Refried Black Beans Recipe

black refried beans garnished with fresh cilantro in white serving bowl next to lime wedges

4.99 from 137 votes

Make creamy refried black beans from canned or scratch-cooked black beans in ten minutes with a few spices and a potato masher.

Prep Time5

Cook Time5

Total Time10

Course: Side Dish, Snack

Cuisine: Mexican

Diet: Gluten Free, Low Fat, Low Salt, Vegan, Vegetarian

Servings: cups

Calories: 127kcal

Author: Traci

Equipment

colander to drain beans
mixing bowl goes under colander to capture liquid
11-inch skillet
silicone spatula
potato masher

Ingredients

2 tablespoons Olive Oil
¼ teaspoon Garlic Powder
¼ teaspoon Chili Powder
¼ teaspoon Cumin
1 (15 ounce can) Black Beans or 1 ½ cups cooked black beans with juice
Salt to taste
Black Pepper to taste

Instructions

Drain BLACK BEANS into a colander over a fitted bowl to capture the bean juice. Set aside briefly.
In a skillet, heat OLIVE OIL until shimmering. Add GARLIC, CUMIN, and CHILI POWDER. Sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute), stirring continuously to prevent overcooking.
Add BLACK BEANS to the skillet (without the juice). Toss beans to coat with oil, then saute a few minutes until warmed through, stirring as needed.
Mash the beans with a potato masher until no longer whole and starting to become creamy.
Add small amounts of reserved bean juice (or other liquid) to adjust consistency to your liking, stirring as needed.
Add SALT and PEPPER to taste. Serve warm.
To store, allow to cool, then refrigerate in an airtight container up to 5 days.

Video

Notes

Seasoning - Use taco seasoning in place of, or in addition to, the spice combination listed in the recipe. Add other flavors to black refried beans such as onion powder, oregano, chipotle chili powder (for a spicy kick), or minced garlic (fresh or jarred).

To freeze - allow beans cool completely and store in freezer-safe containers up to 90 days, or longer if vacuum sealed. To thaw, transfer the beans to the refrigerator for an overnight stay and they'll be ready to heat and serve.

Nutrition