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!

What Kind of Beans Are Used to Make Refried Beans?

Traditionally, for Mexican-style refried beans, pinto beans are used. But black beans are also wonderful prepared this way too! In a pinch, I’ve even used white navy or cannellini (white kidney)beans to make our favorite dishes like tacos and burritos when we’re in the mood for something different – but usually, we use either pinto or black bean varieties.

How to Store Refried Beans

You can make a batch of refried beans, then store them in the fridge for about 3-4 days. To reheat these delicious and nutritious gems, just add more water to your pot on the stovetop until they reach the desired temperature (generally around 180 degrees). 

Can You Freeze Beans

You can freeze refried beans. Let them cool to room temperature, then put them in meal-sized portions in either heavy duty freezer bags or covered containers with a tight seal so they’ll last for several months frozen! If dry upon defrosting and reheating, just add more water and oil – it’s as easy as that!

What oil is Used “fry” the beans in?

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.

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