The next time that you are looking for a side for your Mexican lunch or dinner skip the can of refried beans. You can’t beat the simplicity and taste of Homemade Refried Beans, made with just five-ingredients! You will love how easy this recipe is and know that your family is getting a healthier version made with real ingredients.

The key to authentic refried beans is using dry beans.  Canned beans will not result in the same texture or flavor and it’s just not the way Mexican refried beans are made!  You can find dry beans in the Mexican food isle at the grocery store.

How to make Homemade Refried Beans

Ingredients

• 1 pound dry pinto beans, , about 2 cups
• 1 large onion, quartered
• 2 Tablespoons lard or oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-2 teaspoons salt, or more or less to taste
• ¾ teaspoon ground cumin, or more, to taste
• ½ teaspoon Dried oregano, or more, to taste

Directions

1. Rinse pinto beans in a colander, removing any unwanted pebbles or pieces that may be in the bag.
2. Add the beans to a large pot, cover with water and soak overnight.
3. The next day, drain soaked beans and return them to the pot. Add fresh water to cover the beans up to two inches above them. Add onion to the pot and a couple of dashes of salt.
4. Place beans on the stove and bring beans to a boil, cover and simmer for one hour, stirring occasionally. Check the beans and if they’re not completely cooked after one hour, let them simmer a few minutes longer until they’re done.
5. Drain the beans, remove the onion and reserving the bean broth water.
6. In a large skillet (preferably an iron skillet), heat lard or oil over medium heat.
7. Add the garlic and stir. Add the beans, cumin, oregano and ¼ cup of the bean broth. (You could also chop the reserved onion and add it to the pan).
8. Cook, gently smashing the beans as they cook with a potato masher or fork.
9. Continue stirring and mashing, adding additional bean broth as needed until you get the texture you like and the beans are the consistency of soft mashed potatoes. Taste and season with additional salt, cumin and oregano, as needed. Top with shredded cheese, if desired.