Frijoles Refritos (Refried Beans)

Frijoles Refritos are creamy, authentic Mexican refried beans made with pinto beans. An easy side dish that's freezer-friendly and delicious.

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A blue bowl filled with frijoles refritos sits on a wooden table, with crispy tostadas and various toppings blurred in the background.

Every Mexican family has their own version of frijoles refritos, and this one reminds me of my grandmother’s kitchen in Durango, Mexico.

My paternal grandmother lived on a ranch where meals were made from scratch every single day. Her refried beans were legendary. They were so rich they almost turned gray from all the lard she stirred into them. They were absolutely delicious, but definitely a special treat.

These days, I make this easy refried beans recipe with oil instead. They’re still creamy, comforting, and packed with authentic flavor, just a little lighter for everyday meals. Whether you serve them alongside enchiladas, spread them inside burritos, or scoop them up with warm tortillas, they’re one of the most versatile recipes in Mexican cooking.

Also try my recipe for frijoles de la olla.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❤️

Made with simple pantry ingredients.
An authentic Mexican recipe passed down through generations.
Naturally vegetarian and easy to make vegan.
Perfect as a side dish, taco filling, burrito spread, or dip.
Freezer-friendly and even better the next day.

-Maggie

Growing up, refried beans were always on the table. They’re one of those everyday recipes every Mexican home has on repeat because they’re inexpensive, filling, and incredibly versatile.

You only need a handful of simple ingredients to make authentic frijoles refritos at home. I recommend starting with dried pinto beans for the best flavor, but canned beans work, too. Once you see how easy they are to make, you’ll want to keep a batch in the refrigerator all week.

A hand holding a pile of uncooked pinto beans, with more beans in the background.

🫘 How to Make Frijoles Refritos

For this authentic Frijoles Refritos recipe, it all starts with dried pinto beans.

Remove any debris from the dried beans.
Wash thoroughly the beans.

Traditionally, many Mexican families cook beans from scratch because they have the best flavor and texture.

Cooking pinto beans on the stove takes time. That’s why Instant Pot Pinto Beans work extremely well when making refried beans. There’s no soaking required, and the beans come out perfect for making creamy refried beans.

A metal ladle holds pinto beans above a pot filled with more beans and their cooking liquid.

Homemade beans will always have the best flavor. That said, canned pinto beans are a great shortcut when you’re short on time.

Once your beans are cooked, you’re only about 10 minutes away from homemade refried beans.

Refried beans are one of the most popular side dishes in Mexican cuisine. Serve them with tacos, enchiladas, burritos, tamales, or simply enjoy them with warm corn tortillas.

Also learn how to cook canned black beans.

A metal potato masher pressing down on cooked pinto beans in a pan with liquid, ready to be mashed.

Cook the onion in oil until translucent.
Add the beans along with some of the bean broth (or the juice from the cooked beans).
Using a potato masher, mash until they are soft, almost like a puree.

Instead of bean broth, you can use:

Chicken broth
Vegetable broth
Water mixed with chicken bouillon

Their creamy texture also makes them a great first food for babies and toddlers learning to eat solid foods.

Team Potato Masher or Team Blender? I grew up mashing beans with a potato masher for that rustic homemade texture. Some people swear by blending them until silky smooth. Think Frijoles Puercos. There’s no wrong answer—which team are you?

A close-up of cooked refried beans in a pan, with a creamy texture and visible whole and mashed beans throughout the surface.

🙋🏻‍♀️ Frequently Asked Questions

Why are they called refried beans?

Despite the name, refried beans are not fried twice. The Spanish word refritos means “well fried” rather than “fried again.” Cooked beans are mashed and cooked in a little oil or lard until creamy and flavorful.

Are refried beans healthy?

Yes! When refried beans are made with saturated fat and the salt is omitted, they are healthy, even good for you. Pinto and black beans are packed with protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals that help support healthy muscles, digestion, and overall health.

What do you eat with refried beans?

Beans are the perfect side dish to almost any Authentic Mexican food recipe.
Also try them with: Torta de Milanesa, Huevos Rancheros, Mexican Molletes.

🫙 Storage Instructions

Store leftover refried beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

For longer storage, let the beans cool completely, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 6 months. I like to freeze them in smaller portions so they’re easy to thaw for quick meals.

🔥 Reheating Instructions

Thaw frozen beans overnight in the refrigerator or reheat them directly from frozen over low heat. As the beans warm up, stir in a splash of reserved bean broth, chicken broth, vegetable broth, or water with a little chicken bouillon until they reach your desired consistency.

Refried beans naturally thicken as they cool, so adding a little liquid brings them back to life.

A blue bowl filled with creamy refried beans sits on a light wooden surface.

🍴 More Mexican Side Dishes

In our family, we enjoy refried beans as a side dish with almost every Mexican meal. My mom would also serve them as a simple appetizer topped with crumbled queso fresco and pickled jalapeños alongside crispy tortilla chips. It’s one of those humble dishes that always disappears first.