Learn How to Make Refried Beans

Have you ever wondered how to Make your Own Refried Beans? Making your own refried beans is a great way to save money and ensure that the ingredients are healthy. These refried beans are easy to make and the taste is better than anything from a can.

Homemade Refried Black Beans Recipe

Refried beans are a staple of Mexican cuisine that can be used in many dishes. One of the most popular is tacos, but they also work well as a base for chili, like Vegetarian Chili Recipe or even soup. I also use refried beans in The Best Individual 7 Layer Dip Cups Recipe and The Best Healthy Chicken Enchiladas as well as eating them as a side dish. Making your own refried beans is not only economical, it’s easy! 

Why Are They Called Refried Beans?

“Refried” doesn’t mean the beans have been fried twice. The word comes from the Spanish name for the dish frijoles refritos, which means “well-fried”. To make them you first cook them in water to soften them and then fry them with fat and seasonings either on a stove or over an open flame.

The phrase ‘refried’ is often misused to refer specifically to only those dishes using cooked beans that are subsequently fried again–but it actually refers more broadly than this definition implies since all of these foods share one thing: they’re made by frying something!

How Many Weight Watchers Points in Refried Beans

Beans can be part of a low point dinner. Beans are free on Blue and Purple and are 5 points on Green. When you add the oil, it does add some points to the recipe. However, I think it is worth it because the flavor is amazing. I am including the points for both with and without the oil.

Without Oil

• Purple- 0 Points
• Blue– 0 Points
• Green– 5 Points

With Oil

• Purple– 2 points
• Blue – 2 points
• Green – 7 points

New to WW? Trying to Decide on What Plan is Best? Use these guides to help. Everything You Need to Know about the Green Plan, Blue and Purple coming soon.

Ingredients

Get the full list of ingredients, with measurements, and step-by-step directions at the bottom of the post in the printable recipe card.

• Extra virgin olive oil- You can use other oils, lard or bacon grease as well.
• Yellow onion- dice the onions small – Learn How to Cut Onions without Crying
• Garlic cloves- I like to use the preminced garlic
• Salt and pepper- To taste
• Canned pinto beans or black beans- Drain the beans and rinse them
• Ground cumin, Chili powder, and Smoked paprika- This gives that traditional Mexican flavor

How to Make the Best Refried Beans

Add the onions, garlic, salt, and pepper. 

Cook the onions until they are translucent, which takes about 4 to 5 minutes

Add the beans, cumin, chili powder, and paprika. 

Cook the beans, stirring occasionally until the beans are heated through and starting to fall apart slightly, about 8 to 10 minutes.

Take the beans off the heat and mash the beans using a potato masher.

Add fresh cilantro, for garnish, and serve.

More Delicious Mexican Recipes

• Delicious Rotisserie Chicken Enchilada Casserole
• The Best Cheesy Chicken Quesadilla Recipe
• The Best Individual 7 Layer Dip Cups Recipe
• Easy Black Bean Tacos
• Salsa Chicken

Need more ideas and help to stay on track with Weight Watchers?

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• Get this Printable Weight Watchers Weight Loss Journal or the Daily Food Log to add to your existing planner.
• Don’t let the holidays get your off track. Get your copy of How to Survive a Low Point Holiday.
• If you are looking for a simple snack idea that won’t ruin your points for the day. You have to try Built Bar. You can save 12% Off* with Code: SAVE12.
• Use these Meal Prep containers so you have meals ready that are low in points and help you avoid the wrong foods. You can also use the Weight Watchers Freestyle Make It and Take It Kit.
• Make sure you are drinking enough water with a reusable water bottle that helps you track your water. I have these 2 and they work great. Hydr-8 Purple 32ounce Water Bottle with Swivel Lid and 32 oz Clear Sports Water Bottle, Best for Measuring H2o Intake
• If you don’t want to pay for the app to be able to calculate your points, consider the Weight Watchers SmartPoints Calculator for Freestyle Program which is sold by Weight Watchers so you know the Points are right. The online calculators are not always accurate.
• Need to start an Exercise Program? Try this Weight Watchers 15 minute Boot Camp DVD.