A homemade Refried Beans recipe that is perfect as a side dish or to use as an ingredient in other recipes. Ditch the can and get restaurant quality refried beans at home!
In a large frying pan over medium heat, melt the lard. (If using bacon fat, melt over medium heat. If using olive oil, heat until shimmering over medium heat.) Add the onion and cook until it is translucent and soft, 3-5 minutes.
Add the beans, and stir to mix. Using a potato masher, start mashing the beans as they are cooking until they are a rough puree. Add water as needed to keep the beans from getting dried out and to bring them to your desired consistency.
Add salt to taste.
Serve as is, or top with cilantro and/or cheese.
Notes
You can use homemade Pinto beans or canned. Either way, you will need about 6 cups of cooked beans. A 15 ounce can of pinto beans has about 1 1/2 cups of beans.You can use other beans, as well! Refried black beans are great, or you could use a white bean.Nutrition information provided as an estimate only. Various brands and products can change the counts. Any nutritional information should be used as a general guide. Nutrition information does not include toppings.