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    You are here: Home / Recipes / Side Dishes

    The Best 15-Minute Refried Beans

    Published: Oct 29, 2018 · Modified: Mar 29, 2020 by Susie Weinrich · This post may contain affiliate links.

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    This recipe is a perfect mixture of smooth refried beans mixed with the soft texture of whole pinto beans, seasoned with garlic, onions, and Mexican spices. Top all that off with some gooey cheese and you have a perfect Mexican side dish.

    A baking dish of refried beans topped with cheese, cilantro and tomatoes

    The truly great thing is that once all the ingredients are mixed together it bakes up in just 15 minutes!

    This recipe for Mexican Refried Beans makes a great side dish for burritos, tacos, or enchiladas… all your favorite Mexican Dinners. These beans would also be great for a bean burrito or inside my Enchiritos.

    Refried Beans

    Refried beans are whole pinto beans that are cooked soft and then pureed or smashed into a creamy texture. They are a staple in Mexican and Tex Mex Cooking. However, recipes vary quite a bit from home to home and by region.

    My recipe for Mexican Refried Beans could not be easier. I make mine with canned refried beans because I like to keep side dishes easy. I do not want to soak and cook beans for 24 hours, just for a side dish!

    A baking dish of refried beans topped with cilantro and cheese. Tomatoes and cilantro in the background

    A side dish should not take that long! You with me?

    That would be like going to a Beyonce concert and the opening act performing for 2 hours and Beyonce coming out for 15 minutes! does.not.make.sense.

    How to Make The Best Refried Beans

    Preheat your oven to 350 degrees, and grab a small baking dish, like an 8×8 or 9×9.

    In a small frying pan, over medium low heat, saute the chopped onion and garlic in ½ tablespoon of oil, just until they are softened, about 4 minutes.

    Meanwhile, in a mixing bowl, stir together the canned refried beans, the drained and rinsed whole pinto beans, chili powder, cumin, salt, and onion powder. When the onions and garlic are ready stir them in.

    A baking dish of refried beans topped with cheese and cilantro. tomatoes and cilantro scattered on the counter around the baking dish

    I also like a couple dashes of Tabasco, hot sauce, or Taco Bell mild sauce stirred in. It gives it a little vinegar tang and great flavor! But, it’s totally optional. But, you should do it.

    Pour the mixture into your baking dish.

    Sprinkle the top with your preferred cheese (I like pepper jack or colby jack). Cover the pan with foil and pop it into the oven with the timer set for 10 minutes.

    At the end of 10 minutes remove the foil and place it back in the oven for another 5 minutes.

    Garnish with cilantro and diced tomatoes if you are feeling fancy.

    A baking dish full of refried beans with a scoop taken out and a spoon to the side.

    They are ready to eat as soon as they come out of the oven!

    Variations on The Best Refried Beans Recipe

    Here are a few ideas on how you can change up this Refried Bean recipe to suit your taste buds:

    • Add a tablespoon or two of your favorite hot sauce.
    • If we have Taco Bell hot or mild sauce in the house I will add a little to the bean mixture. It gives it a great vinegar tang. BTW you can now buy it in the grocery store!
    • Sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for extra heat.
    • Substitute Refried Black Beans and a can of whole black beans.
    • If you like your beans super cheesy stir a ½ cup of cheese into the bean mixture and then top the beans with an additional ½ cup of cheese.
    • Top the beans with whatever cheese you like: cheddar, monterey jack, pepper jack, colby jack, queso fresco (however, note that the queso fresco will not melt).

    I hope you give this recipe for The Best Refried Beans a try in your kitchen!

    Love- Susie

    The Best 15-Minute Refried Beans Recipe


    a baking dish full of refried beans topped with cheese, cilantro and tomatoes

    The Best 15-Minute Refried Beans

    A perfect mix of smooth refried beans and whole pinto beans seasoned with Mexican spices, garlic, and onions. Top it all with your favorite cheese and bake for 15 minutes. 
    This dish makes a perfect and easy Mexican side dish!
    5 from 9 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 15 minutes
    Total Time: 20 minutes
    Servings: 6 people
    Author: Susie Weinrich

    Ingredients

    • 16 oz canned refried beans get traditional, not fat-free
    • 15.5 oz canned whole pinto beans drained and rinsed
    • ½ cup onions, finely diced
    • 1 large garlic clove, minced
    • 1 teaspoon oil
    • ¼ teaspoon each: cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt
    • **optional, couple dashes of tabasco or hot sauce
    • ½ cup shredded cheese cheddar, pepper jack, colby jack, queso fresco, monterey jack
    • **optional garnish- cilantro and diced tomatoes
    Prevent your screen from going dark while you are cooking!

    Instructions

    Preheat the oven to 350. Grab a small baking dish, 8×8 or 9×9

    • In a small frying pan, over medium low heat, saute the onions and garlic in the oil until they are translucent, about 4 minutes.
    • While the onions and garlic cook, in a mixing bowl stir together the refried beans and whole pinto beans, all the seasonings, and optional hot sauce. 
      Once the onions and garlic are ready stir them into the bean mixture.
    • Pour the beans into the baking dish. Top with the shredded cheese. Cover the pan with foil and bake for 10 minutes.
      At the end of 10 minutes remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
      Garnish with cilantro and diced tomatoes if you are feeling fancy. 
      Enjoy this awesome Mexican side dish!

    Notes:

    For refried black beans simply substitute 1 can of whole black beans and 1 can of refried black beans. 
    Did you try this recipe? Connect with me & let me know how it turned out by commenting below!
    Jump to Comments

    If nutrition facts are provided they are calculated as an estimate to the best of our knowledge.

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    About Susie Weinrich

    Susie Weinrich is the recipe developer, food photographer, and content creator behind Mom's Dinner. She has over 20 years experience in the food industry. Currently, Susie shares all her recipes and food knowledge on Mom's Dinner. You will find her recipes are easy to follow and full of tips and tricks to make sure the recipe you are making turns out perfect!

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Danyelle

      March 02, 2022 at 6:13 pm

      5 stars
      Easy, delicious and makes a great meal if served with warm corn and/or flour tortillas and some salsa! Thank you for a terrific dish!

      Reply
    2. Jenn

      April 22, 2020 at 10:59 am

      Can I use a black bean with regular refried beans?

      Reply
      • Susie

        April 22, 2020 at 11:11 am

        Absolutely. It may have a different flavor than my recipe, but that is totally fine!!

        Reply
    3. Margie

      February 27, 2020 at 1:44 pm

      Can these be made ahead of time?

      Reply
      • Susie

        February 27, 2020 at 5:25 pm

        Absolutely!

        Reply
        • Sophia

          August 13, 2021 at 11:48 am

          If I make it ahead of time, should I bake it for less time in an oven so I can heat it later? If so, how long do you recommend baking and reheating?

        • Susie Weinrich

          August 15, 2021 at 10:21 am

          If you make it ahead I would just assemble and refrigerate. Then bake it completely when you are ready.

      • Kathleen Kidman

        April 17, 2022 at 8:18 pm

        I’m wondering about leaving out the pinto beans and using a plant based mince like Quorn.
        Has anyone tried a vegetarian mince?

        Reply
    4. JOHN

      October 31, 2018 at 2:02 pm

      5 stars
      I love when you make these refried beans! They are the best! YUM!!

      Reply
    5. Emily

      October 30, 2018 at 9:57 am

      5 stars
      Love this! I’m so with you on not spending 24hrs on a side dish! Refried beans + cheese are a match made in Heaven.

      Reply
    6. Andrea Howe

      October 29, 2018 at 5:48 pm

      5 stars
      okay this is brilliant! My mom always made refried beans when we were growing up but she always fried them in a ton of oil. I love this bake option and love its versatility even more!

      Reply
    7. Tawnie

      October 29, 2018 at 12:17 pm

      5 stars
      Mmmm love how simple this is!

      Reply
      • Susie

        October 29, 2018 at 3:32 pm

        Simple is the only way I do side dishes (except maybe on Holidays).

        Reply

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