Irresistible Homemade Refried Beans Recipe You’ll Love

Imagine a warm bowl of homemade refried beans, steam wafting up to greet you like an old friend. The comforting aroma of cumin and garlic fills the air, beckoning you closer. Each spoonful is creamy, rich, and packed with flavor, creating a cozy hug for your taste buds. You can almost hear the sizzle as they cook, promising a delightful experience that’s perfect for tacos, burritos, or simply slathered on a piece of warm tortilla.

I can still remember the first time I made homemade refried beans. My kitchen transformed into a fiesta as my friends gathered around, eagerly awaiting the first bite. Their eyes lit up with joy as they tasted the creamy goodness—like magic! Whether it’s taco night or just a casual snack, these beans are always the star of the show.

My friends couldn’t stop raving about how delicious they were—who knew beans could steal the spotlight so effortlessly?

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Pinto Beans: Dried pinto beans are ideal; soak them overnight to ensure even cooking and optimal creaminess.

• Onion: A medium onion adds sweetness and depth; chop it finely for maximum flavor infusion.

• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves bring aromatic warmth; use at least three cloves for that robust flavor.

• Cumin: Ground cumin provides that earthy spice; adjust according to your taste preference.

• Chicken or Vegetable Broth: Broth enhances flavor; use low-sodium options if you’re watching salt intake.

• Olive Oil or Bacon Fat: Choose olive oil for a vegetarian version or bacon fat for extra richness.

• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings; add them to taste throughout the cooking process to enhance flavors.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Prep Those Beans: Start by rinsing your soaked pinto beans under cold water until clear. This step removes impurities and ensures a clean taste.

Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot over medium heat, add olive oil or bacon fat. Once hot, toss in chopped onion and sauté until golden brown and fragrant—about 5 minutes.

Add Garlic and Spices: Stir in minced garlic and ground cumin, cooking for another minute until fragrant. Your kitchen will smell heavenly at this point!

Cook the Beans: Add the soaked pinto beans to the pot along with broth. Bring everything to a boil before reducing heat to simmer for 1–1.5 hours until beans are tender.

Mash It Up: Once cooked, drain excess liquid but reserve some for later if needed. Use a potato masher or fork to mash the beans until creamy but still slightly chunky.

Season and Serve: Stir in salt and pepper to taste. If you want creamier refried beans, add reserved broth slowly while mashing until desired consistency is reached.

Now that you have made your homemade refried beans, feel free to customize them further—add jalapeños for heat or top with cheese for indulgence! Enjoy these delightful creations as part of your next meal; trust me—they’ll be gone before you know it!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by soaking your beans overnight, then cook them until tender before mashing and frying. This ensures a creamy texture and prevents burnt bits.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to add garlic, onion, or spices like cumin for extra flavor. A sprinkle of cheese on top never hurts either!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover refried beans in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water for creaminess.

The first time I made homemade refried beans, my friends couldn’t believe I had made them from scratch. They devoured every bite and begged for the recipe!

FAQ

How long does it take to make homemade refried beans?

Making refried beans can take about 1-2 hours, including soaking time.

Can I use canned beans instead of dried?

Yes, but dried beans provide a richer flavor and better texture when cooked.

What dishes pair well with homemade refried beans?

Refried beans enhance tacos, burritos, nachos, or even as a side dish with rice!

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Homemade Refried Beans

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Indulge in the rich, creamy goodness of homemade refried beans that will elevate any meal! With a delightful blend of spices and the comforting aroma of garlic and cumin, these beans are perfect for tacos, burritos, or as a standalone dish. Easy to prepare from scratch, they guarantee a flavor-packed experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 90 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 4 servings 1x
• Category: Side
• Method: Cooking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup dried pinto beans (soaked overnight)
• 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 tbsp olive oil or bacon fat
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Rinse soaked pinto beans under cold water until clear.
2. In a large pot over medium heat, add olive oil or bacon fat. Sauté onion for about 5 minutes until golden brown.
3. Stir in minced garlic and ground cumin; cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
4. Add soaked beans and broth to the pot; bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer for 1–1.5 hours or until beans are tender.
5. Drain excess liquid, reserving some if needed. Mash the beans with a potato masher or fork until creamy but slightly chunky.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, add reserved broth gradually while mashing for a creamier texture.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/2 cup (120g)
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 250mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 9g
• Protein: 7g
• Cholesterol: 0mg