Homemade Refried Beans – these beans are so simple to make, they have just a few ingredients, take about 20 minutes and are so much better than the canned version!
It is no secret that we like Mexican food at my house. It can be anything from Chicken Enchiladas to just basic taco night. Mexican food is on our menu at least once a week, usually more. I have not always been a fan of refried beans, so I have relied on the canned version for my guys who love them.
Well recently my son was at my brothers house and he made homemade refried beans, and my son was blown away. I received an email with the recipe shortly after they were done eating and now they are our go to recipe.
This refried beans recipe does start with canned pinto beans. Lots of recipes out there use dried beans and is a much longer process. One of the things I like about Chicken Tostadas and other Mexican food is how quickly it is ready. I don’t want to have to plan way ahead. So that is why I love this recipe. 20 minutes and you are ready to eat.
And the nice thing about making a homemade version is you can adjust the seasonings how you want. If you like the spicy, add in a little bit of chopped jalapeno. Mix in a little onion or chili powder. That is really up to you!
How to Make Refried Beans
- Start with canned pinto beans. You are going to use all the liquid in the can, so I like to pay a little extra and make sure I am getting the best version on the shelf.
- Add a bay leaf to help give it lots of flavor
- Smashed garlic cooks with the beans and infuses it with lots of flavor
- Seasonings. Add what you like. We do 1/2 tsp oregano and 1/2 tsp cumin. But you could skip those, add something different, whatever!
- Salt at the end. Adding salt early in the cooking process can make the beans tough. Salt at the end and adjust to the level you like.
- If you like your beans smooth, you can use a stick blender. If you like them slightly chunky a potato masher works great. Just mash to the texture you enjoy.
Can you Freeze Refried Beans?
- Definitely! Just cool completely and place in an air tight container.
- This recipe does not make a ton, but you could double, or triple the recipe and then freeze in portions for later.
How long will Homemade Refried Beans last in the fridge?
- I would store them in an air tight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
- To reheat you can microwave or place in a saucepan and heat over medium-low heat.
So the next time you are thinking of Mexican food for dinner, skip the canned refried beans and make your own! They can be seasoning and exactly to your liking. Plus they are hardly any extra work.
These beans would be great to serve inside your enchiladas, on top of your Shrimp Tostadas or just as a side dish with tacos. So many possibilities, your family is going to love them.
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Homemade Refried Beans
Homemade Refried Beans - these beans are so simple to make, they have just a few ingredients, take about 20 minutes and are so much better than the canned version!
Ingredients
- 1 (15 oz) can Pinto Beans
- 1 clove garlic, smashed
- 1 bay leave
- 1/4 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Add the entire contents of the can of beans to a small saucepan.
- Add the rest of the ingredients, except the salt, and stir to combine.
- Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the beans are soft.
- Remove the bay leave and smash or blend to your desired consistency
- Season with about 1/2 tsp salt, taste and adjust from there.
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Nutrition Information
Yield
3Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 124Total Fat 1gSaturated Fat 0gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 1gCholesterol 0mgSodium 783mgCarbohydrates 23gFiber 7gSugar 2gProtein 7g
Nutrition Disclaimer: All information presented on this site is intended for informational purposes only. I am not a certified nutritionist and any nutritional information shared on dinnersdishesanddesserts.com should only be used as a general guideline.
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Rachael Yerkes says
Refried beans are the best! Homemade are amazing! Never using canned again!
Steph says
You’re right, these were SO much better than the canned bean I normally buy!
Amy Locurto says
Love these beans!
Becky Hardin says
These homemade beans sound so good. Love that you have tips that we can freeze them.
Anna says
Homemade refried beans are the best! These look perfect!
Lora says
I just love refried beans and I’m going to make these this weekend!!!
Melanie Bauer says
Sounds incredibly amazing! I can make this at home now, so simple yet delicious!
Chrissie Baker says
Made this for dinner tonight and it was delish! This will be my go-to refried beans recipe from now on. So much more flavor than can refried beans.
Taylor says
Love the idea of making these at home! So yummy and much more fresh!
Cathy says
I’ve never had homemade….I need to give these a try!
Megan Ancheta says
So easy and delicious! My kids love refried bean… and I love that they are cheap and filling!
Krista says
Wow! I have to make these! They look so good!
Tiffany G. says
Made these last night (1st time ever making homemade) to go with the Mexican pizza recipe since I didn’t have any refried beans in a can but I did have the pinto beans. LOVE! Will likely be making homemafe more often than not now that I know how easy & delish they are! Making a recipe card for easy reference. Thank you!