Creamy, savory, and packed with smoky depth, these Homemade Mexican Refried Beans with Bacon Oil are a true comfort-food classic. Using rich bacon drippings instead of plain oil gives the beans incredible flavor and authentic texture — perfect for tacos, burritos, tostadas, or as a hearty side dish.
This recipe is simple, budget-friendly, and far better than canned beans.
⏱ Prep Time
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 20 minutes
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Total Time: 30 minutes
(If using dried beans, see notes below.)
🍳 Equipment
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Large skillet or cast-iron pan
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Wooden spoon or potato masher
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Measuring spoons
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Knife & cutting board
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Blender (optional, for extra smooth beans)
🫘 Ingredients
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3 cups cooked pinto beans (or 2 cans, drained and rinsed)
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3 tablespoons bacon grease (bacon oil)
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½ small onion, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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½ teaspoon ground cumin
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½ teaspoon chili powder (optional)
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Salt to taste
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½ to 1 cup bean broth or water (as needed for consistency)
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Fresh cilantro (optional garnish)
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Crumbled cooked bacon (optional topping)
📝 Ingredient Notes
Pinto Beans:
Traditional refried beans are made with pinto beans, but black beans can also work.
Bacon Grease:
Save drippings after cooking bacon and strain them for clean, flavorful oil.
Homemade Beans Option:
If using dried beans:
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Soak 1½ cups dried pinto beans overnight.
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Simmer 1–1½ hours until tender.
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Reserve some cooking liquid for mashing.
Consistency Control:
Add bean broth gradually for creamy texture without making them too thin.
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Heat the Bacon Oil
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the bacon grease.
2️⃣ Sauté Aromatics
Add chopped onion and cook 3–4 minutes until soft.
Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
3️⃣ Add Beans & Spices
Add cooked pinto beans, cumin, chili powder, and salt. Stir well.
4️⃣ Mash the Beans
Using a potato masher, mash beans directly in the pan.
Add bean broth or water gradually while stirring until smooth and creamy.
For ultra-smooth beans, pulse briefly with an immersion blender.
5️⃣ Simmer & Finish
Cook 5–7 minutes, stirring frequently, until thickened. Adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve warm topped with cilantro or crumbled bacon.
🍽 Nutrition Facts (Approximate per serving)
(Based on 6 servings)
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Calories: 210
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Protein: 8g
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Fat: 10g
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Carbohydrates: 22g
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Fiber: 6g
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Sodium: 390mg
Values may vary depending on bacon grease amount used.
🔥 Tips for the Best Refried Beans
✔ Cook slowly for creamier texture.
✔ Don’t skip sautéing onions — it builds depth of flavor.
✔ For thicker beans, cook longer uncovered.
✔ For thinner beans (like restaurant style), add extra broth and whisk smooth.
🌮 Variations
🧀 Cheesy Refried Beans
Stir in ½ cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack at the end.
🌶 Spicy Version
Add diced jalapeños or chipotle in adobo.
🥑 Vegetarian Option
Replace bacon grease with olive oil or avocado oil.
🌯 Serving Ideas
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Spread inside burritos
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Layer in 7-layer dip
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Serve alongside Mexican rice
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Use as a taco base