How to Make Homemade Refried Beans from Scratch

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.

Transfer 3 cups of pinto beans onto a clean counter space and clean them by removing any pieces of wood, rocks, hollow beans, or half pieces.

Transfer cleaned beans to a small strainer and rinse them under water.

Set the rinsed beans over a bowl or large measuring cup while preparing the water.

In a 7 quart dutch oven pot, fill it a little over halfway with water and add the rinsed beans, 1 tablespoon of salt, 1 medium onion cut in half, and 3 garlic cloves.

Bring the pot to high heat until it reaches a boiling point, then turn it down to low and cover it.

Let the beans cook for about 1 to 1.5 hours, checking the water level occasionally.

After about 2 hours of cooking, check the beans for doneness and ensure the water level is adequate.

Once the beans are done, let them sit in the broth for at least 24 hours for richer flavor.

Remove the garlic and onion from the beans, leaving the dissolved onion for flavor.

In a large pan, heat on high and add 6 ounces of chopped bacon, frying until crispy, then remove the bacon from the pan.

Using the bacon grease, add half a medium onion (minced) and 2 minced garlic cloves, sautéing until fragrant.

Add the beans and broth to the pan, adjusting the broth level if necessary, and smash the beans using a potato smasher to your desired consistency.

Add 1 tablespoon of guajillo chili powder, 0.5 teaspoon of cumin, and 0.5 teaspoon of oregano, mixing well and tasting for seasoning.

If needed, add 1 teaspoon of tomato bouillon and 1 teaspoon of chicken bouillon for extra flavor.

Mix in the crispy bacon and cover the pan, turning the burner to low and letting it simmer for 10 to 15 minutes until the desired consistency is reached.

Top with Monterey Jack cheese before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

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Dietary