These Homemade Refried Beans are the ultimate Taco Tuesday sidekick that will transform your entire meal. Starting with dried pinto beans that get slowly simmered with aromatic garlic and onion, then mashed to creamy perfection with their own flavorful cooking liquid, these beans have a depth of flavor that store-bought versions simply can’t match. They’re the kind of fundamental recipe that makes everything else on your table taste better.
If you love making authentic Mexican sides from scratch, you’ll want to try our Mexican Coleslaw with its fresh, tangy crunch that pairs beautifully with rich refried beans. For another essential Taco Tuesday component, our Pineapple Chipotle Salsa brings sweet heat and bright flavors that complement these creamy, satisfying beans perfectly.
Homemade Refried Beans
Homemade Refried Beans transform simple pinto beans into a creamy, flavorful side dish that’s infinitely better than store-bought, with rich garlic and onion flavors that complement any taco perfectly.
4
servings30
minutes40
minutes300
kcal1
hour10
minutesIngredients
2 cups dried pinto beans
6 cups water
1 large onion, halved
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
0.25 cup vegetable oil
Directions
- Rinse the dried pinto beans thoroughly in a colander, ensuring any debris or stones are removed before cooking.
- In a large pot, combine the rinsed beans, water, halved onion, and minced garlic; bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours until beans are tender.
- Once cooked, remove the onion halves from the pot, then drain the beans, reserving about 1 cup of the cooking liquid.
- In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat, then add the cooked beans; mash them using a potato masher.
- Gradually add the reserved cooking liquid a little at a time, until the beans reach a creamy consistency.
- Season the beans with salt to taste, stirring well to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the beans.
- Continue to cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring constantly, to allow flavors to meld and beans to thicken.
Nutrition Facts
- Total number of serves: 4
- Calories: 250kcal
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 620mg
- Potassium: 400mg
- Sugar: 8g
- Protein: 6g
- Calcium: 60mg
- Iron: 2mg
Can’t get enough of great flavors? Check out these popular recipes that readers love making again and again.
For comfort food sides that satisfy, our French Onion Potatoes and Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers deliver that same hearty, homemade appeal everyone craves. When you’re planning Mexican-inspired meals, the Tamale Casserole and Chile Colorado bring authentic flavors and satisfying textures to your table. Need quick weeknight wins? Our Green Chile Chicken and Rice Casserole and Cheesy Southwestern Chicken Tortilla Soup get dinner done fast without sacrificing flavor.
Browse our full collection for more kitchen inspiration that’ll have your family asking for seconds.
