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Homemade Refried Beans

T Millan
Sep 1
2 min read

Updated: Sep 5

Homemade refried beans are a staple in Mexican cooking and a comforting dish to share during Día de los Muertos. This simple recipe brings authentic flavor to your table while honoring tradition.

Ingredients for Homemade Refried Beans

1 lbs. dried pinto beans rinsed
water
1/4 lbs. bacon
1/3-1/2 stick butter
1 tbsp salt to taste but I’d start with 1 TBS and add more if you like
1/2 tsp cayanne pepper to taste but I’d start with 1/2 tsp and add more if you like
1 tsp taco seasoning to taste but I’d start with 1 tsp and add more if you like
1/2 tsp onion powder to taste but I’d start with 1/2 tsp and add more if you like

Instructions for Homemade Refried Beans

Add 1 lbs. rinsed dry pinto beans to the liner pot.
Cover with 6 C water
Add in bacon
Cook on high pressure for 30 minutes.
Quick release. You can natural release some if you want but I’m usually impatient and to to get eating quicker
You can remove the bacon if you like or if you’re lazy like me and have the philosophy that more bacon is always better just leave it. I’ve done both, hubby liked it more when I left it in but I couldn’t tell the difference.
Drain off all but enough liquid to cover the beans with an inch of liquid. I recommend holding the liquid to the side in case you want to add nay back but if you don’t regular water will work fine if you want to thin your beans out.
Stir in seasonings and butter.
Mash with a potato masher (I did this for years) or my new favorite, blend with an immersion blender. I like it to have some bean texture but you can blend smooth if that is your preference.
Taste and add any more seasonings to your personal preferences.
If you want it to be thicker put the pot on sauté and cook the beans while stirring. Keep in mind that as they cook and sit they will also thicken up.
If you want them thinner add back in some of the liquid or some water

✨ Tradition Tip: Serve your frijoles refritos with warm tortillas and a sprinkle of queso fresco for a simple dish that tastes like everyday comfort—but also belongs on a Día de los Muertos table.

Why It Matters: Beans are a symbol of sustenance and family in Mexican cuisine. Preparing them from scratch connects us to the patience of generations before us—reminding us that honoring loved ones is found in the simplest foods shared with cariño (love).