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Refried beans in serving dish with queso fresco.
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4.86 from 7 votes

Easy Refried Beans

Easy creamy refried beans made with canned pinto beans, onion, garlic and bacon drippings.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Mexican
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 71kcal
Author: Kelly

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons bacon drippings/grease or lard or corn oil
  • ½ onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 (16-oz.) can pinto beans, undrained
  • ¼ cup water
  • Kosher salt and pepper
  • Crumbled queso fresco, for serving

Instructions

  • Heat bacon drippings in medium-large skillet. Add onions and stir and cook until softened and starting to brown. Add garlic and cook until just fragrant, about 30 seconds.
  • Add 1 can of pinto beans ~ do not rinse or drain ~ and ¼ cup water. Bring to a simmer and then mash with a potato masher to desired consistency, about 7 to 10 minutes until pretty smooth and thickened up. 
  • Season with salt and pepper. Serve with a little queso fresco crumbled on top.

Notes

  • Cook beans to desired consistency, but keep in mind they will thicken upon standing and cooling.
  • Can use lard or corn oil instead of bacon grease.

Nutrition

Calories: 71kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 7mg | Sodium: 13mg | Potassium: 27mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 1IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 6mg | Iron: 1mg