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)

Vegetarian Tofu Enchiladas
Casserole dish with a tofu and vegetable mix topped with black olives and cilantro.

Vegetarian Tofu Enchiladas

Tofu provides protein while mushrooms provide texture and umami flavor in these easy enchiladas.
Prepare:
30 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
8 pieces
Quick Tomato Pasta Sauce
Tomato sauce served over spaghetti noodles.

Quick Tomato Pasta Sauce

A simple and delicious pasta sauce that comes together in less than 30 minutes.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
15 minutes
Makes:
2 cups
Creamed Green Beans and Potatoes
Red potato, mushroom and green beans covered in a creamy herb sauce.

Creamed Green Beans and Potatoes

Warm and creamy dish that is on the table in 30 minutes. A great holiday dinner or potluck recipe.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
15 minutes
Makes:
4 cups
Potato Turnip Gratin
Baking dish of potatoes and turnips with a crispy top layer of breadcrumbs.

Potato Turnip Gratin

Rich and creamy root vegetables, flavored with tangy parmesan cheese and topped with crunchy breadcrumbs.
Prepare:
30 minutes
Cook:
60 minutes
Makes:
4 Cups
Red Cabbage with Apples
Plate of sauteed cabbage and apples.

Red Cabbage with Apples

A sweet and savory combination of sautéed cabbage, onion and apples that makes a perfect side dish.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
6 cups
Jack-O-Lanterns (Pumpkin Pancakes)
Stack of pumpkin shaped pancakes with raisins.

Jack-O-Lanterns (Pumpkin Pancakes)

Brown sugar, pumpkin and warming spices make this a fun and delicious recipe that the whole family will enjoy.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
5 minutes
Makes:
16 pancakes (4-inch)