How to Make Frijoles Refritos (Refried Beans) - A Step-by-Step Guide

Refried beans, or frijoles refritos in Spanish, are a staple in Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine. This delicious and comforting dish is made from cooked and mashed pinto beans, flavored with spices and lard, and then fried. The result is a creamy, savory, and flavorful side dish that pairs perfectly with many Mexican and Tex-Mex dishes.

While the name "refried" may suggest that the beans are fried twice, it actually comes from the Spanish word "refritos," which means "well-fried" or "well-...

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Ingredients

  • 5 quarts water, or as more needed
  • 1 pound pinto beans, washed
  • 2 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • canola oil

Information

  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 6 hrs 3 mins
  • Total Time: 6 hrs 18 mins
  • Servings: 12
  • Yield: 12 servings

  • Combine water, pinto beans, and garlic in a large pot and cover. Cook over low heat for 5 1/2 hours. Stir in salt and continue cooking until beans are very soft, about 30 minutes more, adding more water if needed during the cook time to ensure the beans remain covered.
  • Heat canola oil in a skillet over high heat. Spoon the beans into the skillet without draining excess water; mash beans using a potato masher until they begin to lose their shape, about 3 minutes.
  • Nutrition

    215 cal.

    • Total Fat: 10g
    • Saturated Fat: 1g
    • Sodium: 210mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 24g
    • Dietary Fiber: 6g
    • Total Sugars: 1g
    • Protein: 8g
    • Vitamin C: 3mg
    • Calcium: 56mg
    • Iron: 2mg
    • Potassium: 533mg