These Easy Refried Beans will be your go-to recipe for refried beans. They are creamy and delicious with just the right amount of seasoning.
These beans get a head start by using canned pinto beans. Ready in under 15 minutes!
Homemade refried beans
We use a lot of refried beans in our house. It seems like any time we are having any type of Mexican food, out come the refried beans. And I'll be honest, we've tried them all. I have a great recipe for crockpot refried beans, and we love them but they take planning ahead of time and take several hours.
We have also used several cans of refried beans. They are easy, but there's just something unappealing about the beans that come out in a solid clump with the indentation of the lines from the cans. They work in a pinch, but they aren't my favorite.
Finally, my sister introduced me to these easy refried beans and they have become my all-time favorite. These beans get a jump start by using canned pinto beans. You can buy your favorite variety at the store or you could also try canning dried pinto beans and having a stock on hand.
These refried beans are perfect on tostadas, in burritos, tacos, or served as a side dish. Don't forget to use them in this seven-layer dip too!
Key ingredients
- Canned Pinto Beans - Use your favorite store-bought brand or use your own home canned beans.
- Olive Oil - Just a bit of oil is used to help bloom or bring out the flavors of the spices. You can also use your favorite type of oil.
- Spices - Ground cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper or chili powder.
Step-by-step directions
- Heat the oil in a large skillet over low heat.
- Add the spices and stir. Bloom the spices, or heat just until you can smell the spices.
- Add the beans along with the sauce they are packed in.
- Stir well and begin mashing the beans with a fork, a potato masher, or a large spoon. You want about ¾ of the beans mashed.
- Cook over low to medium-low heat until the beans have thickened.
- Serve hot.
Kitchen terminology
- Bloom is a cooking term for heating spices, often in oil or fat to help bring out the flavor of the spices.
Recipe tips
- Use a large skillet rather than a pot. The skillet makes it easier to mash the beans.
- Mash as many beans as you'd like or leave more whole beans if you prefer.
- Wait until your beans have reached the desired thickness and then taste. Add salt and pepper if needed.
- Top with shredded cheese just before serving, if desired.
Variations on refried beans
- Use black beans in place of the pinto beans.
- Substitute regular paprika for the smoked paprika.
- Add a pinch of chipotle powder.
Frequently asked questions
Store cooled refried beans in a covered container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Yes, these beans freeze well. Place cooled beans in a freezer-safe container and freeze. Best used within 3 months.
Serving suggestions
Serve these tasty refried beans with your favorite main dishes. Some of our favorites are
More delicious recipes using pinto beans
If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear about it! Leave a comment below and snap a picture and tag me on Instagram @beyondthechickencoop
More from Beyond The Chicken Coop
Check out all my delicious side dishes!
Refried Beans Recipe
Equipment
- Potato Masher
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or your favorite oil)
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne (or chili powder)
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 15 ounce cans pinto beans (Do NOT drain)
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large skillet over low heat.1 tablespoon olive oil
- Add the spices and stir. Cook just until you can smell the spices.½ teaspoon cumin, ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika, ¼ teaspoon cayenne, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- Add the beans along with the sauce they are packed in.2 15 ounce cans pinto beans
- Stir well and begin mashing the beans with a fork, a potato masher, or a large spoon. You want about ¾ of the beans mashed.
- Cook over low to medium-low heat until the beans have thickened.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Use a large skillet rather than a pot. The skillet makes it easier to mash the beans.
- Mash as many beans as you'd like or leave more whole beans if you prefer.
- Wait until your beans have reached the desired thickness and then taste. Add salt and pepper if needed.
- Top with shredded cheese just before serving, if desired.
Nutritional Disclaimer:
Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and should only be construed as an estimate rather than a guarantee. To obtain the most precise nutritional information in a provided recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the exact ingredients you are using when preparing the recipe using your preferred nutrition calculator.
Leave a Reply