Recipes Ideas

Mexican Refried Beans

Written by

admin

in

(Authentic Homemade Frijoles Refritos)

These Mexican Refried Beans are creamy, flavorful, and the perfect side dish for tacos, enchiladas, burritos, carne asada, and more. Made with tender pinto beans, garlic, onion, and traditional seasonings, homemade refried beans taste so much better than canned!

Ingredients

For the Beans:

  • 2 pounds dried pinto beans
  • 10 cups water
  • 1 medium onion, quartered
  • 5 cloves garlic
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tablespoon salt (adjust to taste)

For Refrying:

  • 4 tablespoons lard, bacon grease, or vegetable oil
  • ½ medium onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon Mexican oregano
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Optional Additions:

  • 2 roasted Hatch green chiles, chopped
  • ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • ½ cup queso fresco
  • Crispy bacon pieces
  • Jalapeños
  • Cilantro
  • Hot sauce

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pinto Beans

  • Rinse dried beans and remove any damaged beans.
  • Add beans to a large pot with water.
  • Add:
    • Onion
    • Garlic cloves
    • Bay leaves

Bring to a boil.

Reduce heat and simmer:

2–3 hours until beans are soft and tender.

Add salt during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Step 2: Prepare the Refried Beans

  • Heat lard, bacon grease, or oil in a skillet.
  • Add diced onion and cook until golden.
  • Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

Add cooked beans with some of their cooking liquid.

Step 3: Mash the Beans

  • Mash beans with a potato masher or spoon.
  • Continue cooking until creamy.

Adjust texture by adding more bean broth if needed.

Step 4: Season & Finish

Stir in:

  • Cumin
  • Chili powder
  • Mexican oregano
  • Salt and pepper

Cook for another 5–10 minutes.

Top with:

  • Cheese
  • Cilantro
  • Jalapeños

Serve warm!

Extra Recipe Tips & Secrets 🫘✨

For the Best Refried Beans:

✅ Use bean broth
The cooking liquid adds incredible flavor.

✅ Use bacon grease or lard
This creates a traditional rich taste.

✅ Don’t over-mash
A little texture makes them homemade.

✅ Make them ahead
The flavor gets even better the next day.

Delicious Variations

🌶️ Hatch Green Chile Refried Beans:

Add:

  • Roasted Hatch green chiles
  • Pepper Jack cheese

🥓 Bacon Refried Beans:

Add:

  • Crispy bacon
  • Bacon grease instead of oil

🧀 Cheesy Refried Beans:

Add:

  • Monterey Jack
  • Cheddar
  • Queso Oaxaca

🔥 Spicy Refried Beans:

Add:

  • Jalapeños
  • Serrano peppers
  • Chipotle peppers

🫘 Black Bean Version:

Replace pinto beans with:

  • Black beans

Serving Ideas 🌮

Perfect with:

🌮 Tacos
🥩 Carne Asada
🌯 Burritos
🧀 Enchiladas
🍚 Mexican rice
🌽 Street corn
🥑 Guacamole
🌶️ Salsa verde

Storage & Meal Prep

Refrigerator:
Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Freezer:
Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating:
Add a splash of water or broth and warm slowly.

Social Media Caption Ideas ❤️

Option 1:

“Made homemade Mexican Refried Beans today and they were so much better than canned! 🫘🌶️ Creamy, flavorful, and perfect with tacos, enchiladas, or a big plate of carne asada.
Full recipe is in the comments below!”

Option 2:

“The perfect side dish for any Mexican meal! 😍🫘 These homemade Refried Beans are rich, creamy, and full of authentic flavor. Simple ingredients create the best comfort food.
Save this recipe ❤️
Recipe below!”

Option 3:

“Nothing beats homemade beans! 🌮🫘 Slow cooked pinto beans transformed into creamy, delicious refried beans that pair perfectly with all your favorite Mexican dishes.
Who loves homemade beans? 👇
Full recipe in the comments!”

Nutrition Facts (Approximate)

Per serving (if divided into 8 servings):

  • Calories: 220–300 kcal
  • Protein: 10–14 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35–45 g
  • Fat: 6–12 g
  • Fiber: 10–14 g

Entire Recipe:

  • Calories: approximately 1,800–2,400 kcal
  • Protein: approximately 80–110 g

Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

Q: Why are they called refried beans?
A: The name comes from the Spanish term frijoles refritos, meaning beans that are cooked again, not fried twice.

Q: Can I use canned beans?
A: Yes! Use about 6 cans of pinto beans and include some of the liquid.

Q: What beans are best for refried beans?
A: Pinto beans are traditional, but black beans also work.

Q: Can I make them vegetarian?
A: Yes! Use olive oil instead of lard or bacon grease.

Q: How do I make them extra creamy?
A: Add more bean broth, mash well, and finish with a little butter or cheese.

Q: Can I make these spicy?
A: Add roasted green chiles, jalapeños, or your favorite hot sauce.

🫘🌶️ Mexican Refried Beans are a classic comfort food — creamy, savory, and full of homemade flavor. They are the perfect companion for tacos, enchiladas, burritos, and every delicious Mexican meal! ❤️

✕

More posts