How Do You Make Refried Beans From Scratch

You can make refried beans from scratch by simmering dried pinto beans until they’re tender, then mashing and frying them in a skillet with a little fat and seasoning.
 
It sounds fancier than it is, and honestly, the homemade version blows the canned stuff out of the water.
 
If you’ve been wondering how do you make refried beans from scratch, you’re in the right place because this whole process is way simpler than most people think.
 
The name “refried” is actually a bit misleading since the beans are only fried once, but don’t worry about the semantics, the flavor is what matters.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through how to make refried beans from scratch step by step, plus a few tips to get them creamy and rich every single time.
 
Let’s dig in.
 

How Do You Make Refried Beans From Scratch?

You make refried beans from scratch by cooking dried beans low and slow, then mashing them into a smooth, savory paste in a hot pan.
 
Here’s why this method works so well and what’s happening at each stage.
 

1. Start With Dried Beans, Not Canned

The foundation of great refried beans from scratch is dried pinto beans.
 
Yes, you can make refried beans from canned beans in a pinch, but dried beans give you a deeper, creamier result that’s worth the extra time.
 
You’ll want about two cups of dried pinto beans, which will balloon into a big pot of goodness once they’re cooked.
 

2. Soak Them Overnight

Soaking softens the beans and helps them cook evenly.
 
Drop your beans in a large bowl, cover them with plenty of water, and let them sit overnight.
 
If you forget to soak, don’t panic, you can do a quick soak by boiling them for a couple of minutes and letting them rest for an hour.
 

3. Simmer With Aromatics

Drain the soaked beans, then toss them in a pot with fresh water, half an onion, a few garlic cloves, and a bay leaf.
 
Let everything simmer gently for about an hour and a half until the beans are soft enough to smash with a spoon.
 
This step is where the flavor really builds, so don’t rush it.
 

4. Save That Cooking Liquid

Before you drain the beans, scoop out a cup or two of the cooking liquid.
 
That starchy broth is liquid gold when it comes to getting your refried beans creamy instead of dry.
 

Steps To Fry And Mash The Beans

Now comes the fun part, and it’s where the “refried” magic actually happens.
 

1. Heat Up Your Fat

Warm a couple of tablespoons of bacon grease, lard, or olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
 
Traditional refried beans from scratch use lard or bacon fat for that authentic, rich taste.
 

2. Add Onion And Garlic

Toss in some finely chopped onion and minced garlic, and cook until they’re soft and fragrant.
 

3. Mash The Beans In The Pan

Add your cooked beans to the skillet and start mashing with a potato masher or the back of a wooden spoon.
 
Keep going until you reach your preferred texture, whether that’s totally smooth or a little chunky.
 

4. Loosen With That Reserved Broth

Pour in splashes of the cooking liquid as you mash to keep the beans from drying out.
 
This is the secret to silky, restaurant-style refried beans made from scratch.
 

5. Season And Taste

Add salt, cumin, and a little chili powder, then taste and adjust as you go.
 
Remember, beans need more salt than you think, so don’t be shy.
 

Tips For Perfect Refried Beans From Scratch

A few small moves make a big difference when you’re making refried beans from scratch.
 

1. Keep Them Moist

Dry refried beans are a sad thing, so always keep that reserved broth nearby to thin them out.
 

2. Don’t Skip The Fat

Fat is what gives refried beans their signature velvety texture and depth of flavor.
 

3. Taste As You Mash

Seasoning is personal, so taste often and adjust until it’s just right for you.
 

So, How Do You Make Refried Beans From Scratch?

You make refried beans from scratch by soaking dried pinto beans, simmering them with aromatics, and then mashing and frying them in a skillet with fat, onion, and garlic.
 
It’s a simple process that rewards you with beans that are creamy, flavorful, and way better than anything from a can.
 
Once you know how do you make refried beans from scratch, you’ll wonder why you ever bought them pre-made.