The Refried Bean Secrets Mexican Restaurants Use – 3 Stages for Tacos, Tostadas & More

pinto beans

🥗Healthier: black beans

💰Cheaper: canned beans

Canned beans save time and reduce prep work.

jalapeño

🥗Healthier: serrano pepper

💰Cheaper: bell pepper

Bell pepper offers a milder flavor.

vegetable oil

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Canola oil is often less expensive.

lime juice

🥗Healthier: lemon juice

💰Cheaper: vinegar

Vinegar provides acidity at a lower cost.

Add 2 1/2 cups of pinto beans to the crock pot.

Rinse the beans under water.

Add 6 cups of water to the crock pot with the beans.

Add 2 garlic cloves to the crock pot.

Cut the bacon into small pieces and add to the crock pot.

Add about half of the J&B salt pork to the crock pot.

Add 2 teaspoons of APC OG to the crock pot and stir.

Cover the crock pot and set it to high to start cooking.

Check the beans every hour and stir them.

After 3.5 hours, check the beans; if they are not soft enough, give them another 45 minutes to an hour.

Once the beans are done, turn off the heat and let them sit for 20-30 minutes to rest.

Scoop some beans into a bowl, adding homemade salsa if desired.

Season the beans with more salt to taste if needed.

For stage one, add water to the beans and start smashing them to create runny beans.

For stage two, add 1 tablespoon of lard to the beans and smash them further.

Let the beans cook and dry out a bit, scraping the sides to incorporate everything together.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: