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)

Baked Carrot Fries
 Plate of Baked Carrot Fries and bowl of dipping sauce.

Baked Carrot Fries

Kids of all ages will love these baked carrot fries. Add a dipping sauce for more fun and flavor.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
15 to 20 minutes
Makes:
4 cups
Potato Salad
Bowl of potatoes, celery and olives with a creamy dressing.

Potato Salad

A creamy potato salad with tangy mustard and crunchy celery. Perfect potluck or summer BBQ dish.
Prepare:
20 minutes
Makes:
8 cups
Quick Lasagna
Skillet of layered flat pasta, beef, sauce and cheese.

Quick Lasagna

This lasagna uses just one pan and is ready in 45 minutes.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
45 minutes
Makes:
9 cups
Couscous Salad
Large bowl of a vegetable packed Couscous Salad.

Couscous Salad

A light and colorful salad combining sweet cranberries, crunchy pecans and fresh vegetables with couscous pasta.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Makes:
5 cups
Tuna Veggie Melt
Plate of english muffins topped with a tuna mix and cheese.

Tuna Veggie Melt

A quick and satisfying meal that uses English muffins topped with melted cheddar cheese.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
5 minutes
Makes:
6 Muffin Halves
Raspberry Oatmeal Bars
Plate of square red oatmeal and raspberry bars.

Raspberry Oatmeal Bars

Sweet-tart raspberries, whole grain oats and a buttery crust make the perfect dessert or snack.
Prepare:
20 minutes
Cook:
45 minutes
Makes:
12 Bars (2 inches x 2.5 inches)