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Refried Black Beans

You won’t find refried beans that are smokier and more full of flavor than these. They are the most delicious refried black beans I have ever made. Ok, maybe they are the only refried beans I have made from scratch. Usually making refried beans for me involves doctoring up a can of refried beans. But there’s no comparison between canned beans and homemade beans. Everything is better about homemade refried beans- the flavor, the texture, the smell.

Refried Black Beans

 

This recipe is from one of the Pastry Queen cookbooks. I forget which one but I think it’s Pastry Queen Parties: Entertaining Friends and Family, Texas Style. The author of The Pastry Queen Cookbooks, Rebecca Rather, lives in Texas and she knows her Tex-Mex cooking.

Refried Black Beans

 

Interestingly, she insists there is no need to soak the beans overnight which is a big plus for me. The reason I hardly ever cook with dried beans is because I forget to soak them the night before. I can’t tell you how many times my dinner plans have changed last minute because, darn it, I forgot to soak the beans.

Instead of soaking the beans, you just cook them a little longer, about 2 1/2 hours and they are perfectly tender. The beans simmer away with bacon, onion, celery, jalapenos, and garlic. And the flavor that develops is amazing. Everything including the bacon gets pureed with the beans which really distributes the flavors wonderfully. The end result is fabulously smoky. Eight slices of bacon smokey. 🙂

Serve Refried Black Beans with Mexican Rice to round out a Mexican dinner. Or use them as a filling for burritos, tacos, or even omelets.

Refried Black Beans

Refried Black Beans make and excellent side for a chimichanga or tacos!

Refried Black Beans

Refried Black Beans

Outrageously smokey and delicious homemade refried black beans.
PREP: 3 hours
COOK: 5 minutes
TOTAL: 3 hours 5 minutes
SERVINGS: 10

Ingredients

  • 1 pound dried black beans
  • 8 slices bacon, chopped
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 1 stalk celery, diced
  • 2 jalapeno peppers, stemmed, seeded and diced
  • 2 tablespoons minced garlic, about 6 cloves
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil

Instructions

  • Rinse beans in a colander and get rid of any broken beans and debris. Set aside.
  • Place a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Cook bacon for about 10 minutes.
  • Lower heat to medium and add onion, celery, jalapenos, and garlic. Cook until onion softens, about 3 minutes.
  • Add beans, chicken broth, and salt. Bring to a boil. Decrease heat and simmer uncovered until most of the broth has been absorbed and beans are tender, about 2 1/2 hours.
  • Working in batches if necessary, place mixture in a food processor and process until smooth.
  • Pour the vegetable oil into the same Dutch oven. No need to wash it. Heat over medium-high and add bean mixture. Cook until beans are hot, stirring frequently.

Nutrition

Calories: 229kcal
Author: Christin Mahrlig
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Mexican

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16 thoughts on “Refried Black Beans”

  1. I ALWAYS soak my pintos in water and baking soda! It almost totally removes the after affect…you know…the stinky music!

  2. Consuelo @ Honey & Figs

    Refried beans from scratch sound so so good! Your version looks ultra delicious Christin! <3

  3. Nicole ~ Cooking for Keeps

    I’m totally guilty of just buying canned refried beans and adding ingredients into it to make it taste homemade — no more!! I have GOT to try these!!

  4. DessertForTwo

    Rebecca Rather is my idol! I love all of her pastry books. I had no idea she had Tex-Mex books! I’m going to have to check these out!

    1. Christin
      Christin Mahrlig

      Her Party Cookbook has quite a few savory recipes in addition to lots of baked goods and I love the photography in all her books. The chocolate chip scones in her first cookbook are the best scones I have ever had. Need to make them again soon!

  5. Jessica @ Jessiker Bakes

    I’ve never tried refried black beans but I know it must be great based on the pictures! Thanks Christin!

  6. Tina @ Tina's Chic Corner

    Oh my gosh, my husband would go crazy over these refried black beans! I had no idea how easy it was to make…definitely a must make! 🙂

  7. Karen (Back Road Journal)

    I agree about not having to soak black beans over night. Your refried beans would go very well the the Mexican meatloaf I’m making later in the week.

  8. Ashley @ Wishes and Dishes

    I love refried beans! I also like that you don’t have to soak the beans overnight! Always nice to eliminate extra steps 🙂

  9. Shashi @ http://runninsrilankan.com

    I have never attempted to make refried beans at home – you make it seem so easy! And these look way way better than any store bought/canned ones! Thanks so much for sharing

  10. I love refried beans but have never tried making them from scratch. I forget to soak dried beans over night a lot too so love that this recipe doesn’t require you to soak them beforehand 🙂 Great recipe Christin, thanks for sharing 🙂

  11. I have never made refried bean…and embarrassed to confess that only used the ones in the can…I love the ingredients in this refried beans…great side dish Christin!
    Thanks for the recipe and hope you are having a wonderful week 😀

  12. Hanna @ makefor365.com

    I love, love, love refried black beans – soooo versatile! Just gimme some jalapenos, cheese, and tortilla chips, and I’m good to go! 😀

    Well, and maybe a beer… 😛

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