Refried beans are a staple in Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine — creamy, flavorful, and incredibly versatile. Whether you’re using them as a side dish, taco filling, dip, or spread, a good refried beans recipe can elevate any meal.
In this article, we’ll share a tried-and-true homemade refried beans recipe, using simple ingredients for authentic flavor. Plus, we’ll cover variations (vegan, instant pot, pinto vs. black beans), storage tips, and creative serving ideas. Let’s dive into the comfort food goodness!
What Are Refried Beans?
Despite the name, refried beans are not fried twice. The term comes from the Spanish name frijoles refritos, which means “well-fried beans.” The beans are cooked until soft, then mashed and sautéed in fat (traditionally lard) with seasonings like onion and garlic.
Authentic refried beans recipes deliver a creamy texture with rich, savory depth — a true comfort food.
Why You’ll Love This Refried Beans Recipe
✅ Flavorful and creamy
✅ Budget-friendly pantry ingredients
✅ Customizable: vegan, vegetarian, or traditional
✅ Freezer-friendly
✅ Way better than canned!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you need for the ultimate homemade refried beans recipe:
For Traditional Refried Beans (Pinto Bean Version):
- 2 cups dried pinto beans (or 3 cans, drained and rinsed)
- 1 small onion, halved
- 3 cloves garlic, peeled
- 1 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 2 tablespoons lard (or vegetable oil or bacon fat)
- 1 cup reserved bean broth or water
Optional: Add a jalapeño or bay leaf to the simmering beans for extra flavor.
How to Make Refried Beans from Scratch
Step 1: Soak and Cook the Beans
If using dried beans, soak them overnight or for at least 6–8 hours in water. Drain and rinse.
In a large pot, add soaked beans, onion, garlic, and enough water to cover by 2–3 inches. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours or until tender. Add more water as needed to keep beans submerged.
If using canned beans, you can skip this step.
Pro Tip: Always reserve about 1–2 cups of the cooking liquid. It adds great flavor when mashing the beans!
Step 2: Sauté for Flavor
In a large skillet or cast iron pan, heat lard or oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic or a bit of diced onion (if desired) and cook until fragrant.
Add the cooked beans along with a splash of the reserved liquid. Begin mashing with a potato masher or the back of a spoon.
Step 3: Season and Mash
Sprinkle in salt, cumin, and any additional spices you like (smoked paprika, chili powder, etc.). Continue mashing and stirring, adding liquid as needed to reach your desired consistency.
Want your refried beans extra creamy? Use an immersion blender or food processor.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve warm with a sprinkle of queso fresco, chopped cilantro, or hot sauce.
Variations on This Refried Beans Recipe
🌿 Vegan Refried Beans Recipe
Use olive oil or avocado oil instead of lard. Bonus: Sauté with diced bell peppers or green chilies for extra punch.
🌶️ Spicy Refried Beans
Add diced jalapeños, chipotle peppers in adobo, or cayenne powder while cooking the beans.
🖤 Black Refried Beans
Swap pinto beans for black beans. Everything else remains the same!
⚡ Instant Pot Refried Beans Recipe
Skip the soaking step! Cook beans in the Instant Pot with onion, garlic, and water (35–40 minutes high pressure, then natural release). Mash and sauté as directed.
What to Serve with Refried Beans
Refried beans are one of the most adaptable dishes out there. Here are some ideas:
- Tacos – Add as a base layer in soft or crispy tacos.
- Burritos – Spread inside for extra protein and creaminess.
- Quesadillas – Use as a filling with melted cheese.
- Nachos – Layer over tortilla chips with toppings.
- Huevos Rancheros – Pair with fried eggs, salsa, and tortillas.
- Rice & Beans – A classic combo with Mexican rice.
- Tostadas – Spread beans over crispy shells and pile high with toppings.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Refried beans keep very well, making them great for meal prep.
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Cool completely, then freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
- To Reheat: Warm in a saucepan with a splash of water or broth. Stir until smooth and heated through.
Canned vs. Homemade Refried Beans: Why Homemade Wins
While canned refried beans are convenient, they often lack the depth and freshness of homemade. This refried beans recipe lets you control the salt, fat, and spices — plus, it tastes WAY better!
Bonus: It’s budget-friendly. One bag of dried beans makes a huge batch for pennies on the dollar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned beans for this refried beans recipe?
Yes! Use 2–3 cans of pinto or black beans. Drain and rinse, then mash and season as directed.
What’s the best fat to use for authentic refried beans?
Traditional Mexican refried beans use lard, but you can also use bacon fat, butter, or vegetable oil for a vegetarian version.
Are refried beans healthy?
Yes — especially when homemade! Beans are high in fiber, protein, and iron. Control the fat and salt content to make them even healthier.
How do I make refried beans without mashing?
You can blend the beans with a bit of cooking liquid in a blender for ultra-smooth beans — almost like a bean puree.
Final Thoughts on the Best Refried Beans Recipe
Whether you’re making a taco night feast or meal prepping for the week, this homemade refried beans recipe is your go-to for flavor, nutrition, and versatility. It’s simple, satisfying, and totally customizable — a perfect side dish or hearty filling that’s way better than store-bought.
Give it a try and taste the difference real, homemade refried beans can make. You may never buy the canned version again!