Make these easy homemade refried beans at home. Use ingredients from your pantry to whip up this tasty side dish.
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This is a side dish that you never knew was so simple to make. A perfect homemade addition to any plate.
Enjoying Restaurant Food at Home
My brother-in-law makes authentic Mexican food all the time that we enjoy each time that the family gets together. However, he likes to cook alone in the kitchen. Therefore, I don’t get to see his tricks of the trade. He is a wonderful cook too!
I have tried refried beans from the can…no thanks! However, I know I have even seen him use the same can of refried beans from time-to-time. He will not tell me the secrets as he must doctor up those too.
Well, finally, I have refried beans figured out. Too bad it took so long as they are so easy!
This can be made quickly on the stove top with a can of pinto beans. However, if you would like to use dried pinto beans, you can do that too. It just takes longer as the beans will need to soften.
Classic refried beans are a Mexican staple side dish. When made correctly, they are smooth and delicious – our brother-in-law spoiled us.
Making Refried Beans with an Insta-Pot
This is truly a dump and go recipe for a cooker. Add the ingredients to your Instant Pot or slow cooker. If using an Instant Pot, press the “manual” button and select 25 minutes.
Use a Slow Cooker to Make This Refried Beans Side Dish
Add the ingredients to your favorite slow cooker and cook on high 6-8 hours. You may want to test the beans after six hours to see if they are tender enough. If not, let the slow cooker continue to do its magic.
Dried Pinto Beans Recipe Amounts
- 2 cups pinto beans
- 8 cups water
- 4 teas salt divided
- 2 onions
- 3-4 cloves garlic
- ⅓ cup oil corn or vegetable
Serve your homemade refried beans topped with your favorite toppings.
I like to use a potato masher to mash the pinto beans rather than a mixer or blender. We like to have it just a bit chunky. However, you can mash until the beans are the consistency you prefer.
Part of a Delicious Meal
Get the Chile Verde recipe here.
Easy Homemade Refried Beans
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Kitchen Essentials
Ingredients
- 1 small Onion finely diced
- 2 Tsp Bacon Drippings can use olive oil
- 2 Cloves Garlic finely diced
- 1 Can Pinto Beans Do not rinse or drain (15.5 oz)
- 1/8 Tsp salt to taste
- 1/8 Tsp pepper to taste
Instructions
- Saute the onion in the bacon drippings until translucent. Add the garlic and continue to saute a few more minutes.
- Add the beans and bring to a simmer. Cook about 7-10 minutes until the mixture starts to thicken.
- Use a potato masher to mash to the desired consistency.
- Continue to simmer until smooth and thickened up.
- Top with your favorite toppings. Serve
Your Own Private Notes
Nutrition
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I hope that you liked this recipe. If you are looking for more ideas on what to make, here are a few other recipes that you may enjoy.
You can find Victoria crocheting, quilting, and creating recipes. She has cooked in restaurants for over 20 years, including many larger parties. She learned to crochet when she was just 11 years old and has been crocheting ever since; over 50 years now. Over 40 years ago, she loved her first class in sewing and continues to hone her skills in quilting. Many have enjoyed the handmade gifts over the years. In her professional career, she has worked in management in a wide variety of businesses including higher education as a dean of a division. All the while attending college part-time to achieve her doctorate in higher education with an emphasis in e-learning.