Ultimate Refried Beans - How to Make Refried Beans for Nachos & Burritos

pinto beans

🥗Healthier: black beans

💰Cheaper: canned beans

Black beans are more nutritious, while canned beans save time and money.

vegetable oil

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Olive oil is healthier, while canola oil is often cheaper.

Soak 1 pound of pinto beans in cold water overnight.

Drain the beans and transfer them into a stock pot.

Add peeled garlic and a couple pinches of dried epazote to the pot.

Add cold fresh water to the pot and bring to a boil on high heat.

Once boiling, stir, reduce heat to low, and simmer uncovered for about 1.5 hours or until beans are soft.

Melt 1/2 cup of lard in a skillet over medium-high heat.

Add diced onion and kosher salt; cook until the onion starts to brown.

Add minced Serrano pepper and dried chipotle pepper; cook for 1 minute.

Transfer in the drained beans (without discarding the cooking liquid).

Smash about half the beans and add reserved cooking liquid gradually while cooking and stirring until desired consistency is reached.

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: