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–+ servings
Refried Beans with Corn Chips in a Bowl.

Easy Refried Beans

Justine Drosdovech
These refried beans are made with just 5 simple ingredients! They're creamy, hearty, and satisfying. Pair this versatile dish with tortilla chips, sopes, tostadas, and quesadillas.
5 from 4 votes
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Appetizer, How-to, Side Dish
Cuisine Gluten-Free, Mexican, Vegan
Servings 6 servings
Calories 179 kcal

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Potato masher
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board

Ingredients
 

US Customary - Metric
  • 3 cups cooked beans (black or pinto)
  • ⅔ - ¾ cup bean water
  • 3 tablespoons neutral vegetable oil (olive, avocado, canola, etc.)
  • ½ medium white onion (diced)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • Sea salt to taste

Instructions
 

  • Cook the black beans from scratch, making sure to save some cooking water. You can also use canned beans, but drain and rinse them well.
  • Heat the oil in a skillet over medium-low, then sauté the diced onions for 3 minutes, or until translucent. Add the garlic and any optional seasonings, cooking for another 1-2 minutes.
  • Stir in the cooked beans along with ⅔ cup reserved cooking water and a pinch of salt. For a rustic texture, mash the beans directly in the pan using a potato masher. For a smoother consistency, transfer the mixture to a blender or food processor and pulse together until your preferred texture is achieved.
  • Add more oil to the pan if it looks dry, then transfer the bean mixture back in and cook for 4-5 more minutes, or until it's thickened to your liking. Add more reserved bean water as necessary.
  • Taste and adjust the salt or other seasonings to your preference. Serve refried beans immediately while warm. Happy eating!

Video

Notes

  • Cook from scratch: For the best results, cook your beans from scratch. Canned beans are more convenient, but they don’t compare in both taste and texture.
  • Save the bean water: Save some of the bean cooking water to adjust the consistency of the refried beans without diluting their flavor.
  • Add seasonings: Make this recipe your own by adding or adjusting the seasonings to your personal preference.
  • Adjust the texture: Mash the beans to your desired texture. You can make them slightly chunky or ultra-smooth depending on what you like.
  • Use different tools: Use a potato masher, food processor, or blender to achieve your final result — whatever you have on hand!
  • Taste and adjust: Adjust the salt and consistency to your liking by tasting as you go.
  • Serve the beans warm: Serve refried beans warm for the best flavor and texture.
  • Nutritional information is a rough estimate and should not be taken as health advice.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 179kcal | Carbohydrates: 21.6g | Protein: 7.8g | Fat: 7.3g | Saturated Fat: 0.6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4.4g | Trans Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 0mg | Sodium: 197.9mg | Potassium: 322.7mg | Fiber: 7.6g | Sugar: 0.9g | Vitamin A: 5.4IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 27.3mg | Iron: 1.8mg
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