How To Make Homemade Refried Beans From Scratch

To make homemade refried beans from scratch, you only need a few simple ingredients and a little patience.
 
If you’ve ever wondered how to make homemade refried beans from scratch, the good news is that it’s easier than you think.
 
You don’t need any fancy equipment or mysterious canned products to make homemade refried beans from scratch.
 
In fact, the homemade refried beans you make from scratch in your own kitchen will taste far better than anything from a can.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through exactly how to make homemade refried beans from scratch, including the best beans to use, the cooking process, and tips for getting that creamy, rich texture every time.
 
Let’s get cooking.

Why Make Homemade Refried Beans From Scratch

Making homemade refried beans from scratch gives you control over every ingredient, from the beans themselves to the seasoning and the fat you use.
 
When you make homemade refried beans from scratch, you skip the preservatives, excess sodium, and mystery additives found in many canned versions.
 
The flavor of homemade refried beans made from scratch is also deeper and fresher because you’re cooking the beans low and slow until they’re perfectly tender.
 
And honestly, once you learn how to make homemade refried beans from scratch, you’ll never want to go back to the canned stuff again.

Ingredients for Homemade Refried Beans From Scratch

To make homemade refried beans from scratch, gather these simple ingredients:
 

1. Dried Beans

The foundation of homemade refried beans made from scratch is dried beans, not canned.
 
Pinto beans are the classic choice for homemade refried beans from scratch, but black beans work beautifully too.
 
You’ll need about one pound of dried beans, which yields roughly four to five cups of cooked beans.
 

2. Aromatics

Onion and garlic give homemade refried beans from scratch their savory base.
 
A white or yellow onion, roughly chopped, plus a few cloves of garlic will do the trick.
 
These aromatics infuse the beans with flavor as they simmer, which is essential when you make homemade refried beans from scratch.
 

3. Fat

Traditional homemade refried beans from scratch use lard or bacon fat for that unmistakable richness.
 
If you want a vegetarian version of homemade refried beans from scratch, olive oil, vegetable oil, or butter all work well.
 
The fat is what gives homemade refried beans their silky, creamy consistency.
 

4. Seasonings

Salt, cumin, and a little chili powder are the classic seasonings for homemade refried beans from scratch.
 
You can also add oregano, smoked paprika, or a squeeze of lime for extra flavor.
 
Taste as you go, because the best homemade refried beans from scratch are seasoned to your liking.

How to Make Homemade Refried Beans From Scratch Step by Step

Now let’s get into the actual process of making homemade refried beans from scratch.
 

1. Soak the Beans

Start by rinsing your dried beans and picking out any stones or shriveled pieces.
 
Then soak them overnight in plenty of water, or use the quick-soak method by boiling them for a few minutes and letting them sit for an hour.
 
Soaking is important for homemade refried beans from scratch because it softens the beans and helps them cook evenly.
 

2. Cook the Beans Until Tender

Drain the soaked beans and place them in a large pot with fresh water, covering them by about two inches.
 
Add the chopped onion, garlic, and a bay leaf, then bring everything to a boil.
 
Reduce the heat and simmer for one to two hours until the beans are completely tender and mash easily with a fork.
 
This step is the heart of making homemade refried beans from scratch, so don’t rush it.
 

3. Mash or Blend the Beans

Once the beans are tender, drain them but reserve the cooking liquid.
 
You’ll need that liquid to adjust the consistency of your homemade refried beans from scratch.
 
Mash the beans with a potato masher for a rustic texture, or blend them in batches for a smoother result.
 
Add reserved liquid a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
 

4. Fry the Beans in Fat

Heat your chosen fat in a large skillet over medium heat.
 
Add the mashed beans and cook them, stirring frequently, for about five to ten minutes.
 
This frying step is what truly makes homemade refried beans from scratch taste authentic and gives them that rich, creamy finish.
 
Season with salt, cumin, and chili powder, then taste and adjust.
 

5. Serve and Enjoy

Your homemade refried beans from scratch are now ready to serve.
 
Scoop them into a bowl, top with a little cheese or cilantro if you like, and enjoy them with tortillas, tacos, or eggs.
 
You can also store homemade refried beans made from scratch in the fridge for up to five days.

So, How Do You Make Homemade Refried Beans From Scratch?

To make homemade refried beans from scratch, you simply cook dried beans until tender, mash them, and fry them in fat with seasonings.
 
The process takes some time, but the result is a batch of homemade refried beans from scratch that’s creamy, flavorful, and far better than canned.
 
Whether you use pinto beans or black beans, lard or olive oil, the key to great homemade refried beans from scratch is patience and good seasoning.
 
Once you’ve made homemade refried beans from scratch a few times, you’ll wonder why you ever bought them in a can.