Dinner

Easy Refried Beans Recipe

ByHugo Harnd November 18, 2025November 18, 2025

Introduction

Easy refried beans are a delicious and versatile side dish that adds a comforting touch to any meal. Made from simple ingredients, this recipe offers creamy, flavorful beans perfect for tacos, burritos, or dipping.

A white bowl filled with smooth, light brown refried beans garnished with a few small green herbs on top. A silver spoon is dipped into the beans, resting inside the bowl. In the background, there is a white bowl with bright green guacamole, a clear glass container with red salsa, and a small brown bowl with green sauce, all placed on a light wooden 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 ready to serve.

Tips & Variations

For creamier beans, mash more thoroughly or use an immersion blender for a smoother texture.
Add a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor twist.
Substitute canned black beans for a different bean variation.
For extra richness, stir in a tablespoon of butter or a splash of chicken broth instead of water.

Storage

Store leftover refried beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the texture. Refried beans also freeze well for up to 3 months; thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with a thick, creamy brown spread textured with small chunks, garnished with a few green herb leaves on top. A silver spoon is partially dipped inside the bowl, resting on the edge, and a woman's hand is holding the spoon. The bowl sits on a light-colored wooden surface next to a small white bowl with green sauce and a glass jar with red salsa sauce. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use dried beans instead of canned?

Yes, you can use cooked dried pinto beans. Just make sure they are fully cooked and soft before starting the recipe. About 3 cups of cooked beans equal two 15-ounce cans.