Bring flavor to your next Mexican-themed meal with homemade (and delicious!) refried beans.
How to Make Refried Beans
Updated on Jan. 23, 2022
Whether you’re hosting a Mexican-themed fiesta or doing “Taco Tuesday” for family dinner, you can’t go wrong by serving refried beans. The perfect side dish, this recipe is oh-so-simple to put together. Once you know how, you’re going to forget about the store-bought stuff forever! Here are step-by-step instructions on how to make refried beans:
How to Make Refried Beans
We used the Home-Style Refried Beans recipe.
Ingredients:
- 2/3 cup finely chopped onion
- 4 teaspoons canola oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) beans, rinsed
- 1/2 cup water
- 4 teaspoons lime juice
Step 1: Start with the onions and garlic
Medium heat the oil in a skillet until it shimmers. Next, add the finely chopped onion. Stir occasionally and keep the pan on the heat for around five minutes or until the onions are soft.
Step 2: Give it a little flavor
It’s time to spice things up! Add the garlic, cumin, salt and cayenne pepper to the pan. Cook the mixture for 60 seconds, while stirring as frequently as possible. Use the back of a fork to gently smash the garlic so it forms a paste-like consistency.
Step 3: Add the beans
The beans you choose for this side dish will have a great impact on the overall flavor. The most common type of bean used here is the pinto bean—which cooks down well and has a well-rounded, earthy taste. You may also want to experiment with black beans or cannellini beans for a unique take on the classic recipe. Drain the beans and add them to the skillet. Cover and cook on a medium heat for around five minutes, stirring regularly.
(Don’t have canned beans in your pantry? Here’s how to quick-soak dry beans.)
Step 4: Smash it up!
Remove the cover and lower the heat. Now, it’s time to have some fun! Use a potato masher to mash the beans up. Keep going until you reach the consistency that you desire. Some people prefer a ‘rustic’ coarse finish, while others prefer a smoother texture. The choice is all yours.
Step 5: Get zesty
Finally, taste the mixture to see whether you’ve got the right blend of seasonings. If it seems a little dry, you might want to give it a splash of water to loosen it up. You can also add some lime juice to give it a fresh flavor. Add salt to suit your taste buds and serve!
Now that you know how to make refried beans, you have to make tacos, fajitas or tostadas tonight! Check out our quick Mexican dinner recipes.
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"In spring we look for something light and refreshing on the menu after the heavier comfort food of winter; this salad is a great solution." —Recipe contributor Muriel Bertrand, Shoreview, Minnesota
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"This chicken fajitas recipe is definitely on my weeknight dinner rotation. The marinated chicken in these popular wraps is mouthwatering. The fajitas go together in a snap and always get raves!" —Recipe contributor Julie Sterchi, Campbellsville, Kentucky
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"Even though steak is always a winner in our house, to make it even more special I add jarred salsa verde and top with freshly chopped tomato and avocado." —Recipe contributor Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia
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"My brother-in-law teased that I knew how to make only five things using ground beef. I had to prove him wrong, and came back with these burritos." —Recipe contributor Kim Kenyon, Greenwood, Missouri
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"This chicken tortilla soup is as good as (if not better than) any I've had in a restaurant. I get so many compliments when I serve it: You will, too." —Recipe contributor Laura Black Johnson, Largo, Florida
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"My grandparents came from Mexico, and I grew up watching my grandmother and mother in the kitchen. This steak marinated in beer and lime juice honors their passion for cooking." —Recipe contributor Adan Franco, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Main Ingredients: Flank steak, tomatoes, onion, lime juice, jalapeno, cilantro, tortillas
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"Zesty salsa and tender strips of steak make these traditional fajitas extra special." —Recipe contributor Rebecca Baird, Salt Lake City, Utah
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This low-carb twist on a classic is one of our go-to cauliflower rice recipes. Plus, it's paleo-friendly for those watching their carbs!
"I learned about the paleo diet from some friends who now have tons of energy and are super fit. Since then, I've changed my eating habits, too. Everyone from my dad to my little nephew loves this chicken in Spanish cauliflower rice." —Recipe contributor Megan Schmoldt, Westminster, Colorado
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"I was looking for a way to amp up the flavor of regular chicken strips so I crushed up some leftover corn chips to create a crispy, flavorful coating." —Recipe contributor Cynthia Gerken, Naples, Florida
Bean BurritosTotal Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Beans, tortillas, cheese, salsa, rice
Level: Beginner
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"I always have the ingredients for this cheesy burrito recipe on hand. Cooking the rice and shredding the cheese the night before saves precious minutes at dinnertime." —Recipe contributor Beth Osborne Skinner, Bristol, Tennessee
Vegan Taco SaladTotal Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Red pepper, plant-based meat crumbles, salsa, lettuce, beans, tortilla chips, corn, tomatoes, avocado, ranch
Level: Beginner
This salad proves that plant-based meals can be vibrant and delicious. The vegan meatless crumbles provide a hearty "meaty" texture, making this a satisfying dish even for diners who aren't vegan.
"The best salads are made with ingredients that have different textures and complementary flavors. In this vegan taco salad, you'll love the crunch of the tortilla chips with the sweet, crisp lettuce and "meaty" crumble mixture." —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Level: Beginner
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"Leftover chicken gets Mexican flair from cumin in this fun main dish. The recipe has an impressive look and taste with little preparation." —Recipe contributor Linda Wetzel, Woodland Park, Colorado
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This shrimp dish will be your secret weapon for impressing guests on short notice. The bright flavors of cilantro and lime pair perfectly with the subtle heat from the ancho chile.
"Easy, quick and family friendly, this shrimp recipe is dairy free and comes together in about 30 minutes. The secret is the bright flavor-packed sauce. Serve over greens, store-bought slaw or cauliflower rice." —Recipe contributor Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland
Easy Mexican Dishes FAQ
What are the best easy Mexican dishes for beginners?
If you're new to the world of Mexican cuisine, opt for recipes like tacos, quesadillas and burritos. They are straightforward, use relatively few ingredients and can easily be customized with fillings and toppings based on your tastes and preferred spice level.
What quick sides can I serve with a Mexican dinner?
Elote, or Mexican street corn, is a delicious side that pairs well with a variety of Mexican main dishes. You can also make a bowl of guacamole—here's how to tell if your avocadoes are ripe enough to make it—or restaurant-style salsa to include on the table.
What are the easiest traditional Mexican recipes?
Some of the easiest traditional Mexican recipes include enchiladas and pozole. These dishes often involve simple ingredients and easy-to-follow cooking techniques. Because flavors tend to marry best with time, many Mexican recipes are easy in terms of technique, but might be more time-consuming with marinating, assembling and cooking. Don't let the prep time intimidate you!
