Super quick and easy, these Refried Black Beans are the perfect addition to any Mexican food spread. Made with garlic and spices, these black beans are mashed to creamy and bold perfection.
You’ll love these comforting and heart refried beans paired with all of your favorite Mexican and Tex-Mex dishes. Pair with tacos, burritos, fajitas, or even as a dip with tortilla chips!
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🩵 About This Recipe
Next time you're hosting a make your own taco night or craving something extra filling to pair with all your favorite Tex-Mex dishes, these Mexican black beans are the perfect solution!
They come together with very little time and virtually no prep, and you can easily add more seasonings or just eat them plain. However you choose to enjoy them, it's so simple to make your own refried beans!
And for more great recipes featuring canned beans, try these Traditional Boston Baked Beans or my Easy One Pot Rice and Beans!
🧂 Gather Your Ingredients
- minced garlic - feel free to mince some fresh garlic or use jarred minced garlic for a convenient shortcut.
- black beans - any kind of canned black beans work great for this recipe!
- seasonings - for some extra flavor, I use a combo of cumin and chili powder.
- broth - vegetable broth and chicken broth both work fine.
🔪 Let's Make Refried Black Beans!
(Or click here to jump right to the recipe card with measurements!)
Cook Garlic
Add the minced garlic to a skillet and cook until fragrant.
Add Beans
Stir in the beans and seasonings.
Mash
Add the broth and mash the beans as they continue to cook.
💡 Expert Tips and Tricks
- Keep adding broth until the beans have reached your desired consistency.
- Use an immersion blender to get the beans extra smooth if you prefer them that way.
- Make your refried beans extra creamy by adding butter or sour cream at the end.
❔ FAQs
This is actually a misnomer that comes from the Spanish term for the same dish. In Spanish they're called frijoles refritos, which means "well-fried" rather than "re-fried."
Many restaurants will use a fat like lard for additional flavor, as well as fresh produce like garlic, onion, and chile peppers.
No, and in fact typical refried beans are made with pinto beans! Black beans offer a slightly earthier flavor and a bit of extra protein.
📝 Substitutions and Variations
- Make your refried beans cheesy by mixing in some shredded cheese at the end until it's melty and well incorporated.
- Use some smoked paprika to deepen the flavor.
- Add extra heat and texture by mixing in diced onion or jalapeno peppers!
Kristin’s Kitchen Tip
This recipe can also be made with pinto beans for a more traditional result!
🥡 Storage and Reheating
To store your refried beans, keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze individual portions for several months.
To reheat, pop the beans back in a skillet over low heat. You may need to add some extra broth. From frozen, allow the beans to thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Keep It Handy
Don't have time for this refried black beans recipe right now? Click on or tap the heart icon on the BOTTOM RIGHT of the screen to save it for later!
🍴 What To Serve With This Dish
Use refried beans as a dip for tortilla chips, as a filling addition to Slow Cooker Breakfast Burritos, a topping for Blackened Tilapia Tacos, or as a side dish alongside my Dorito Casserole!
😋 More Easy Condiment Recipes You'll Love
- Lime Crema Sauce - Another great addition to any taco spread or to serve alongside fajitas or a burrito.
- Homemade Big Mac Sauce - Skip the drivethru and make your own burgers with a homemade take on this classic sauce!
- Chocolate Sauce - If you're craving something sweet instead, this homemade chocolate sauce is the perfect addition to any dessert.
- Bang Bang Sauce - This incredibly bold sauce from JZ Eats is perfect to pair with seafood, chicken, veggies, and more!
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Easy Refried Mexican Black Beans
⭐ Did you make this recipe? Awesome! I would love to hear from you. Please give it a star rating and review below! 👇
📋 Recipe Card
Easy Refried Black Beans
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 15 ounces black beans, drained and rinsed
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- 3 tablespoons broth
- salt (optional, to taste)
- lime juice (optional, to taste)
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and saute for about 30 seconds until fragrant.1 tablespoon minced garlic
- Stir in the black beans, cumin, and chili powder.15 ounces black beans, drained and rinsed, ½ teaspoon cumin, ½ teaspoon chili powder
- Add the broth, and while heating, mash the beans with a spatula or other utensil until mostly smooth.3 tablespoons broth
- Add additional broth if needed until you reach your desired consistency. Add the optional salt and lime juice to taste, if desired.salt, lime juice
Notes
Prep Tips:
- If you prefer extra smooth beans, blend them with an immersion blender.
- Add some butter or sour cream at the end for extra creaminess.
Variation Suggestions:
- Swap black beans for pinto beans for a more traditional flavor.
- Are you a cheese-lover? Stir in a little shredded cheese until melted.
- Add a pinch of smoked paprika for a deeper, smoky flavor.
- Mix in finely diced onions or even jalapeños for extra heat and texture.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as a side with tacos, enchiladas, or burritos.
- Spread on tostadas or use as a dip for tortilla chips.
- Use as a filling for quesadillas or breakfast burritos.
- Top with crumbled queso fresco, cilantro, or a drizzle of hot sauce.
Storage Info For Leftovers:
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.
- Freeze in portions for up to 3 months; thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimate. The nutritional values for your final dish may vary based on measuring differences and products used.
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