Dinner

Easy Refried Beans Recipe

Bylilan Sage December 3, 2025December 3, 2025

Introduction

These easy refried beans are creamy, flavorful, and perfect as a side dish or filling for tacos and burritos. Made with simple ingredients and cooked from scratch, they bring authentic taste to your table with minimal effort.

A white bowl filled with smooth brown refried beans, garnished with chopped green cilantro leaves on top, has a silver spoon inside it resting on the left side. Above the bowl, there is a small white fluted dish with more chopped green cilantro leaves. To the right, part of a white bowl with creamy bright green guacamole is visible, showing a textured surface. In the upper left corner, stacked round yellow corn tortillas lie on a white cloth. On the left side, there is a small wooden bowl with three lime wedges. Everything is placed on a light brown cutting board sitting on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
½ cup finely chopped yellow or white onion (about ½ small onion)
¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
2 cloves garlic, pressed or minced
½ teaspoon chili powder
¼ teaspoon ground cumin
2 cans (15 ounces each) pinto beans, rinsed and drained, or 3 cups cooked pinto beans
½ cup water
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
1 tablespoon lime juice (about ½ medium lime), to taste

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, warm the olive oil until shimmering. Add the onions and salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions have softened and are turning translucent, about 5 to 8 minutes.
Step 2: Add the garlic, chili powder, and cumin. Cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in the drained beans and water. Stir, cover, and cook for 5 minutes.
Step 3: Reduce the heat to low and remove the lid. Use a potato masher or the back of a fork to mash up at least half of the beans, until you reach your desired consistency. Continue to cook the beans, uncovered, stirring often, for 3 more minutes.
Step 4: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the cilantro and lime juice. Taste, and add more salt and lime juice if necessary. If the beans seem dry, add a very small splash of water and stir to combine. Cover until you’re ready to serve.

Tips & Variations

For a richer flavor, use bacon fat instead of olive oil to cook the onions.
Add a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky twist.
If you prefer smoother beans, blend half of the mixture in a food processor before stirring back in.
Garnish with diced tomatoes, cheese, or sliced jalapeños for extra texture and flavor.

Storage

Store leftover refried beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water to loosen the texture if needed.

How to Serve

The image shows a white bowl filled with creamy light brown refried beans sprinkled with chopped green herbs on top, with a silver spoon resting inside the bowl. Next to it, there is a white bowl filled with smooth, pale green guacamole, a jar containing bright pink pickled onions and orange liquid, and a white bowl with fresh green chopped herbs. In the background, there are some yellow corn tortillas partially wrapped in a white cloth. All items are placed on a white marbled surface with a wooden board below some of the bowls, creating a fresh and inviting food setup. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use different types of beans for this recipe?

Yes, while pinto beans are traditional, black beans or kidney beans can also be used with good results. Keep cooking times similar and adjust seasonings to taste.

Do I have to peel the beans for smoother refried beans?

Peeling beans is optional and time-consuming. Mashing well will soften the beans without peeling, and blending can give a smoother texture if desired.