Authentic Refried Beans
Homemade authentic refried beans are so delicious and simple! 2 ways to make - using dry pinto beans (traditional) or canned (the quickest).
Ingredients
- 16 ounce can pinto beans or 1 recipe of cooked dried beans (see below in the notes section)
- 1½ tablespoons fat (olive oil, avocado oil, pork lard, beef lard, bacon drippings)
- ½ small onion (finely chopped)
- 1 teaspoon garlic (minced)
- ½ to 1 cup water or beef broth (as needed)
- salt (to taste)
- 3 tablespoons crumbled queso fresco cheese (optional)
Instructions
Prepare Beans
- If using dried cooked beans: follow the instructions below on how to cook dry beans (don't forget to soak the beans overnight). Drain and save the bean broth from the soaking beans to use in place of beef broth. If using canned pinto beans: drain all liquid and rinse before using.
To Make Refried Beans
- Preheat a medium-sized skillet over medium heat with your fat of choice. Add onions and garlic and saute until golden and soft, about 8 to 10 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low and add beans. Smash with a back of a mixing spoon or a masher until they are coarsely mashed. Hint: Mashing a few at a time is easier. Try doing a third of the beans, mash, then add another ⅓ of the beans and continue.
- Once beans are mashed add bean broth or regular broth until beans reach the desired thickness, stirring until heated. Top with optional cheese and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve right away
Kori's Tips
Don't miss all of our helpful hints, substitution ideas, cooking tips, and other delicious recipes that can be found in our post. Check it out!
VARIATIONS: Black beans can be substituted for pinto.
TOP TIPS: Buy canned beans to save time or follow the recipe below to cook dried beans for use in this recipe.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS: Serve as a dip with chips, a side dish to your favorite Mexican recipe, or as a filling for burritos, tacos, or tostadas.
HOW TO COOK DRY BEANS:
Ingredients
- 1 cup dry pinto beans
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon avocado or olive oil, or other fat of choice.
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Rinse the beans and remove any dirt or pebbles. In a bowl add beans and 3 cups of water. Soak overnight. Beans are ready for cooking when you break open a bean and see no dryness inside.
- Drain the water and add beans to a 3 to 4-quart saucepan. Add 3 cups of fresh water, onion, oil, and salt.
- Bring to a simmer and partially cover. Simmer until fully tender about 1 to 2 hours. Add more water if the water evaporates. Stir occasionally to keep beans from sticking to pot.
- Drain the beans, but save the broth. Use the beans to make this refried beans recipe, using the bean broth to use as a liquid in place of the beef as needed.
Nutrition
Calories: 117kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 5gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 7mgSodium: 259mgPotassium: 231mgFiber: 4gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 60IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 80mgIron: 1mg
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