How To Make Refried Black Beans From Canned Beans

Don’t drain the beans!

I know it may seem counterintuitive, but the cooking liquid helps add flavor and it also helps keep the texture smooth and creamy.

Fifteen (or so?!) years ago, I read about these quick weeknight beans in Bon Appetit and the concept was so simple but they turned out so well that it completely changed how I cooked canned black beans forever! In their original recipe, you just threw everything in the can into a small skillet and cooked them down until thick, adding in seasonings as desired. These beans are inspired by that method I read about so many years ago. They’re…

😋 Seriously delicious: Creamy, savory, and full of flavor we go through these beans so quickly! (They are a lunchtime staple, but the kids always ask for a small bowl along with their breakfast when I’m heating them up for lunches!)🛒 Made with simple ingredients: You need just a few pantry staples to pull this recipe off, which is great as they can be a great option when the fridge is empty! ⏱ Quick and easy: Ready in just 20 minutes, this can be made at a moment’s notice. 🍽 Versatile: Serve these beans as the main component or as a side to your favorite TexMex meals. 🌱 Naturally vegetarian: And vegan! These beans are still a good source of both plant-based protein and fiber. 🧄 Flavor-packed: While the beans are easy, they aren’t lacking in flavor. 💵 Budget-friendly: Beans are one of the most affordable proteins out there, and that’s just another reason to love them.

You’ll also want to try black bean quinoa salad, black bean hummus, and cowboy caviar.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Review

I love the black beans because they are awesome in many things. –Demi (my 10-year-old)

Ingredient Notes

You’ll need some fresh ingredients and pantry staples to bring these beans to the table: olive oil, onion, black beans, and a few simple seasonings, or just salt.

• Black beans: We’re making refried beans from canned black beans! I think it’s a great shortcut. Use high-quality black beans for the best results. You can also cook your black beans, and I’ve started doing this more recently as we go through so many of these beans, it feels like we should make them from scratch! You’ll just want to measure out about 6 cups of beans and cooking liquid (instead of 3 cans).

Emily’s Tips & Tricks

• Pro tip: These beans are incredibly forgiving, there have been many a school mornings when I don’t have onion or garlic (or just don’t want to deal with it!) and I’ll swap the real thing for some garlic and onion powder. They are still delicious!
• Cooking methods: If you’re cooking your own beans from scratch in the Instant Pot, it’s easy to cook and mash them in the IP as well. You may need to drain some of the excess cooking liquid.
• Additions: you want to add some extra flavor to your refried black beans, here are some ideas:Spices. Add spices like cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika to the onions sautéing (right when you add the garlic)Salsa. Add some salsa into the bean mixture before you mash them. I would start with 1/2 cup but add more to taste.Hot sauce. If you’d like to add spice, but maybe not to the whole batch, top your refried black beans with your favorite hot sauce.

How to Use Black Refried Beans

There are so many ways to use these beans! We truly have them on a regular basis and enjoy them both as a main component (like in a burrito) or as a side dish.

• Side dish – Serve them up as a side to your favorite Mexican or Tex-Mex meal. They are a great way to round out tacos, quesadillas, and burritos and we usually serve them with elote in a cup as well. Both sides are quick, easy, nutritious, and delicious!
• Burritos – Use them in this black bean and cheese burrito (pictured below) as the main component or add them to your favorite burrito recipes. My kids take these burritos in their lunchbox frequently.
• Quesadillas – Use them in black bean quesadillas or add them to your favorite chicken quesadillas for an extra boost of flavor and nutrition.
• Tostadas – One of my kid’s favorite meals and the original reason I started making these beans! We love vegetarian black bean tostadas, but you could also add a layer of them to your favorite tostadas.
• Dip – Stir in a little salsa and sour cream for a super easy dip or use them as the bean layer in a classic taco dip.

Print clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Description

Make the best refried black beans with this easy recipe using canned black beans. Smooth, creamy, and packed with flavor!

Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 Tbsp. olive oil
• 1/2 white onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3–15 oz. cans black beans (drained, but reserve liquid)
• 1 1/2 cups liquid from canned beans

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion to pan and cook for 3-4 minutes, until soft. Add garlic to pan and cook for 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
2. Add beans and liquid to the pan and combine with onions. Bring to a simmer. Turn heat to low and cook at a low simmer for about 9-14 minutes until most of liquid has evaporated.
3. Mash beans to desired consistency. Season with salt to taste. 

Notes

• If you are using home-cooked beans, you’ll want to use about 4.5 cups of beans and 1 cup or so of cooking liquid. 
• Storage: Store the refried beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat beans in the microwave or a hot skillet until warmed through.
• Freezer storage: You can also freeze these refried black beans in an airtight container for 2-3 months.
• Prep ahead: Beans can be made ahead and then used for the next few days.
• Special tools: All you need is a skillet or saucepan and a potato masher. 
• Serve with: Black bean tostadas, bean burritos, black bean quesadillas, with rice, or as a side. 

Looking for more simple dinner ideas? Check out my ultimate weeknight dinner collection with 100+ recipes.

FAQs

How do you spice up refried black beans?

If you want to add some extra flavor to your refried black beans, here are some ideas:Spices – Add spices like cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika to the onions sautéing (right when you add the garlic)Salsa – Add some salsa into the bean mixture before you mash them. I would start with 1/2 cup but add more to taste.Hot sauce – If you’d like to add spice, but maybe not to the whole batch, top your refried black beans with your favorite hot sauce.

How do you make refried black beans from scratch?

Some have argued that this recipe isn’t really from scratch as it leans on the convenience of canned black beans. But, once your beans are cooked, the process is the same. The beans are re-fried (cooked again) and then mashed to a smooth consistency. Canned refried beans are incredibly convenient, but homemade beans taste SO good.

About the Author

Emily Dingmann is a recipe developer, nutrition expert, and founder of My Everyday Table. She specializes in creating easy, healthy recipes that help busy parents feed their families well every single day, without the stress. With a degree in Nutrition and over 20 years of experience, Emily shares family-friendly meals that are practical, nourishing, and full of flavor. Learn more about Emily’s approach to everyday cooking and nutrition here.

Food styling and photography by Loren Runion.

This post may contain affiliate links. They do not add any charge to you, but I will make a very small commission from them. I only link to products I use and recommend. Thank you for your support!