Refried Beans – A Classic Mexican Side Dish
Refried beans are a traditional Mexican dish made from cooked, mashed pinto beans. The beans are first cooked until tender, then mashed with a masher or food processor, and then fried in a pan with some fat, usually lard or vegetable oil, and sometimes with onions and garlic.
The result is a creamy, flavorful bean spread that can be used as a side dish or as a filling for various Mexican dishes such as burritos, tacos, tostadas, and enchiladas. Some variations of refried beans are also flavored with spices, such as cumin, chili powder, or oregano.
Refried beans are a staple in Mexican cuisine and a great source of protein, fiber, and complex carbohydrates. Made with dried beans or with canned beans, there are also vegetarian versions of refried beans that use vegetable oil instead of lard.
They are also a great ingredient for burritos, where they can be added to the filling with chicken, beef, or pork, cheese, and veggies, or spread over the tortilla before wrapping. Additionally, they can be served as a side dish, mixed with cheese, topped with sour cream, or salsa.
Refried Beans
Ingredients
- 1 pound dried pinto beans rinsed and picked over
- 1 onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ¼ cup lard or vegetable oil
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Soak the pinto beans in water overnight, or for at least 8 hours. Drain and rinse the beans before use.
- In a large pot, add the soaked beans and enough water to cover the beans by 2 inches. Bring the water to a boil and reduce the heat to low. Let the beans simmer for about 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until the beans are tender. Drain the beans and reserve the liquid.
- In a large skillet, heat the lard or oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the cooked beans to the skillet and mash them with a potato masher or a fork until they are well mashed. If the beans are too thick, you can add some of the reserved liquid to reach the desired consistency.
- Season the beans with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the beans are heated through.
Notes
Dishes That Pair Well With Refried Beans & Why
| Dish | Description | Why It Pairs Well |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken Enchiladas | Rolled tortillas filled with shredded chicken and topped with sauce. | The creamy texture of refried beans balances the spiced, saucy enchiladas. |
| Carne Asada | Grilled marinated steak, often served sliced. | Beans add richness and heartiness to the lean grilled meat. |
| Mexican Rice | Fluffy rice cooked with tomatoes, onions, and spices. | Classic pairing—rice and beans create a complete, satisfying base. |
| Quesadillas | Grilled tortillas stuffed with melted cheese and fillings. | Beans add protein and moisture to a cheesy, crispy quesadilla. |
| Huevos Rancheros | Fried eggs served on tortillas with salsa and toppings. | Beans provide creaminess and depth to a savory breakfast dish. |
| Tacos | Folded or rolled tortillas filled with various meats or vegetables. | Refried beans add substance and help bind taco fillings. |
| Chiles Rellenos | Stuffed poblano peppers, often fried and sauced. | Beans mellow the richness of cheese-stuffed peppers. |
| Burritos | Large tortillas wrapped around meat, rice, beans, and toppings. | Refried beans are essential for texture and filling power. |
| Nachos | Layered tortilla chips topped with cheese and toppings. | Beans add creamy contrast and boost the protein content. |
| Tamales | Steamed corn dough filled with meat or cheese, wrapped in husks. | Refried beans round out the meal with softness and flavor. |
Who Invented Refried Beans?
The origin of refried beans is not well-documented, so it is unclear who exactly “invented” the dish. The dish has been part of traditional Mexican cuisine for a long time, it is believed that it has been around for centuries. The name “refried” refers to the fact that the beans are cooked twice, once to soften them, and then again to mash and fry them.
Refried beans were traditionally made using lard which gave them a rich and flavorful taste. Lard was a common ingredient in Mexican cuisine, it was used for frying, baking, and as a spread. The use of lard in the recipe is a key component that sets it apart from other bean dishes, which are usually just mashed or pureed without being fried.
Refried beans were likely created by indigenous people in Mexico, who used the ingredients and cooking methods available to them to create a delicious and nutritious dish. It is also possible that the dish was created by Spanish colonizers, who introduced new ingredients and cooking methods to the region.
Regardless of who “invented” the dish, it is clear that refried beans have been an essential part of Mexican cuisine for a long time and are enjoyed by many people all over the world.
