Description
Learn how to make authentic refried beans at home with this easy-to-follow recipe. These beans are flavorful, creamy, and perfect as a side dish or filling for tacos and burritos.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
To Cook the Beans:
- 1/2 lb dried pinto beans
- 1/2 medium onion, quartered
- 2 garlic cloves, peeled and lightly smashed
- 2 sprigs fresh epazote or 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 small bay leaf
- Water
- Sea salt or kosher salt
To Pan Fry the Beans:
- 3 tbsp minced onions
- 4 tbsp lard or bacon drippings or 2 tbsp olive oil, vegetable oil, unsalted butter
- Ground black pepper
For Serving (Optional):
- Queso fresco or cotija cheese or Monterrey Jack
- Cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Stove Top Method: If using stove top, soak the beans overnight. Add beans, onion, garlic, herbs, and water to a pot. Cook until tender. Drain.
- Slow Cooker Method: Cook beans with seasonings in a crock pot until tender. Drain.
- Instant Pot/Pressure Cooker Method: Pressure cook beans with seasonings until tender. Drain.
- Pan-Frying: Sauté onions, add beans and liquid, mash to desired consistency. Cook until heated through. Season and serve.
Notes
- Rinse and sort beans before cooking.
- Soak beans if using stove top or slow cooker method.
- No soaking needed for Instant Pot method.
- Use canned beans with broth if pressed for time.
- Add lard for authentic flavor and creaminess.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
