The Best Homemade Refried Beans
User Reviews
5
The Best Homemade Refried Beans
Description
The Best Homemade Refried Beans begin with frying bacon to render flavorful fat, then using that bacon grease to sauté diced onions. Chili powder and cayenne pepper are added to build a mildly spicy base. Pinto beans, drained and rinsed, are combined with chicken stock and mashed to your preferred consistency, resulting in a creamy yet textural bean mash. Additional heat evaporates excess liquid for desired thickness.
Fresh cilantro folded into the beans adds bright herbal notes while the chopped bacon contributes satisfying crunch and smoky flavor. Seasoning with salt and pepper rounds out the taste profile.
This make-ahead dish reheats well but may dry slightly, which can be remedied by stirring in water or lime juice to restore creaminess. Variations for vegetarians and vegans include skipping bacon and substituting fats and stock accordingly, with smoked paprika suggested to replicate smokiness.
Ingredients
- 2 lices Bacon
- 1/2 onion (diced)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or less, if you prefer mild spice)
- 15 oz. pinto beans drained and rinsed, about 1.5 cups cooked beans, canned
- 1/2 cup chicken stock or veggie stock, or water, or broth
- 1/4 cup cilantro optional, chopped, fresh
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a heavy skillet (I used a cast iron one), fry the 2 slices bacon until crispy on medium high heat. Remove the bacon and set aside. Chop into small pieces when cooled.
- Meanwhile, the diced onion to the bacon grease in the skillet; sauté until soft and slightly browned (about 2 minutes).
- Add the chili powder (1 teaspoon) and cayenne pepper (1/4 teaspoon); stir to coat the onions.
- Add the drained and rinsed pinto beans and chicken stock (1/2 cup). Use a potato masher (or a fork) to mash the beans to desired texture, then stir to incorporate with the liquid.
- Continue heating until heated through. It may seem pretty watery at this point. If there is too much liquid, continue heating until some of the liquid has evaporated, until you reach the desired consistency, stirring frequently, keeping in mind the beans will thicken additionally as they cool.
- Stir in cilantro (1/4 cup) if using, the chopped bacon, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.
Notes
- For ultra creamy beans, puree the mixture in a blender or food processor instead of mashing by hand.
- Vegetarian versions use butter or oil instead of bacon fat, and vegetable stock or water in place of chicken stock.
- Adding smoked paprika enhances smoky flavor when bacon is omitted.
- Reheat gently and add liquid as needed to maintain creamy texture; beans may dry out slightly upon storage.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 142 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 142kcal | 7% |
| Carbohydrates | 18g | 6% |
| Protein | 7g | 14% |
| Fat | 5g | 8% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Cholesterol | 7mg | 2% |
| Sodium | 474mg | 20% |
| Potassium | 369mg | 8% |
| Fiber | 5g | 20% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 268IU | 5% |
| Vitamin C | 4mg | 4% |
| Calcium | 53mg | 5% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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