These homemade Refried Beans are creamy, flavorful, and made with simple ingredients. They’re a perfect side dish for Mexican meals or a tasty filling for burritos and tacos.
Author:Beth
Prep Time:5 minutes
Cook Time:15 minutes
Total Time:20 minutes
Yield:4 servings 1x
Category:Side Dish
Method:Stovetop
Cuisine:Mexican
Diet:Vegan
Ingredients
Scale
2 tablespoons vegetable oil or lard
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 (15 oz) cans pinto beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup water or vegetable broth
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
Salt to taste
Optional: shredded cheese or fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
Heat oil or lard in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.
Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Add pinto beans, water or broth, and cumin. Stir to combine and cook for 5–7 minutes, allowing beans to soften further.
Using a potato masher or the back of a spoon, mash the beans to your desired consistency, adding more liquid if needed.
Season with salt to taste and continue cooking for a few more minutes until thick and creamy.
Serve warm, topped with optional cheese or cilantro.
Notes
For extra flavor, use bacon fat instead of oil or lard.
Can be made ahead and reheated with a splash of water or broth.
Great as a side dish, taco filling, or dip with tortilla chips.