Frijoles Refritos (Authentic Refried Beans)

This Frijoles Refritos recipe is the best Mexican side dish you were looking for. Get ready to savor the authentic flavors of Mexico from the comfort of your own kitchen!

this recipe

Frijoles refritos are a traditional Mexican dish made from cooked and mashed beans. They are commonly served as a side dish or used as a filling in various Mexican recipes.

Frijoles refritos are typically made by cooking pinto or black beans until they are tender. Once cooked, the beans are called frijoles de la olla (pot beans).

The cooked beans are then mashed or pureed and cooked again in pork lard or oil, along with onions, garlic, and various spices. The process of frying the beans gives them a rich and creamy texture.

Ingredients

• Beans: The most common types of beans used for refried beans are pinto or black beans.
• Onion: To cook the beans, use any type you prefer.
• Garlic: To cook the beans, 1 or 2 cloves is enough.
• Salt: Use any type you prefer.
• Fat or oil: Authentic refried beans call for pork lard (manteca), but you can also use bacon grease, extra virgin olive oil, or your favorite cooking oil.

How To Make Frijoles Refritos

Place cleaned and rinsed beans in the pot where you want to cook them (I am using an Instant Pot), add enough water to cover them by 1 inch, then add garlic, onion, and salt.

Cook for as long as it takes for the beans to be nicely tender, adding more water if necessary. I cooked them for 35 minutes, but on the stove, they will take from 1 to 1 hour and a half to cook.

Now, place the lard in a frying pan and heat it over medium-low heat. Be careful as we don’t want the lard to smoke, but only to melt and heat.

You’ll notice the lard is ready when it changes its color slightly. Again, make sure it doesn’t smoke!

TOP TIP: Here is where you can add other flavorings, such as chopped onions, fresh chiles, minced garlic, etc. I am keeping my refried beans simple, so I just used homemade pork lard.

Now, carefully, add the cooked beans to the pan. Make sure you add the beans slowly or they will splatter at the contact with the hot lard.

Shake the pan to spread the beans well and allow to heat for 1 minute, especially if your beans were taken straight from the fridge as heated beans will be easier to smash.

Low the heat to the lowest point your stove allows.

Using a potato masher, mash the beans until your desired consistency, then cook for a minute while stirring to make them more creamy (read my notes below).

Your authentic Mexican refried beans are ready now! Serve them right away or store them for later. I love to serve them with queso fresco and chiles en vinagre.

Expert Tips & Notes

Recipe Variations

• Bacon or chorizo: To make chorizo beans you can cook some chorizo in the lard before adding the beans.
• Jalapeños or other chili peppers: For a spicier version, you can add finely chopped jalapeños or other chili peppers to the beans while frying.
• Cheese & bacon: Some recipes like frijoles puercos call for the addition of cheese and bacon to make an indulgent dish.
• Epazote: This is a traditional herb used in Mexican cooking, particularly with beans. It adds a unique flavor to the refried beans.
• Spices & aromatics: A pinch of cumin, minced garlic, oregano, or a spring of epazote will add a wonderful aroma to the dish.

How To Serve Refried Beans

Frijoles refritos are often served as a classic side dish alongside Mexican or Tex-Mex meals. They are a main component and the perfect side for Mexican breakfast dishes.

Simply scoop a portion onto a plate or in a small bowl and serve it alongside your main course. Here are some common ways to serve and enjoy this Mexican side:

• SIDE DISH: Especially for breakfast recipes such as chilaquiles rojos or huevos rancheros, but also for main meals like chicharrón en salsa verde.
• FILLING AND SPREAD: As a filling for the traditional Tlacoyos or as a main ingredient for tostadas de frijoles, burritos, sandwiches, or sopes.
• DIP: They can be used as a flavorful bean dip for tortilla totopos chips or vegetable sticks. Just transfer the refried beans to a serving dish and garnish with shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, or a dollop of sour cream. It makes a great appetizer or party snack.

Store & Reheat

Allow the frijoles refritos to cool completely before storing them. Transfer them to an airtight container or a sealable plastic bag. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days or in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

SUPER TIP: Divide the refried beans into smaller portions so you can thaw and reheat only what you need.

For reheating:

• Stovetop: Transfer the desired amount of refried beans to a saucepan. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a small amount of water or milk to loosen the beans if necessary. Heat until the beans are warmed through.
• Microwave: Place the desired amount of refried beans in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape. Heat in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the beans are heated through.

FAQ

More Mexican Beans Recipes

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