An easy Refried Black Beans recipe loaded with flavor and ready in less than 25 minutes! It’s incredibly simple, so you don’t need a lot of time or energy to do it, and the flavor is just so good.
Refried Black Beans
I love having refried beans at home at all times since I can make a quick meal with them in no time! I always make a big batch of Pinto Beans and freeze them to have them handy. However, sometimes I feel like something different and this recipe is perfect for that!
These black beans (frijoles negros in Spanish) go perfect with any meal like tacos dorados, or make tacos with refried beans, serve with Mexican Red Rice and even just to dip your Tortilla Chips in!
While I’m not a fan of canned refried pinto beans, I make the exception when it comes to black beans. For this recipe there is no need to cook them from scratch as I think canned black beans are delicious!
Beans are a staple dish in any Mexican household!
Ingredients
To “refry” these beans I’m using low oil in order to keep them healthy plus the extra fat is not necessary. The other ingredients give so much flavor already and make this recipe just perfect!
- The beans – This recipe uses 2 cans black whole beans.
- The oil – avocado, sunflower or grapeseed oil is the best for this recipe since they handle high heat better than other oils.
- The onion – I prefer to use purple onion for this recipe but white or yellow onion will work too if that’s what you have in hand.
- Pepper – Just a little chopped jalapeño is all we need to provide amazing flavor!
- Garlic – Preferably use fresh chopped garlic but the jar stuff will also work in a pinch.
- The spices – kosher salt, ground cumin, chili powder and ground coriander.
- Lime – Both the zest and lime juice are used in this recipe. The lime gives an incredible flavor since it balances the spices with a little acid. Don’t skip it!
How to Make Refried Black Beans
This recipe is very easy and it’ll be ready in no time! Basically, you’ll just saute the veggies, add the canned black beans, then smash everything together.
- Heat oil in a medium non-stick skillet over medium heat; add the onion, jalapeño and garlic. Saute vegetables until tender.
- Add half of the beans to the onion mixture.
- Using a potato masher, mashing with a potato masher until slightly chunky.
- Add the remaining beans, salt, zest, cumin, chili powder and coriander.
- Heat on low until beans are warmed through, about 15 minutes. Then add in lime juice before serving.
How to Store
- Fridge: Store in glass or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids are a good option, as are resealable plastic bags. Store the refried beans in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
- For the rest I use two 1-quart freezer bags and add two cups of beans or so. I freeze them and use as needed.
- Freezer: Freeze in plastic containers with tight-fitting lids or resealable plastic bags. It’s a good idea to divide them into smaller portions so you can thaw only what you need.
Reheating
When you’re ready to use the stored refried beans, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or defrost them in the microwave on a low setting. Once they’re thawed, you can reheat them on the stove or in the microwave and use them in your favorite dishes.
Serving Suggestions
These black beans are pretty universal in character and friendly with a wide range of other dishes. Here are a few more suggestions out of many!
- On Tostadas topped with lettuce, homemade salsa and crumbled queso fresco.
- Make Tlacoyos.
- Make refried beans quesadillas: just fill a flour or corn tortilla with shredded cheese and these beans.
- As a bean dip and enjoy with tortilla chips.
FAQs
1 cup has about 225 calories when oil is kept at minimum. Carbohydrates & protein provide 4 calories per gram and fat provides 9 calories per gram. This is why it’s important to keep the oil low when possible.
1 cup has about 225 calories when oil is kept at minimum. Carbohydrates & protein provide 4 calories per gram and fat provides 9 calories per gram. This is why it’s important to keep the oil low when possible.
They are healthy when the oil and fatty ingredients are kept at minimum. Beans themselves are highly nutritious; high in fiber, potassium, folate, vitamin B6, plus many more and also support heart health.
More Side Dishes Recipes
Thank you for stopping by!
I hope you like this recipe! Do you have any questions I can help you with? Or if you made it, I would love it if you leave a comment or rating below.
Gracias!!!! xx, Ana
Print Recipe:
Easy Refried Black Beans
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp avocado, sunflower or grapeseed oil
- 1 cup chopped purple onion
- 1 Tbsp minced jalapeño
- 1 tsp minced garlic (2 medium garlic clove)
- 2 15 oz cans black beans, drained and rinsed, reserve ½ cup liquid from can.
- ½ tsp each: kosher salt, ground cumin, chili powder and ground coriander. if using regular table salt, use ¼ of a teaspoon.
- 1 tsp minced lime zest
- 2 Tbsp fresh lime juice (about 1 large lime)
Instructions
- Heat oil in a medium non-stick skillet over medium heat; add the onion, jalapeño and garlic. Saute vegetables until tender.
- Add half of the beans to the onion mixture, mashing with a potato masher until slightly chunky; stir in the remaining beans, zest, cumin, chili powder and coriander.
- Heat on low until beans are warmed through, about 15 minutes . Stir in lime juice before serving.
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Nutrition
The nutritional information and US conversions are calculated automatically. I cannot guarantee the accuracy of this data. If this is important to you, please verify with your favourite nutrition calculator and/or unit conversion tool.
**This post was originally published on Aug 2021. It has been updated to be more helpful.
Black Beans Health Benefits
Black beans are a good source of energy, protein, dietary fiber, and various vitamins and minerals. According to USDA, 100 grams of cooked boiled black beans key nutrients such as
- Thiamin
- Folate
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin K
- Potassium
- Magnesium
- Iron
- Calcium
Beans are also great to keep your digestive system healthy due to high fiber according to Webmd.
These were amazing. So many uses too – I will make this over and over again.
Thank you, Dannii!!
Made these for using to make wraps this week with beans and cheese. This is so tasty and easy to make! Thank you!
Thank you, Dina and Bruce!!!
Everything about this was perfect! Not only was it quick to make, but it was so delicious and was a perfect complement to the fajitas that I served with dinner. Thank you!
Thank you, Ned!!! happy you liked them.
YUM!!! This looks so tasty! We love refried black beans here; and I love how you added tons of veggies! I can’t wait to make this recipe tonight!
Thank you, Kechi!!! let me know what you think.
What a great recipe! I loved this refried beans dish – I had it with nachos and it was delicious!
Thank you, Harriet!!! yummy with nachos.
This recipe is so easy and delicious, it’s perfect in tacos! The print button doesn’t work, it goes back to the top of the page. I checked it on Chrome & Firefox. Thanks for sharing this recipe!
Una delicia de receta !! Muchas gracias Ana !!
Gracias a ti Martha por el comentario! Saludos!
I really enjoyed these refried black beans on a tostada! I topped it with avocado and homemade salsa. Yum!
So glad to hear that Monica!!! Thank you for taking the time to come back and let me know!
xo, Ana