Serves 8
145 min
Refried Beans
Recipe GLPR6ca21b3b191a2e
Creamy, savory refried beans made from scratch with tender pinto beans slowly cooked with onion and mashed to perfection. This classic Mexican side dish is rich and deeply flavored, perfect alongside any Mexican meal. The beans are finished with your choice of lard, bacon fat, or olive oil for authentic taste or a vegetarian option.
Save recipes you love
Create a free Grocery List Plus account to save recipes, rate them, and add every ingredient to your grocery list in one tap.
Ingredients
2½ cups Dry pinto beans
3 quarts Water for cooking beans
½ cup Yellow onion, chopped
2 tablespoons Pork lard, bacon fat, or olive oil
¼ cup Water for finishing
Salt to taste
Shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for serving)
Directions
Rinse the dry pinto beans thoroughly under cold running water and pick through them to remove any small stones or debris.
Place the cleaned pinto beans in a large pot and add 3 quarts of water. Bring to a boil over high heat.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beans are very tender and break apart easily when pressed. Add the chopped onion halfway through cooking.
When the beans are fully cooked and tender, heat the pork lard, bacon fat, or olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked beans to the skillet, reserving the cooking liquid. Mash the beans with a potato masher or fork until you reach your desired consistency—smooth and creamy or with some small chunks.
Add the 1/4 cup water gradually while mashing and stirring, incorporating more of the reserved cooking liquid as needed to reach a thick, creamy consistency. The mixture should be spreadable but not soupy.
Season with salt to taste, stirring well to distribute evenly throughout the beans. Continue cooking over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the beans are heated through and slightly thickened.
Transfer the refried beans to a serving dish. If desired, top with shredded cheddar cheese. Serve hot as a side dish.
