If you have ever dreamed of replicating that rich, creamy, and comforting side dish from your favorite Mexican meal, then you are in the right place! This Homemade Refried Beans Recipe brings together simple, wholesome ingredients to create a dish bursting with flavor and tradition. The way the beans melt in your mouth, infused with garlic, cumin, and fresh cilantro, makes this recipe an absolute treasure to keep in your culinary repertoire. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting, you’ll find how approachable making these beans from scratch can be, with results far beyond any canned alternative. Let’s dive into the magic of crafting your own authentic refried beans that will steal the show at any meal!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of simple ingredients is all it takes to make this classic dish come alive. Each component plays a vital role in building layers of flavor and the perfect creamy texture that makes this Homemade Refried Beans Recipe so irresistible.
- ½ lb. dried pinto beans: The star of the dish, these beans provide that classic, creamy base essential for refried beans.
- ¼ cup minced fresh cilantro (divided): Adds a refreshing, herbaceous lift that brightens the beans.
- 2 tsp ground cumin (divided): Brings warm, earthy notes that deepen the flavor profile profoundly.
- 1 medium white onion (minced, divided): Offers sweetness and texture, both during cooking and in the final sauté.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced, divided): Infuses pungency and aromatic richness into every bite.
- 4½ tsp kosher salt (divided): Enhances and balances the flavors perfectly throughout the cooking process.
- ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper (divided): Adds just the right amount of subtle heat and depth.
- 2 tbsp oil: Used to sauté the aromatics and help develop flavor.
- 4 tbsp lard (bacon fat or unsalted butter): Introduces unbeatable richness and smooth texture that defines traditional refried beans.
- Garnishes (Mexican blend shredded cheese, crumbled Cotija cheese, fresh cilantro, black olives, sliced jalapenos): These optional toppings crank your serving presentation and taste up a notch.
How to Make Homemade Refried Beans Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Rinse the Beans
Start by rinsing your dried pinto beans in a colander under cold running water. This step is crucial because it removes any dust and debris, and picking out discolored beans ensures a clean, beautiful batch. Then, place the beans in a large lidded pot and submerge them with fresh cold water at least two inches above the beans to allow for swelling during cooking.
Step 2: Flavor the Beans as They Simmer
To build layers of authentic Mexican flavor, add half of your minced cilantro, 1 teaspoon of cumin, half of your finely chopped onion, half of the minced garlic, 3 teaspoons of kosher salt, and a quarter teaspoon of black pepper to the pot. Cover and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Then reduce to low heat and let the beans gently simmer for 1½ to 2 hours. This slow cooking process softens the beans until they are tender enough to mash.
Step 3: Drain and Reserve Cooking Liquid
Once the beans are tender, it’s important to save the cooking liquid. Pour the contents of the pot through a colander positioned over a large bowl to catch the cooking liquid. This flavorful liquid is a secret ingredient that helps achieve just the right consistency when refrying the beans.
Step 4: Sauté Aromatics for Extra Richness
In a large skillet, heat your oil and lard (or substitute bacon fat or butter) over medium-high heat until shimmering. Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the remaining minced onion, cooking until it becomes translucent and lightly golden—about five minutes. This step imparts a sweet caramelized flavor that complements the earthiness of the beans perfectly.
Step 5: Infuse Garlic and Spices
Next, stir in the last clove of garlic and cook it for about 30 seconds to release its fragrant oils. Add the remaining teaspoon of cumin, teaspoon of kosher salt, and quarter teaspoon of black pepper, mixing everything well to create a beautifully seasoned base for your beans.
Step 6: Combine Beans and Cooking Liquid
Add the cooked beans to your skillet and stir to incorporate all the flavors. Pour in one cup of the reserved cooking liquid and begin mashing the beans with a potato masher right in the skillet. Keep cooking while mashing until the mixture reaches your desired creamy consistency. If the beans seem too thick, simply add the cooking liquid one tablespoon at a time until perfect.
Step 7: Adjust Seasonings and Finish
Taste the beans and season with extra salt and pepper as needed to suit your palate. When you’re ready to serve, top with shredded cheese, freshly chopped cilantro, and any other garnishes you love. You’ve just made the ultimate Homemade Refried Beans Recipe that taste like a dream!
How to Serve Homemade Refried Beans Recipe
Garnishes
The perfect garnish can elevate your refried beans from simple to spectacular. Sprinkle on shredded Mexican blend cheese or crumbly Cotija cheese for a rich, tangy contrast. Fresh cilantro adds vibrancy and a burst of freshness. You might also love black olives for a subtle briny twist or sliced jalapenos if you want to introduce some spicy excitement.
Side Dishes
Refried beans are incredibly versatile and pair beautifully with many dishes. Serve them alongside freshly made tortillas, grilled meats like carne asada or chicken, and vibrant salsa or guacamole for a full, satisfying meal. They also work well with Mexican rice, fresh salads, or roasted vegetables.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not think beyond the usual side dish? Use your homemade refried beans as a hearty base for tostadas, layering with crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and creamy avocado. Spoon them into burritos or breakfast bowls, or serve as a delicious dip with your favorite tortilla chips. This recipe is a playground for creativity!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your delicious refried beans, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors will continue to meld together, and it makes for a quick and tasty addition to any meal throughout the week.
Freezing
Homemade refried beans freeze beautifully! Portion them into freezer-safe containers or bags, making sure to leave room for expansion. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you want a comforting bite, just thaw overnight or gently heat from frozen.
Reheating
Reheat your beans over low to medium heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or reserved cooking liquid to loosen the texture if needed. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even warmth and creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use canned beans instead of dried for this Homemade Refried Beans Recipe?
While dried beans give you the best texture and flavor through this recipe, you can use canned beans to save time. Be sure to rinse them well and reduce added salt since canned beans tend to be saltier.
Is it necessary to use lard or bacon fat?
Traditional refried beans often use lard or bacon fat for authentic flavor and creaminess. However, you can swap with unsalted butter or even olive oil if you prefer a vegetarian or lighter version.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Definitely! Add sliced jalapenos during the cooking process or garnish with hot sauce for an extra kick. Adjust seasonings according to your heat preference.
How thick should refried beans be?
Refried beans should be creamy yet spreadable—not too dry or too soupy. You can control the consistency by adjusting the amount of reserved bean liquid added during mashing.
Are these beans gluten-free?
Yes! This Homemade Refried Beans Recipe uses naturally gluten-free ingredients, making it suitable for those avoiding gluten. Just double-check any garnish or additional sides to ensure they’re gluten-free as well.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve discovered how simple and rewarding making your own Homemade Refried Beans Recipe can be, I encourage you to give it a try. The joy of creating this rich, creamy, and flavorful dish from scratch is unbeatable, and it elevates any meal with heart and soul. Once you taste the difference, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought again!
Print
Homemade Refried Beans Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This Homemade Refried Beans recipe is a classic Mexican side dish made from scratch using dried pinto beans simmered to tenderness, then sautéed and mashed with aromatic spices and fresh ingredients. Perfectly creamy and flavorful, it’s an excellent accompaniment to tacos, burritos, or your favorite Mexican meals.
Ingredients
Beans and Seasonings
- ½ lb. dried pinto beans
- ¼ cup minced fresh cilantro (divided)
- 2 tsp ground cumin (divided)
- 1 medium white onion (minced, divided)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced, divided)
- 4½ tsp kosher salt (divided)
- ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper (divided)
Cooking Fats
- 2 tbsp oil
- 4 tbsp lard (bacon fat or unsalted butter)
Garnishes
- Mexican blend shredded cheese or crumbled Cotija cheese
- Fresh cilantro
- Black olives
- Sliced jalapenos
Instructions
- Prepare the beans: Place the dried pinto beans in a colander and rinse under cold water until the water runs clear. Remove any discolored or dark beans. Transfer the rinsed beans to a large, lidded pot and cover with cold water by at least 2 inches.
- Add initial seasonings and simmer: Add 2 tablespoons of minced fresh cilantro, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, half the minced onion, 2 cloves of minced garlic, 3 teaspoons kosher salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper to the pot. Cover and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Simmer until tender: Once boiling, reduce heat to low and let the beans simmer gently for 1½ to 2 hours, or until very tender.
- Save cooking liquid: Drain the beans through a colander set over a large bowl to catch the cooking liquid and set both aside.
- Sauté onions: In a large skillet, heat the oil and lard over medium-high heat until shimmering. Then reduce the heat to medium-low and sauté the remaining minced onion until translucent and lightly golden, about 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Add garlic and spices: Add the remaining minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds. Then stir in 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper until well combined.
- Combine beans: Add the cooked beans to the skillet and cook for 2 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
- Mash beans: Pour in 1 cup of the reserved bean-cooking liquid and mash the beans with a potato masher until creamy and nearly all the liquid is absorbed. Add more cooking liquid by tablespoon if needed to reach your preferred texture.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste and season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve with garnishes: When ready to serve, top the refried beans with shredded Mexican blend cheese or crumbled Cotija cheese, the remaining chopped cilantro, and your choice of black olives or sliced jalapenos for extra flavor and flair. Enjoy!
Notes
- Soaking beans overnight can reduce cooking time but is not required.
- Substitute lard with unsalted butter or bacon fat for added flavor.
- For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender instead of mashing by hand.
- Adjust seasoning gradually to your taste preferences.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat gently with a splash of reserved cooking liquid to restore creaminess.
