Frijoles Puercos - Refried Beans - Mexican Food

bacon

🥗Healthier: turkey bacon

💰Cheaper: smoked paprika

Turkey bacon reduces fat while maintaining smokiness.

chorizo

🥗Healthier: lean ground turkey

💰Cheaper: ground beef

Ground turkey is lower in fat, while ground beef is more accessible.

cheese

🥗Healthier: nutritional yeast

💰Cheaper: processed cheese

Nutritional yeast adds flavor without dairy.

vegetable broth

🥗Healthier: homemade broth

💰Cheaper: water with seasoning

Homemade broth is fresher, while seasoned water is budget-friendly.

Soak 2 pounds of pinto beans in water all day.

In the evening, place soaked beans in the Instant Pot.

Add 1 whole garlic and 1/2 onion to the pot.

Pour in 10 cups of water, starting with 8 cups and adding more as needed.

Add 3 tablespoons of Knorr chicken bouillon and stir.

Seal the Instant Pot and set to pressure-cook on high for 9 minutes, allowing for natural release.

For the beans, heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.

Add 4 to 5 strips of thick cut bacon and cook until browned, not crispy.

Remove bacon and keep some fat in the skillet.

Add 1/3 tube of chorizo to the skillet and cook until broken up and heated.

Smash the cooked beans in the pot once heated, then add in the bacon, cubed ham, and jalapeño.

Stir everything together and add 1/2 cup of milk for creaminess.

Serve with queso fresco, salsa, and tortillas.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: