How To Make Refried Beans Out Of Black Beans

To make refried beans out of black beans, you simply cook the beans until they’re soft, then mash them in a skillet with some fat, aromatics, and seasonings until you get that creamy, rich texture you love.
 
It’s a pretty straightforward process, and honestly, it’s one of the easiest ways to turn a simple batch of black beans into something that tastes like it came from your favorite Mexican restaurant.
 
If you’ve been wondering how to make refried beans out of black beans, you’re in the right place.
 
While traditional refried beans are made with pinto beans, black beans work beautifully and bring their own earthy, slightly sweet flavor to the table.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through exactly how to make refried beans out of black beans, what ingredients you’ll need, and a few tips to get them tasting perfect every time.
 
Let’s dive in.
 

Why Make Refried Beans Out of Black Beans

You can absolutely make refried beans out of black beans, and here’s why it’s such a great idea:
 

1. Black Beans Have a Rich, Earthy Flavor

Black beans bring a slightly deeper, more robust taste compared to pintos.
 
When you make refried beans out of black beans, that natural earthiness shines through, especially when you add garlic, cumin, and a little chili powder.
 
It’s a flavor profile that pairs perfectly with tacos, burritos, and even a simple plate of rice.
 

2. They Mash Beautifully

Black beans have a creamy texture once they’re cooked soft, which means they mash into a smooth, spreadable consistency without much effort.
 
Whether you use a potato masher or a fork, making refried beans out of black beans gives you that velvety finish you want.
 

3. You Can Use Canned or Dried Beans

One of the best things about how to make refried beans out of black beans is that you can start with canned beans for a quick weeknight side or cook dried beans from scratch for a deeper flavor.
 
Either way, the process is simple and forgiving.
 

How to Make Refried Beans Out of Black Beans Step by Step

Here’s the simple method for how to make refried beans out of black beans:
 

1. Gather Your Ingredients

To make refried beans out of black beans, you’ll need two cups of cooked black beans (canned is fine, just drain and rinse them), two tablespoons of bacon grease, lard, or olive oil, half a diced onion, two minced garlic cloves, one teaspoon of cumin, half a teaspoon of chili powder, salt to taste, and about half a cup of broth or water.
 

2. Sauté the Aromatics

Heat your fat in a large skillet over medium heat.
 
Add the diced onion and cook until it’s soft and translucent, about five minutes.
 
Toss in the garlic, cumin, and chili powder, and stir for another minute until everything smells amazing.
 
This step is the flavor foundation when you make refried beans out of black beans.
 

3. Add the Beans and Mash

Pour in your cooked black beans and give them a good stir to coat them in all those spices.
 
Now comes the fun part.
 
Use a potato masher or the back of a wooden spoon to mash the beans right in the skillet.
 
If you like your refried beans out of black beans a little chunky, stop mashing when you reach your desired texture.
 
For a smoother result, keep going until they’re almost paste-like.
 

4. Add Liquid and Simmer

Pour in your broth or water a little at a time, stirring as you go.
 
This helps you control the consistency when you make refried beans out of black beans.
 
Let them simmer for five to ten minutes, stirring occasionally, until they thicken up to that classic refried bean texture.
 

5. Taste and Adjust

Give your refried beans out of black beans a taste and add more salt, cumin, or chili powder if needed.
 
A squeeze of lime juice at the end brightens everything up and balances the richness.
 

Tips for the Best Refried Beans Out of Black Beans

Want to nail how to make refried beans out of black beans every single time?
 
Keep these tips in mind:
 

1. Save That Bean Liquid

If you’re using canned black beans, don’t toss all the liquid.
 
That starchy water is perfect for thinning out your refried beans out of black beans without watering down the flavor.
 

2. Don’t Skip the Fat

Fat is what gives refried beans their silky, rich mouthfeel.
 
Bacon grease or lard brings the most authentic flavor, but olive oil or even butter works great if that’s what you have.
 

3. Use a Cast Iron Skillet

A cast iron skillet gives you even heat and a little bit of that savory char that makes restaurant-style refried beans out of black beans so good.
 

4. Make a Big Batch

Refried beans out of black beans freeze beautifully.
 
Make a double batch and freeze the extras in small containers so you always have a quick side ready to go.
 

So, How to Make Refried Beans Out of Black Beans?

To make refried beans out of black beans, you cook the beans until soft, sauté them with aromatics and spices, mash them to your desired texture, and simmer with a little liquid until creamy.
 
It’s a simple process that delivers big flavor, and once you know how to make refried beans out of black beans, you’ll wonder why you ever bought the canned stuff.
 
Whether you serve them as a side, spread them on toast, or use them as a filling for tacos and burritos, these refried beans out of black beans are sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
 
Give this method a try, and enjoy every creamy, flavorful bite.