Refried Beans
Creamy, flavorful refried beans made from scratch! A versatile Mexican staple perfect for tacos, burritos, or as a side dish.
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Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
Course Side Dish
Cuisine Mexican
Calories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 6gFat: 5gSodium: 300mgFiber: 6g
- 2 cups cooked pinto beans or 1 can, drained & rinsed
- 2 tbsp oil vegetable oil or lard for authentic flavor
- ½ small onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp salt adjust to taste
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup water or broth as needed for consistency
- 1 tbsp lime juice optional, for brightness
Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until soft. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Add beans, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir well. Mash with a potato masher or the back of a spoon, leaving some texture.
Add water or broth, a little at a time, until smooth and creamy. Stir and cook for 5-7 minutes, letting the flavors blend.
Stir in lime juice if using. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve warm! Enjoy as a side, dip, or taco filling.
- You can use black beans, kidney beans, or even navy beans for a different flavor and texture.
- To make it vegan, use vegetable oil instead of lard.
- Add a spoon of sour cream or cheese at the end for a creamy version.
- Keeps in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for later.
Keyword Cinco de mayo food, holiday side dish, Mexican recipes, vegan recipe, vegetarian recipe