Refried Black Beans

This easy Refried Black Beans recipe makes a perfect side dish to go along with all of your Mexican-inspired favorites.  These beans are loaded with flavor and can be enjoyed plain, as a warm cheesy dip, or filled inside enchiladas, tacos, burritos or quesadillas.

Jump to:

• Homemade Refried Black Beans Recipe
• Refried Black Beans Recipe Ingredients
• How to Make Refried Black Beans
• How to Cook Dried Black Beans
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Refried Black Bean Tips
• Storing and Reheating
• Refried Black Beans Recipe
• More of our favorite Mexican-inspired recipes!

Homemade Refried Black Beans Recipe

Forget the canned refried beans - these Black Bean Refried Beans are a completely different ballgame.  Whether you use dried black beans or canned black beans, this recipe is packed full of flavor that puts the store-bought stuff to shame.

Our refried beans are cooked with simple, fresh ingredients like onions, garlic, spices and bay leaves.  We season with fresh lime juice, mash as desired, bake with cheddar cheese on top and serve with yummy toppings like sour cream and sliced jalapeño peppers.

Refried Black Beans Recipe Ingredients

• Black Beans - you can use either dried beans or canned.  We have given you instructions on how to do both.
• Avocado Oil - you can substitute olive oil, or another type of cooking oil if you would like.
• Onions - we like to use white or yellow onions, finely diced.
• Garlic - fresh minced garlic tastes best.
• Dried Oregano - if you can find Mexican oregano, use that.  Otherwise, Italian oregano will work.
• Spices: in order to make these taste like Chipotle, we add chili powder, cayenne pepper and cumin.  These are just for flavor and can be adjusted to your liking.  Another great seasoning to add is about a tablespoon of the sauce from a can of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.  It’s deliciously spicy and smokey.
• Salt - sea salt works great.
• Bay Leaves - fresh bay leaves have the best flavor, as opposed to dry bay leaves.  In order to make them last longer, you can store them in your freezer for up to 6 months!
• Lime Juice - this is to season your black beans after they have cooked.  Fresh lime juice always tastes best.
• Cheddar Cheese - we love topping Refried Black Beans with shredded cheddar cheese, but you could also substitute (or add) goat cheese, queso fresco, chihuahua cheese or Monterey Jack.
• Toppings: some of my favorite refried beans toppings include sour cream, thinly sliced jalapeños, cheddar cheese, diced green chilis, fresh cilantro, pickled red onions, and Salsa.

How to Make Refried Black Beans

1. Cook your beans.  See above for instructions on cooking dried beans.  You can also substitute canned beans and skip this step.
2. Cook onion and garlic.  In a large pot, add the avocado oil and heat over medium heat.  Add the chopped onion and sauté until golden brown, or about 5-7 minutes.  Next, add the garlic and cook until garlic is soft and tender, or about 2 more minutes. 
3. Add beans and cook.  Next, add in the black beans, oregano, chili powder, cayenne pepper, cumin, salt and bay leaves.  Add water until the beans are barely covered and continue to cook on medium heat for 30 minutes, or until most of the water has evaporated.
4. Whisk.  Remove the bay leaves and squeeze lime juice into the beans.  Add beans to the bowl of a stand mixer with the whisk attachment and whisk on medium speed for 2 minutes, or until the beans are mashed and at the desired consistency.
5. Bake.  Transfer the beans to a baking dish and cover with shredded cheddar cheese.  Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
6. Serve.  Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before topping with sour cream, sliced jalapeños or your other favorite toppings.  Serve with tortilla chips.  Enjoy!

How to Cook Dried Black Beans

Cooking Dry Beans in Instant Pot

1. Pour beans into a large bowl and sort out any broken beans.  Rinse, drain then add to the Instant Pot. 
2. Close the Instant Pot and turn the steam release valve to the sealing position.  Pressure cook on high for 30 minutes, then let the Instant Pot natural release for about 15 minutes.
3. After 15 minutes, quick-release any remaining pressure.

Cooking Dry Beans in a Slow Cooker

1. Pour beans into a large bowl and sort out any broken beans.  Rinse, drain then add to the slow cooker.
2. Cover with cool water or broth, about 1" above beans, and cook on high for 5-7 hours, or until beans are tender.

Cooking Unsoaked Beans on the Stovetop

1. Pour beans into a large bowl and sort out any broken beans.  Rinse, drain then add to a large pot.
2. Cover with cool water about 1" above the beans.  Place a lid on the pot and bring to a boil.  Reduce to a simmer and cook for about 2 hours, or until the beans are soft.

How to Soak Dried Beans

Quick Soak Beans (Stovetop Method)

• Pour beans into a large bowl and sort out any broken beans.  Rinse, drain then add to a large pot. 
• Cover with cool water, about 1" above beans, then bring to a boil.  Boil beans for 3 minutes, then turn off heat and let stand for 1-4 hours. 
• After they have soaked, drain beans and rinse in cool water.  Cook as directed.

Soak Beans Overnight (Stovetop Method) 

• Pour beans into a large bowl and sort out any broken beans.  Rinse, drain then add to a large pot.
• Cover with cool water, about 1" above beans.  Place a lid on the pot and let soak overnight, or up to 12 hours. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Refried Black Bean Tips

• Be sure and chop your onions finely and cook them until they are meltingly soft.  Texturally, your Refried Black Beans will taste best this way.
• Whisk your beans to mash them up as much as you would like.  Some people prefer their refried beans a little chunkier while others like them silky smooth.
• You can use a potato masher instead of the stand mixer to mash the beans if you want.
• If you are short on time, there’s no shame in using canned black beans!  

Storing and Reheating

• Store: transfer any leftover Refried Black Beans to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: to reheat, transfer to a pot or skillet and add a couple of tablespoons of chicken broth (or water).  Heat over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the beans are warmed through.

More of our favorite Mexican-inspired recipes!

• Chipotle Black Beans
• Jalapeno Popper Dip
• 7 Layer Bean Dip
• Easy Spanish Rice
• Cheesy Green Chili Rice Casserole
• Best Guacamole
• Warm Cheesy Bean Dip
• Refried Black Beans
• More Tex Mex Recipes

Other Amazing Chipotle Inspired Recipes

• Copycat Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice
• Homemade Guacamole
• Refried Black Beans or Copycat Chipotle Black Beans
•  Spanish Rice would be amazing too. 
• Homemade Fresh Salsa
• Cheddar Queso

This homemade Refried Beans recipe is packed full of flavor that puts the store-bought version to shame.  They make the perfect side dish to go along with all of your Mexican-inspired favorites.

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