Refried beans are a popular Mexican dish made from cooked and mashed pinto beans. They are often seasoned with onion, garlic, and chili peppers and served as a side dish or appetizer.
While you can buy pre-made refried beans from most grocery stores, homemade beans are easy to make, and you can control the ingredients and seasonings.
Redditor u/LetshearitforNY asked for cooking ideas and got 40 comments. These are the best ones.
Redditor somuchmt Shared:
“Yep. I cook up a cup of dried pinto beans in my instant pot, drain, add garlic powder, salt, and salsa verde, and then blend with my stick blender. Costs about $1 to make burritos for a family of 3-4.
A can of cooked pintos also works. Or just use a can of vegetarian refried beans as is or with the spices.”
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iamifyouam added
“I “refry” black beans all the time. I use canned and cook on the stovetop with a little garlic and coconut oil.
About halfway through, I take the potato masher to them, add a pinch of salt, stir and let them cook to the texture I want. I’m sure you can do the same with pinto. Great on burritos or as a side dish.”
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NoShowTooLong Explains:
“Refried beans are cooked 2 ways, combination cooking.
First, boil your presoaked beans; when tender, drain, and then cook in a shallow frying pan or small saucepan. You could add stock or water a little at a time to prevent drying out.
Mash with a fork as they are cooking, creating the texture. Add seasoning of your choice, salt, pepper, garlic, and lemon juice…
You don’t need any oil, or you could use a tiny bit; no need to worry.”
dudly825 Introduces Mushrooms and Spices:
“I use whole black beans and sautéed mushrooms with them. Spice with cumin, paprika & turmeric. Then mash them in the pan to make “refried beans.” The whole family loves them, and I think they’re very healthy.
I also do a version with Indian spices like gram marsala, which works well.”
Shreddingblueroses Uses Black Olives:
“Instead of using oil, as you’re mashing the beans drop a few black olives in. Mash them all together. As you press them, they release oil and fat.
I don’t know if that’s healthier, but it’s damn sure tastier.”
starsinaparsec Recommends Using a Blender:
“Many people are recommending mashing, but if you want to have smooth refried beans, you can use an immersion or regular blender. That’ll get you the super smooth taco bell texture.
I like to saute an onion, a couple jalapeños, and some garlic in just a tiny bit of oil, then add cumin, garlic powder, smoked cayenne, salt, beans, and chicken broth.
Let that all cook together until the beans are hot, then hit it with an immersion blender or masher, depending on what texture you want.
Cook until they’re the thickness you want, then turn off the heat and add some cilantro and lime juice. You can use canned beans or throw some dry beans in the instant pot for 35 minutes, then let it naturally release. They come out as soft as canned beans.
angelicasinensis Shared:
“I soak pinto beans and then cook in my instant pot, then blend with organic olive oil, salt, and spices. I make bean burritos with SIETE tortillas which are cassava and coconut flour, and melt grass-fed cheese on them- healthy and delicious!!”
Redditor Broken_Lute Has a Detailed Recipe:
“Rinse 3-4 cans of pinto beans. If you like onions, cook in a little oil, add minced garlic and ~1 tsp chili powder ~1/2 tsp cumin, and cook for ~30 seconds. Add beans + ~3/4 cup water or broth.
Bring to a boil and cook covered for about 5-6 mins, then turn down the burner, mash, and let any unwanted liquid evaporate off / add more liquid as needed.
I make this a few times a week.”
Did these Redditors provide helpful homemade recipes and instructions for refried beans? Share yours if you also make refried beans.