Authentic Mexican Refried Beans Recipe

Introduction

Authentic Mexican refried beans are a comforting and flavorful side dish made from simple ingredients like pinto beans, garlic, and lard. They pair perfectly with tacos, rice, or any Mexican meal, offering creamy texture and a rich, savory taste that’s truly satisfying.

Ingredients

• 1/2 lb. dry pinto beans
• 1/2 yellow onion (cut into 1″ chunks)
• 1/4 tsp dried oregano
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 garlic cloves (whole)
• 4 tbsp lard
• Water
• Cotija cheese (optional topping)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Add pinto beans, garlic cloves, onion, salt, and oregano to a medium saucepan. Cover with about 2 inches of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 1 1/2 hours, or until beans are very tender.
2. Step 2: Strain the cooked beans, reserving the bean juice for later use.
3. Step 3: Heat 4 tablespoons of lard in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beans and fry for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.
4. Step 4: Reduce heat to low and pour in about 1/2 to 3/4 cup of the reserved bean juice. Use a potato masher to smash the beans until they reach your desired consistency. For an ultra-smooth texture, blend the beans and add water a tablespoon at a time if too thick.
5. Step 5: Serve hot, topped with crumbled cotija cheese if desired. Enjoy your authentic Mexican refried beans!

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian version, substitute lard with vegetable oil or butter, though the flavor will be slightly different.
• If you prefer spicier beans, add a pinch of chili powder or chopped jalapeños while frying.
• Soaking dry beans overnight can reduce cooking time significantly.
• Use a food processor to blend the beans for a creamier result without graininess.

Storage

Store leftover refried beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm them in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or bean juice to loosen the texture as needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use canned beans instead of dry beans?

Yes, canned pinto beans can be used for a quicker version. Rinse and drain them before frying, and adjust the amount of added liquid since canned beans are softer and already cooked.

What can I substitute for cotija cheese?

If cotija cheese is unavailable, feta or queso fresco are good alternatives that offer a similar crumbly texture and salty flavor.

Authentic Mexican Refried Beans Recipe

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Authentic Mexican Refried Beans made from scratch using dry pinto beans, simmered with aromatic garlic and onion, then fried in lard to develop rich flavor and creamy texture. Perfect as a side dish or topping with optional cotija cheese.

• Author: mia
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Beans and Seasonings

• 1/2 lb. dry pinto beans
• 1/2 yellow onion, cut into 1” chunks
• 1/4 tsp dried oregano
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 garlic cloves, whole
• Water, as needed for cooking

For Frying

• 4 tbsp lard

Optional Topping

• Cotija cheese, crumbled

Instructions

1. Cook the Beans: Add the dry pinto beans, whole garlic cloves, onion chunks, salt, and dried oregano to a medium saucepan. Cover everything with about 2 inches of water and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer, cover the pot, and cook for 1 1/2 hours or until the beans are very tender.
2. Reserve the Bean Juice: Strain the cooked beans from the bean cooking liquid and reserve the liquid for later use in the recipe.
3. Fry the Beans: Heat 4 tablespoons of lard in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cooked beans to the hot lard and fry for about 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly to incorporate the fat and start flavor development.
4. Mash the Beans: Reduce the heat to low. Pour about 1/2 to 3/4 cup of the reserved bean juice into the skillet. Using a potato masher, begin to mash the beans to your desired consistency. For extra smooth beans, transfer the mixture to a blender and blend until completely smooth. If the beans are too thick after blending, add water one tablespoon at a time until the right creamy texture is achieved.
5. Serve: Plate the refried beans and top with crumbled cotija cheese if desired. Serve warm and enjoy this traditional Mexican side dish!

Notes

• Using lard is traditional and adds authentic flavor, but you can substitute with vegetable oil for a different dietary preference.
• For creamier beans, blending is recommended after mashing.
• Leftover bean cooking liquid can be frozen for future use.
• Soaking beans overnight before cooking can reduce cooking time but is optional.
• Adjust salt to taste after cooking depending on your preference.

Keywords: refried beans, Mexican side dish, pinto beans, authentic Mexican recipe, lard, cotija cheese