black refried beans recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
black refried beans recipe
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The Best black refried beans recipe

I’m so excited to share with you one of my favorite recipes that’s been a staple in our household for years: black refried beans. This dish has its roots in Latin American cuisine, where it’s known as ‘frijoles refritos.’ It’s a simple yet flavorful recipe made by cooking pinto beans with onion, garlic, and spices, then mashing them together with some of the cooking liquid. The result is a creamy, slightly sweet, and utterly delicious side dish that pairs perfectly with tacos, grilled meats, or as a topping for rice bowls.

As a busy mom, I appreciate how easy it is to make this recipe. Just sauté some onion and garlic, add in the canned pinto beans, some spices, and a bit of liquid from the can. Let it all simmer together until the beans are tender and have absorbed most of the liquid. Then mash it up with a fork or a potato masher until it’s smooth and creamy.

My kids love helping me make this recipe because it’s so hands-on. They get to mash the beans with a big spoon or help stir the pot. And when we sit down to eat, they always ask for seconds (or thirds!) This recipe is also super customizable – you can add in diced tomatoes or jalapeños for extra flavor.

But what I think really makes this recipe special is how versatile it is. You can serve it as a side dish at family gatherings or use it as a topping for tacos or grilled meats. It’s also super healthy – just 1 cup of cooked pinto beans provides about 15 grams of protein and 9 grams of fiber! I’ve made this recipe countless times over the years, but I still get excited every time I take that first bite.

There’s something about the combination of flavors and textures that just makes me happy. And I know my family feels the same way – we’ve had so many wonderful meals together around this table. So if you’re looking for a new recipe to add to your rotation, I highly recommend giving black refried beans a try! They’re easy to make, delicious, and packed with nutrients.

Black Refried Beans

Black Refried Beans

4.7 from 956 votes

Creamy and flavorful black refried beans made from scratch. This classic side dish is perfect for tacos, burritos, or as a dip.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time25 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time35 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 180 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Beans

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cans (15 oz each) black beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup water or vegetable broth
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon lime juice (optional)

👨‍🍳Directions

1Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.
2Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 4 to 5 minutes.
3Add the minced garlic and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
4Do not let the garlic brown.
5Add the drained black beans, water or broth, cumin, salt, and pepper to the skillet.
6Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat, about 2 minutes.
7Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the beans simmer gently, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes.
8The beans should be tender and most of the liquid should be absorbed.
9Remove the skillet from the heat.
10Mash the beans with a potato masher or fork to your desired consistency, leaving some beans whole for texture.
11Stir in the lime juice if using.
12Return the skillet to low heat and cook the refried beans, stirring constantly, for 2 to 3 minutes until heated through and creamy.
13Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper to taste.

🔧Equipment

Large skillet or frying pan
Wooden spoon or spatula
Potato masher or fork
Measuring cups and spoons
Knife and cutting board

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 180 kcal🧈Total Fat: 7g💛Saturated Fat: 1g❤️Cholesterol: 0mg🧂Sodium: 480mg🌾Total Carbs: 24g🥦Dietary Fiber: 8g🍬Sugars: 2g🥩Protein: 8g

📝Notes

For a richer flavor, use bacon fat instead of vegetable oil. You can also add a pinch of smoked paprika or a diced jalapeno with the onion for extra heat.

Watch Video Of How Black Refried Beans Works

One of the best things about black refried beans is how versatile they are – you can serve them as a side dish at family gatherings or use them as a topping for tacos or grilled meats. They’re also super healthy – just 1 cup of cooked pinto beans provides about 15 grams of protein and 9 grams of fiber!

And let’s not forget how easy they are to make – just sauté some onion and garlic, add in the canned pinto beans, some spices, and a bit of liquid from the can. Let it all simmer together until the beans are tender and have absorbed most of the liquid.

Then mash it up with a fork or a potato masher until it’s smooth and creamy.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Black Refried Beans

Q: What type of beans should I use?

A: You can use either pinto or black beans for this recipe – both will give you delicious results! Pinto beans are slightly sweeter and creamier, while black beans have a more robust flavor.

Q: Can I use dried beans instead of canned?

A: Yes! If you want to use dried beans, simply soak them overnight and then cook them according to package instructions before using them in place of canned beans.

Q: Do I need any special equipment?

A: No! All you need is a large skillet or saucepan to cook your refried beans.

Q: How long does this recipe take to make?

A: This recipe is quick and easy – it’ll take about 20 minutes to prepare and cook!

Q: Can I store leftovers in the fridge or freezer?

A: Yes! You can store leftover refried beans in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze them for up to 3 months – just thaw and reheat when you’re ready!

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