Until I learned to make homemade refried beans, I didn’t care for them. Once I made them myself, I was hooked. Skip the cans of less than appealing refried beans and make your own!

I figured there has to be a way to make tasty Mexican fare at home, without the cost and junk that most store-bought items include.

This simple refried beans recipe fills the bill nicely!

You can serve these refried beans as a side dish or as part of a burrito, enchilada, or quesadilla. Mini taco bites also use refried beans!

Refried beans are very versatile. I tend to use pinto beans most of the time but have substituted black beans in a pinch. Use what you have on hand.

You can make these refried beans as spicy (or not spicy!) as you like. This recipe is vegetarian- friendly because it uses no lard or animal products.

I cook this recipe up in a 10-inch cast-iron skillet. Since my skillet is so well used and seasoned, the refried beans do not stick to the skillet. You can use a non-stick skillet, but you will be using a potato masher, so be sure it’s a pan that can take some “abuse.”

Serve this recipe alongside your favorite Mexican dish. We enjoy it with enchiladas or inside of a quesadilla along with cheese.

Serve these refried beans with these Mexican recipes!

Chicken Enchiladas

Simple Chicken Cheese Enchilada Boats

Chicken Fajita Salad