store in an airtight container
Refrigerate up to 4 days
Freeze up to 2 months
Reheat with a splash of water or broth to loosen texture
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Skipping aromatics
Over-salting too early
Letting beans dry out
Using too much liquid at once
Conclusion
This delicious refried beans recipe you’ll love proves that simple ingredients can create bold, comforting flavors. Creamy, customizable, and endlessly versatile, these homemade refried beans deserve a spot in your regular meal rotation.
Once you taste the freshness and depth of flavor, you’ll never go back to canned beans again—homemade really is that good 🌮🥣