How Do You Make Refried Beans From Scratch

You can make refried beans from scratch by simmering dried pinto beans until they’re tender, then mashing and frying them in a skillet with fat and seasonings.
 
Seriously, that’s it.
 
The name “refried” is actually a bit of a mistranslation of the Spanish word “refritos,” which means “well-fried,” not fried twice.
 
If you’ve ever wondered how to make refried beans from scratch that taste better than anything from a can, this is the post for you.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through why making refried beans from scratch is worth the effort, the ingredients you’ll need, and a simple step-by-step method that delivers creamy, flavorful results every time.
 
Let’s get cooking.
 

Why Make Refried Beans From Scratch

You should make refried beans from scratch for a few really good reasons.
 

1. The Flavor Is Unmatched

Freshly made refried beans from scratch have a depth of flavor that canned versions simply can’t match.
 
When you cook dried beans slowly, they soak up the flavors of onion, garlic, and cumin in a way that canned beans never will.
 
That’s the magic of making refried beans from scratch.
 

2. You Control the Ingredients

When you make refried beans from scratch, you decide exactly what goes in.
 
No mystery preservatives, no excessive sodium, and no ingredients you can’t pronounce.
 
You can use olive oil, lard, or bacon grease depending on your preference and dietary needs.
 

3. It’s Cheaper Than You Think

A bag of dried pinto beans costs a couple of dollars and makes enough refried beans from scratch to feed a crowd.
 
Compare that to buying multiple cans, and the savings add up fast.
 

4. The Texture Is Better

Homemade refried beans from scratch have a creamy, velvety texture that you can adjust to your liking.
 
Want them chunky? Mash less.
 
Want them silky smooth? Keep mashing.
 

Ingredients for Refried Beans From Scratch

Here’s what you’ll need to make refried beans from scratch.
 

1. Dried Pinto Beans

Pinto beans are the classic choice for refried beans from scratch.
 
You’ll need about one pound of dried beans, which will give you roughly six cups of cooked beans.
 

2. Aromatics

Onion and garlic form the flavor base for great refried beans from scratch.
 
A white or yellow onion works best, along with a few cloves of fresh garlic.
 

3. Fat

Traditional refried beans from scratch use lard or bacon grease.
 
If you want a vegetarian version, olive oil or vegetable oil works beautifully too.
 

4. Seasonings

Cumin, salt, and a little chili powder give refried beans from scratch their signature taste.
 
Feel free to add oregano or even a splash of lime juice at the end.
 

5. Bean Cooking Liquid

Don’t toss the liquid you cooked the beans in.
 
That starchy broth is liquid gold when you’re making refried beans from scratch because it helps achieve that creamy consistency.
 

How to Make Refried Beans From Scratch Step by Step

Making refried beans from scratch is a straightforward process.
 

1. Soak the Beans Overnight

Rinse your dried pinto beans and pick out any stones or shriveled beans.
 
Cover them with plenty of water and let them soak overnight.
 
This step softens the beans and makes them cook faster and more evenly.
 

2. Simmer Until Tender

Drain the soaked beans and add them to a large pot with fresh water.
 
Toss in half an onion and a couple of garlic cloves.
 
Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about an hour and a half until the beans are completely tender.
 

3. Sauté Your Aromatics

While the beans cook, dice the rest of your onion and mince the garlic.
 
Heat your chosen fat in a large skillet over medium heat.
 
Cook the onion until soft and translucent, then add the garlic and cook for another minute.
 

4. Mash and Fry the Beans

Add the cooked beans to the skillet along with some of the reserved cooking liquid.
 
Mash them with a potato masher or the back of a wooden spoon until they reach your desired consistency.
 
Stir in cumin, salt, and chili powder, and let everything simmer together for about ten minutes.
 

5. Taste and Adjust

Give your refried beans from scratch a taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
 
Need more salt? Add a pinch.
 
Want more heat? A dash of cayenne will do the trick.
 

Tips for Perfect Refried Beans From Scratch

These tips will help your refried beans from scratch turn out perfectly every time.
 

1. Save That Bean Broth

The liquid from cooking beans is packed with flavor and starch.
 
Use it to thin out your refried beans from scratch instead of plain water.
 

2. Don’t Rush the Mashing

Take your time when mashing refried beans from scratch.
 
The more you work them, the creamier they become.
 

3. Add Fat at the End Too

A little extra drizzle of fat right before serving gives refried beans from scratch a glossy, restaurant-quality finish.
 

So, How Do You Make Refried Beans From Scratch?

You make refried beans from scratch by simmering dried pinto beans with aromatics until tender, then mashing and frying them in a skillet with fat and seasonings.
 
It’s a simple process that rewards you with creamy, flavorful beans that blow the canned stuff out of the water.
 
Now that you know how to make refried beans from scratch, grab a bag of pinto beans and give it a try.
 
Your tacos, burritos, and nachos will thank you.