Skip to main content

Refried Beans

Make your own flavorful and satisfying refried beans at home with this 15-minute recipe.
Cooking for a Crowd

Cooking for a Crowd

Use these recipe sheets to prepare for larger groups:

Small bowl of mashed beans garnished with cilantro.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Makes: 1 cup
Nutrition Facts: View label

Ingredients

1 ¼ cups or 1 can (15 to 16 ounces) cooked beans (pinto or other type)
1 Tablespoon vegetable oil
2 Tablespoons chopped onion
1 clove minced garlic or ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon cumin (or ½ teaspoon chili powder)

Directions

  1. Wash hands with soap and water.
  2. Rinse or scrub fresh vegetables under running water before preparing.
  3. Drain beans and reserve liquid. Rinse canned beans to reduce sodium.
  4. Heat oil in a skillet on medium heat. Add onion and garlic. Sauté until onion is soft.
  5. Mash beans and cumin into onion mixture in skillet. Use a potato masher or back of a spoon.
  6. Add reserved liquid or water (1 Tablespoon or more) until the mixture reaches the thickness you want.
  7. Cook and stir until heated through, 3 to 5 minutes.
  8. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

  • Try adding cilantro on top for more flavor.

Comments

Great recipe!  And all from the pantry.  We made ours the night before for quesidillas the next night.  We warmed them up in the microwave and then added a bit of water to smooth them out.  YUMMY!

I never realized homemade refried beans could be so easy!  I like mine spicy, so I use cumin and chili powder or cayenne pepper.

You might also like...

Recipes A to Z (without photos)

Cowboy Salad
Corn, bean and vegetable mix with dressing in a large bowl.

Cowboy Salad

A simple, tasty salad that is ready in under 20 minutes. Perfect for BBQs, potluck dinners or as a side dish any time of year.
Prepare:
20 minutes
Makes:
8 cups
Waldorf Salad
Bowl of creamy apple, celery and walnut mix.

Waldorf Salad

Crunchy apples topped with walnuts, raisins and a creamy dressing.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
15 minutes
Makes:
4 cups
Stovetop Tuna Casserole
Bowl of egg noodles with peas and tuna mixed in.

Stovetop Tuna Casserole

Tender egg noodles with a creamy sauce, bright peas and tasty tuna.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
15 minutes
Makes:
7 Cups
Chicken Creole
Tender chicken cooked in a tomato and spice-based sauce served over a bowl of pasta.

Chicken Creole

Quick and easy recipe that is full of flavor and ready in under an hour.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
10 cups
Strawberry Kiwi Flavored Water
Glasses of water with strawberry and kiwi slices.

Strawberry Kiwi Flavored Water

A delicious way to flavor your water!
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
4 cups
Cucumber and Tomato Salad
Bowl of chopped cucumber and tomatoes with a creamy dressing.

Cucumber and Tomato Salad

Simple salad with fresh dill, a creamy dressing and ready in 10 minutes!
Prepare:
10 minutes
Makes:
4 Cups