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Refried beans recipe showing creamy homemade Mexican beans garnished with fresh cilantro, lime wedge and cotija cheese in rustic bowl

Refried Beans Recipe

5 from 1 vote
Aliana Recipes
This authentic homemade refried beans recipe transforms simple pinto beans into creamy Mexican comfort magic that rivals any restaurant. Rich, velvety texture meets bold flavors from cumin, chili powder, and fresh lime juice, creating frijoles refritos that bring back cherished memories of grandmother's kitchen and authentic Mexican cooking traditions.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings:6
Course:Dinner, Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine:latin American, Mexican
Calories:165kcal
Cost:$4.25
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons butter or oil, divided Use butter for richness or oil for vegan option
  • 1 small white onion, peeled and diced Foundation for authentic Mexican flavor base
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced Fresh garlic creates aromatic depth
  • 2 (15-ounce) cans pinto beans, rinsed and drained High-quality canned beans save time
  • ½ cup vegetable stock Adds creaminess and perfect consistency
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder For warm, smoky heat and color
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin Essential Mexican spice for earthiness
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano Adds herbal complexity to flavor profile
  • 1 tablespoon freshly-squeezed lime juice Brightens and balances all flavors perfectly
  • fine sea salt Season to taste for perfect balance
  • freshly-cracked black pepper Adds subtle heat and depth
  • fresh cilantro, chopped Optional garnish for fresh herbal notes
  • crumbled cheese Optional - cotija or queso fresco work best
  • diced tomato Optional garnish for color and freshness
  • sliced jalapeño Optional - for extra heat and crunch

Equipment

  • 1 Large saucepan For sautéing aromatics and cooking beans properly
  • 1 Potato masher To achieve perfect creamy texture without overprocessing
  • 1 Wooden spoon For stirring and combining ingredients gently
  • 1 Food processor Optional - for ultra-smooth texture if preferred
  • 1 Sharp knife For dicing onions and mincing garlic finely

Method
 

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon butter in a large saucepan over medium-high heat until melted and fragrant, creating the perfect base for building flavors.
  2. Add diced onion to the pan and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent with golden edges.
  3. Stir in minced garlic and continue cooking for 1-2 minutes until aromatic and fragrant, being careful not to burn.
  4. Add pinto beans, vegetable stock, chili powder, cumin, and oregano to the pan, stirring everything together until well combined.
  5. Let the mixture come to a gentle simmer, allowing the spices to bloom and infuse the beans with incredible authentic flavors.
  6. Remove pan from heat and use a potato masher to mash beans to your preferred consistency, leaving some chunks for texture.
  7. Stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter until melted and well-combined, creating that silky restaurant-quality finish.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning with lime juice, salt, and pepper, adding brightness that makes all the flavors pop beautifully.
  9. Serve warm topped with fresh cilantro, crumbled cheese, diced tomato, or sliced jalapeños for authentic Mexican presentation.

Nutrition

Serving: 125gCalories: 165kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 8gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 8mgSodium: 420mgPotassium: 485mgFiber: 7gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 125IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 65mgIron: 2.1mg

Notes

The secret to restaurant-quality refried beans lies in building proper flavor layers and finishing with butter for silky richness. Don't rush the aromatic base - properly sautéed onions and garlic create the foundation for authentic Mexican flavors. Fresh lime juice added at the end brightens everything beautifully and makes the difference between good and extraordinary beans.