The Best Refried Beans

Creamy, flavorful, and irresistibly satisfying, "The Best Refried Beans" recipe transforms simple pantry staples into a homemade staple that beats any store-bought version. Made with tender, slow-simmered pinto beans infused with the savory richness of onion, garlic, and a hint of cumin, these refried beans achieve their perfect texture with a quick mash and a touch of lime for brightness. Whether prepared with vegetable oil or traditional lard, the result is a velvety, versatile dish that pairs beautifully as a side for tacos, burritos, or enchiladas, or as a crowd-pleasing dip with tortilla chips. With optional fresh cilantro for garnish, this easy, hearty recipe will quickly become your go-to for authentic and homemade Mexican-inspired flavors. Perfect for weekly dinners or festive occasions, it's a must-try addition to your repertoire!

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:75 mins

Total Time:90 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 cups Dried pinto beans
• 8 cups Water
• 1 medium, diced Yellow onion
• 4 minced Garlic cloves
• 2 teaspoons Salt
• 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
• 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil (or lard)
• 1 tablespoon Fresh lime juice
• 2 tablespoons Chopped cilantro (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the dried pinto beans under cold water, discarding any debris or damaged beans.

Step 2

In a large pot, combine the rinsed beans and 8 cups of water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

Step 3

Lower the heat to a simmer and add the diced onion, minced garlic, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Let the beans cook, uncovered, for about 60-75 minutes, or until they are tender and creamy. Stir occasionally and add more water if needed to keep the beans submerged.

Step 4

Once the beans are cooked, reserve about 1 cup of the bean cooking liquid and drain the rest.

Step 5

In a large skillet or frying pan, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil (or lard) over medium heat.

Step 6

Add the cooked beans to the skillet along with 1/2 cup of the reserved bean cooking liquid. Use a potato masher or the back of a wooden spoon to mash the beans to your desired consistency.

Step 7

Stir in the remaining 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, and the lime juice. If the beans are too thick, add more of the reserved cooking liquid, a tablespoon at a time, until they reach your desired consistency.

Step 8

Continue to cook the mashed beans over medium-low heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are heated through and creamy.

Step 9

Adjust the seasoning to taste and garnish with chopped cilantro, if desired. Serve warm as a side dish, taco filling, or dip with tortilla chips.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2460.5 grams (2460.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	826

Total Fat 31.00g	40%
Saturated Fat 4.60g	23%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.80g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 5623mg	244%
Total Carbohydrate 110.70g	40%
Dietary Fiber 34.70g	124%
Total Sugars 6.20g
Protein 34.80g	70%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 349mg	27%
Iron 10mg	53%
Potassium 1827mg	39%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 32.4%

Protein: 16.2%

Carbs: 51.4%