Easy Homemade Refried Beans: A Quick & Delicious Mexican Staple
Transform your mealtime with these incredibly easy, traditional homemade refried beans. Ready in minutes, these flavorful beans are perfect topped with fresh cilantro, served as a versatile side dish with your favorite Mexican dishes, or baked with cheese for an irresistible bean dip. Say goodbye to canned varieties and hello to fresh, wholesome taste!
Unveiling a Culinary Gem: The Freaky Friday Blog Hop
It’s that exciting time again for our Freaky Friday blog hop! For those unfamiliar, Freaky Friday is a unique and beloved blog event where a group of talented food bloggers secretly get assigned another participant’s blog. The premise is simple yet brilliant: we delve into our assigned blog, choose a recipe that captures our imagination, recreate it in our own kitchens, and then, on a designated day, share our experience and the delicious results with our readers simultaneously. It’s a fantastic way to explore new blogs, discover hidden culinary treasures, and bring fresh, diverse ideas directly to your kitchen. This collaborative event not only sparks creativity and broadens our own cooking horizons but also fosters a wonderful sense of community among food enthusiasts, offering a diverse array of recipes from many different perspectives and cooking styles.
I’ve been eagerly anticipating sharing this particular recipe with all of you, and the wait has been excruciatingly delightful! It comes from the amazing blog of my dear friend, Michelle, A Dish of Daily Life. I first stumbled upon this particular refried beans recipe back in September and have been longing to try it ever since. The anticipation has finally paid off, and I couldn’t be more thrilled with the outcome – it’s truly a game-changer for homemade Mexican food!
My Enduring Love Affair with Mexican Cuisine
It’s hardly a secret among my friends and family how deeply I adore Mexican food. In my culinary universe, tacos aren’t just a dish; they’re practically their own food group, worthy of daily celebration! The vibrant flavors, the comforting textures, the endless customization – it’s everything I love about cooking and eating. While I would have absolutely loved to share this incredible refried beans recipe last week in honor of Cinco de Mayo, the unique, synchronized timing of Freaky Friday meant we had to keep it under wraps a little longer. But good things truly do come to those who wait, and trust me, this recipe for easy homemade refried beans is definitely worth every moment of anticipation.
The beauty of the Freaky Friday blog hop lies in its collaborative spirit. The process involves us getting our assigned pages and spending a couple of months poring over their tempting recipes. This generous lead time allows us ample opportunity to carefully decide what to make, gather all the necessary ingredients, and perfect the chosen dish before the grand reveal. Today is that exciting day! All of us participating bloggers are sharing our chosen recipes simultaneously across our respective platforms. This means our dedicated readers not only get to enjoy the delicious recipe we’re featuring but also gain instant access to thirteen other fantastic and diverse recipes from some of my favorite blogger friends. It’s a culinary treasure hunt that promises to fill your recipe box, and everyone’s a winner!
A Heartfelt Nod to Michelle and “A Dish of Daily Life”
Before diving deeper into the magic of these incredible homemade refried beans, I want to take a moment to truly introduce you to my friend, Michelle, and her wonderful blog, A Dish of Daily Life. Michelle is a true culinary wizard, consistently creating recipes that are both approachable for the home cook and extraordinarily delicious. Her passion for food shines through in every post, making her blog a joy to explore. I’ve had the distinct pleasure of cooking from her collection before, and her dishes have always exceeded expectations, becoming instant family favorites.
Her Four Cheese Roasted Garlic Bread is nothing short of divine – an absolute must-try for any garlic bread aficionado. It’s rich, flavorful, and perfect for sharing. And her Creamy Tomato Seafood Bisque? It’s a masterpiece of comfort food! In fact, that very Seafood Bisque consistently ranks as one of my most-pinned recipes on Pinterest, a clear testament to its widespread appeal and undeniable deliciousness. If you’re looking for comforting, expertly crafted recipes that deliver on flavor every time, Michelle’s blog is an absolute fantastic resource you’ll want to bookmark.
This time around, as soon as I saw her Refried Beans recipe, I knew instantly it was the one I had to make for Freaky Friday. There was simply no doubt in my mind. However, I couldn’t resist doing a little extra “snooping” around her delightful website, which, as expected, resulted in me adding a whole new batch of tantalizing dishes to my ever-growing “to make list.” For instance, she recently shared a recipe for Ham, Brie, Apple and Spinach Panini with Homemade Honey Mustard—holy smokes, that sounds like a gourmet sandwich I could happily devour right now! Her Salsa Verde recipe also looks ‘muy bueno’ and is definitely on my radar for homemade Mexican nights, promising fresh and vibrant flavors. And these Spicy Muffin Tin Crab Cakes with Old Bay Remoulade? They need to make their way into my kitchen (and my belly) pronto – the combination of flavors sounds incredible! Michelle is a constant source of yummy inspiration, always sharing something delicious and exciting. Seriously, don’t forget to pop over and visit her blog to see what culinary delights she’s cooking up next; you won’t be disappointed!
Why Choose Homemade Refried Beans Over Canned?
While canned refried beans undeniably offer convenience, making them from scratch elevates your Mexican dishes to an entirely new level of deliciousness. The difference in flavor, texture, and overall freshness is truly remarkable and once you try homemade, you might never go back. When you prepare refried beans at home, you gain complete control over the ingredients, allowing you to fine-tune the seasoning, adjust the spice level to your preference, and achieve the perfect creamy or chunky consistency. You can confidently avoid unnecessary additives, excessive sodium, and unwanted preservatives often found in store-bought versions, making for a healthier and more wholesome dish.
Furthermore, the process itself is a joy. The comforting aroma of sautéing onions and spices filling your kitchen is an experience in itself, promising a homemade taste that simply can’t be replicated from a can. It’s a small effort that yields significant flavor rewards, making every taco night, burrito bowl, or bean dip occasion feel extra special and authentically delicious. Plus, it’s often more cost-effective to make them yourself, especially if you buy dried pinto beans in bulk.
The Surprising Simplicity of Making Your Own Refried Beans
You might be pleasantly surprised at just how quickly and effortlessly this recipe for homemade refried beans comes together. Forget about long soaking times or complicated, multi-step preparations; we’re talking about a flavorful dish that can be on your table in under 15 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings. The secret lies in a few simple, pantry-friendly ingredients and a straightforward cooking process that unlocks incredible depth of flavor without extensive culinary effort.
The culinary journey begins by gently sautéing a finely chopped medium onion in a generous tablespoon or two of vegetable oil. For an extra layer of rich, savory depth that truly elevates the dish, you can opt for bacon grease instead – it imparts a wonderful smoky flavor. You’ll cook the onion, stirring occasionally, until it becomes beautifully soft, tender, and translucent, typically taking about 5-7 minutes. This crucial initial step is fundamental for building the foundational flavor of your beans, creating a sweet and aromatic base. Once the onions have softened, you’ll introduce a medley of aromatic spices: cumin seed, chili powder, and a touch of cayenne pepper for that perfect, customizable kick. These spices toast briefly with the onions, releasing their full potential and infusing the oil with their warm, earthy, and pungent notes. The entire kitchen will quickly fill with an irresistible aroma, signaling that something truly delicious is in the works and stirring anticipation for the meal to come.
Next, you’ll add the star of our show: three 15.5-ounce cans of pinto beans, ensuring they are thoroughly drained and rinsed to remove excess sodium. Pour in two cups of rich beef stock (chicken or vegetable stock work equally well if preferred, depending on your dietary needs or flavor preferences). Bring the entire mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer softly for about 5 minutes. This relatively short simmering period is essential, allowing the pinto beans to fully absorb all those wonderful, complex flavors from the spices and stock, becoming incredibly tender and infused with goodness. Once simmered, remove the pot from the heat and grab your trusty potato masher. Mash the beans to your desired consistency – whether you prefer them mostly smooth and creamy or with a few rustic chunks remaining for added texture. A final stir of cayenne pepper (remember to adjust the amount to your personal spice preference) and a pinch of salt to taste will complete the seasoning, ensuring every spoonful is bursting with perfectly balanced flavor.
Just look at them! The creamy, appealing texture, the rich, vibrant color – they’re absolutely irresistible and promise a delightful culinary experience. Homemade refried beans are truly something special, offering a depth of flavor and freshness that you simply can’t get from a can. They are destined to become a staple in your kitchen.
To finish, finely chop up some fresh cilantro and get ready to dig in! The bright, herbaceous, and slightly citrusy notes of cilantro perfectly complement the earthy, savory beans, adding a burst of freshness that elevates the entire dish. I’m a huge advocate for growing my own herbs; there’s nothing quite like fresh-from-the-garden flavor, and cilantro is incredibly rewarding to cultivate. And speaking of fresh herbs, these herb scissors are genuinely one of my most used and beloved kitchen gadgets. They make chopping herbs incredibly fast, neat, and easy, saving you precious time and effort in the kitchen. If you haven’t tried them yet, I highly recommend you get yourself a pair and experience their greatness firsthand – they’re a true kitchen game-changer!
Serving Suggestions and Creative Variations
These easy homemade refried beans are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in countless ways, extending far beyond simply being a side dish. They are, of course, the perfect accompaniment to almost any Mexican meal, from enchiladas to tostadas. But don’t stop there! Consider them as a flavorful and hearty filling for burritos, soft tacos, or quesadillas. They also make a fantastic base for a crowd-pleasing layered bean dip – simply spread them on a platter, then add cheese, salsa, guacamole, sour cream, and any of your favorite toppings for an irresistible appetizer that disappears quickly at parties. For a satisfying breakfast, serve them alongside scrambled eggs, crumbled chorizo, and warm tortillas, perhaps topped with a sprinkle of cojita cheese. You can also experiment with different types of beans, such as black beans, or add a pinch of smoked paprika for an extra smoky depth that complements the other spices beautifully. Feel free to adjust the cayenne pepper to make them as mild or spicy as your palate desires, and for an extra creamy, cheesy treat, don’t hesitate to stir in a little shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese right at the end, allowing it to melt into the warm beans. The possibilities are truly endless, making this recipe a fantastic foundation for many culinary adventures!
I followed Michelle’s original recipe quite closely, making only minor adjustments to suit my taste, and the results were spectacular. It’s truly a testament to her excellent recipe development and clear instructions. Now, without further ado, let’s get to the full, easy-to-follow recipe, shall we?
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Print Recipe
Easy Homemade Refried Beans
Ingredients
- 1-2 tablespoon vegetable oil or bacon grease
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 1 teaspoon cumin seed
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper or more to taste
- 3 15.5 ounce cans of pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups beef stock can also sub chicken or vegetable stock
- 1 bunch cilantro leaves chopped (optional)
- salt to taste
Instructions
- Heat the vegetable oil (or bacon grease) in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté, stirring occasionally, until it becomes soft and translucent, typically about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the cumin seed and chili powder. Continue to cook for another minute, allowing the spices to become fragrant and slightly toasted, but be careful not to burn them.
- Add the thoroughly drained and rinsed pinto beans along with the beef stock (or chicken/vegetable stock). Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then immediately reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer gently for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the beans to soften further.
- Remove the pot from the heat. Using a sturdy potato masher, mash the beans to your desired consistency. For a smoother texture, you can use an immersion blender or carefully transfer the mixture to a regular blender (exercise caution with hot liquids). Stir in the cayenne pepper, adjusting the amount to your preferred spice level, and season generously with salt to taste.
- Fold in your desired amount of fresh chopped cilantro just before serving for a burst of vibrant freshness.
- Serve warm as a delicious side dish, a flavorful filling for your favorite Mexican creations, or as the base for an incredible bean dip. Enjoy your incredibly flavorful homemade refried beans!
Notes
Nutrition
Calories: 323kcal |
Carbohydrates: 25g |
Protein: 20g |
Fat: 16g |
Saturated Fat: 4g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 11g |
Cholesterol: 47mg |
Sodium: 743mg |
Fiber: 2g |
Sugar: 3g
A Sweet Bonus from Michelle: PB&J Oatmeal Cookie Bars
As a delightful bonus, I actually ventured to make a second recipe from Michelle’s blog during this Freaky Friday event! These were her highly acclaimed PB&J Bars with Strawberry Jam. I put my own little twist on them, though, opting for classic grape jelly instead of strawberry. For me, that’s just the quintessential way to enjoy a peanut butter sandwich – a nostalgic flavor profile that truly hits home! These bars perfectly captured that comforting taste, delivering a sweet, chewy, and utterly satisfying treat. Especially when paired with an ice-cold glass of milk, they were an absolute dream and quickly vanished from my kitchen!
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Explore More Culinary Adventures from the Freaky Friday Blog Hop!
Now that you’ve discovered the joy and simplicity of making easy homemade refried beans, I wholeheartedly invite you to delve into a world of other fantastic recipes shared by my fellow talented bloggers in this exciting edition of the Freaky Friday blog hop. Each link below leads to a unique and delicious creation, guaranteeing you’ll find something new to inspire your next meal, whether it’s a savory dinner, a delightful dessert, or a creative appetizer. Take a moment to browse all the amazing deliciousness my blogger friends have prepared; you’re sure to find a new favorite!
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Check out more AMAZING Freaky Friday recipes below!
- An Affair from the Heart – Easy Homemade Refried Beans
- Take Two Tapas – Pineapple Hummus with Smoked Paprika
- LeMoine Family Kitchen – Sausage Hash Brown Nests
- Full Belly Sisters – Blueberry Dutchbaby
- Who Needs a Cape? – French Onion Salisbury Steak
- Plattertalk – Lemon Loaf Cake
- Hostess at Heart – Teriyaki Chicken Bowl
- Life Currents – Blue Cheese, Fig, and Caramelized Onion Palmiers
- Lisa’s Dinnertime Dish – Baked Lemon Glazed Donuts
- Bowl Me Over – Southwest Chicken Salad Bowl
- A Dish of Daily Life – Chicken Carbonara Pasta
- Aunt Bee’s Recipes – Summer Corn Salsa
- A Kitchen Hoors Adventures – Bourbon Banana Bread
- Seduction in the Kitchen – Honey Roasted Strawberry Cheesecake Smoothie