Frijoles Refritos Classic Mexican Refried Beans

Dive into the authentic flavors of Mexico with this classic Frijoles Refritos, or Mexican Refried Beans, recipe. Made from slow-simmered dried pinto beans, aromatic garlic, and a hint of cumin, this dish delivers a rich and creamy texture that's perfect as a side or versatile filling for tacos, burritos, and more. Choose traditional lard for an indulgent flavor or opt for vegetable oil for a vegetarian-friendly version. Topped with crumbled queso fresco and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, these refried beans are a simple, wholesome comfort food that pairs beautifully with any Mexican-inspired meal. Easy to customize and bursting with homemade goodness, this recipe is a must-try for lovers of authentic Mexican cuisine.

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:120 mins

Total Time:135 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 cups Dried pinto beans
• 8 cups Water
• 0.5 medium, chopped White onion
• 3 whole, peeled Garlic cloves
• 1 Bay leaf
• 2 teaspoons Salt
• 3 tablespoons Lard (or vegetable oil for vegetarian option)
• 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
• 2 tablespoons, chopped Fresh cilantro (optional)
• 0.25 cup Crumbled queso fresco (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the pinto beans thoroughly under cold water and remove any debris or damaged beans.

Step 2

In a large pot, combine the rinsed beans, water, chopped onion, garlic cloves, and bay leaf.

Step 3

Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer. Cover the pot, leaving the lid slightly ajar to allow steam to escape.

Step 4

Cook the beans for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until they are very tender. Stir occasionally and add more water if needed to keep the beans covered.

Step 5

Once the beans are cooked, remove and discard the bay leaf. Strain the beans, but reserve about 1 cup of the cooking liquid.

Step 6

In a large skillet or frying pan, heat the lard (or vegetable oil) over medium heat.

Step 7

Add the cooked beans to the skillet and mash them using a potato masher or the back of a spoon. Add small amounts of the reserved cooking liquid as you mash to reach your desired consistency.

Step 8

Stir in the ground cumin and salt. Cook the beans, stirring constantly, for 5 to 7 minutes until they are smooth and heated through.

Step 9

Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. If desired, stir in fresh cilantro.

Step 10

Serve warm, topped with crumbled queso fresco if preferred. Enjoy as a side dish, dip, or filling for tacos or burritos.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2460.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1096.5

Total Fat 56.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 25.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.8g
Cholesterol 81.5mg	0%
Sodium 6047.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 105.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 33.8g	0%
Total Sugars 5.8g
Protein 44.6g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 652.3mg	0%
Iron 9.6mg	0%
Potassium 1767.0mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 45.9%

Protein: 16.1%

Carbs: 38.1%