Making your own Taco Bell-style refried beans at home means you can enjoy their savory, creamy texture and rich flavor without stepping out of your kitchen.
Perfect as a filling for burritos, a topping for nachos, or part of any Mexican-inspired dish, homemade refried beans can enhance your cooking skills. By using simple ingredients and following a simple process, you can achieve a result that rivals, if not surpasses, the popular fast-food original.
Okay, so now let’s dive into the recipe and start making those delicious refried beans from scratch. Gather all the ingredients listed below and follow the step-by-step instructions for the best results.
What Are Taco Bell Refried Beans and Why Are They So Special?
Taco Bell’s refried beans stand out due to their smooth, creamy texture and savory flavor, which make them a great addition to different dishes. The unique taste comes from a blend of pinto beans and simple seasonings, cooked to perfection.
Unlike traditional refried beans that might include lard, Taco Bell’s version usually has vegetable oil which makes them a lighter and more accessible option for many. Their versatility allows them to seamlessly complement dishes like burritos, tacos, and nachos or serve as a hearty, standalone dip.
With the right ingredients and technique, you can replicate this beloved side dish at home, delighting your taste buds with every bite.
Ingredients Needed for Taco Bell Refried Beans
Before you start, gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups of dried pinto beans
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon of chili powder
- 4 cups of water or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil or bacon fat (for added flavor)
- Optional: 1 jalapeño, diced (for a spicier kick)
These pantry staples are easy to find and affordable which makes this recipe both convenient and budget-friendly.
Nutritional Information of this Refried Beans
To help you understand the nutrition in the homemade Taco Bell Refried Beans Recipe, here’s a simple breakdown. This will help you keep track of what you’re eating and make sure it fits your diet.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving (1 cup) | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 220 | 11% |
| Total Fat | 7g | 9% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Trans Fat | 0g | — |
| Cholesterol | 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 580mg | 25% |
| Total Carbohydrates | 30g | 11% |
| Dietary Fiber | 12g | 43% |
| Sugars | 1g | — |
| Protein | 9g | 18% |
| Vitamin D | 0mcg | 0% |
| Calcium | 60mg | 4% |
| Iron | 2.6mg | 15% |
| Potassium | 600mg | 13% |
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily needs may be higher or lower depending on how many calories you need.
Equipment Needed
To make this recipe, you’ll need some basic kitchen equipment:
- A large pot or Dutch oven
- A wooden spoon
- A potato masher or immersion blender
- Measuring spoons and cups
- A colander
- A cutting board and knife
- Optional: A slow cooker for an even easier preparation
Now we have all the ingredients and equipment ready, let’s get started on making these delicious Taco Bell Refried Beans.
Recipe for Taco Bell Refried Beans from Scratch
Here’s the step-by-step process to make your own Taco Bell-style refried beans from scratch:
Step 1: Prepare the Beans
- Rinse and Soak the Beans: Place the dried pinto beans in a colander and rinse them thoroughly under cold running water. Transfer the beans to a large bowl, cover them with water, and let them soak overnight. You can also use the quick-soak method by boiling the beans for 2 minutes, then letting them sit and cover for 1 hour.
- Drain and Rinse: After soaking, drain the beans and rinse them again under cold water.
Step 2: Cook the Beans
- Combine Ingredients: In a large pot or Dutch oven, add the soaked beans, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, ground cumin, chili powder, and 4 cups of water or vegetable broth.
- Boil and Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the beans simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until they are tender and can be easily mashed.
Step 3: Mash the Beans
- Pour Out Extra Liquid: After the beans are cooked, use a strainer to pour out extra liquid, keeping some aside to adjust the thickness later.
- Mash the Beans: Return the beans to the pot. Use a potato masher or immersion blender to mash the beans to your desired consistency. For a smoother texture, blend thoroughly; for a chunkier texture mash it lightly.
Step 4: Season and Flavor
- Add Fat: Stir in 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil or bacon fat for added flavor and a creamy texture.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the beans and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt, cumin, or chili powder according to your preference. If using, stir in the diced jalapeño for an extra kick.
Step 5: Final Consistency
Add Liquid if Needed: If the beans are too thick, slowly add the reserved cooking liquid until you achieve the desired consistency. Continue to heat the beans on low, stirring occasionally, until they are warmed through and creamy.
Step 6: Serve
Serving Suggestions: Serve your homemade Taco Bell-style refried beans hot, as a filling for burritos, as a topping for nachos, or as a side dish with your favorite Mexican-inspired meals. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
For more cooking ideas, check out our Spicy Rigatoni Vodka Cheesecake Factory Recipe. It’s a tasty mix of flavors that you’ll love.
Taco Bell Refried Beans Recipe from Scratch
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Slow cooker (optional)
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Blender or potato masher
Ingredients
- 2 cups of dried pinto beans
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon of chili powder
- 4 cups of water or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil or bacon fat for added flavor
- Optional: 1 jalapeño diced (for a spicier kick)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Beans
- Rinse and Soak the Beans: Place the dried pinto beans in a colander and rinse them thoroughly under cold running water. Transfer the beans to a large bowl, cover them with water, and let them soak overnight. You can also use the quick-soak method by boiling the beans for 2 minutes, then letting them sit and cover for 1 hour.
- Drain and Rinse: After soaking, drain the beans and rinse them again under cold water.
Step 2: Cook the Beans
- Combine Ingredients: In a large pot or Dutch oven, add the soaked beans, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, ground cumin, chili powder, and 4 cups of water or vegetable broth.
- Boil and Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the beans simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until they are tender and can be easily mashed.
Step 3: Mash the Beans
- Pour Out Extra Liquid: After the beans are cooked, use a strainer to pour out extra liquid, keeping some aside to adjust the thickness later.
- Mash the Beans: Return the beans to the pot. Use a potato masher or immersion blender to mash the beans to your desired consistency. For a smoother texture, blend thoroughly; for a chunkier texture mash it lightly.
Step 4: Season and Flavor
- Add Fat: Stir in 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil or bacon fat for added flavor and a creamy texture.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the beans and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt, cumin, or chili powder according to your preference. If using, stir in the diced jalapeño for an extra kick.
Step 5: Final Consistency
- Add Liquid if Needed: If the beans are too thick, slowly add the reserved cooking liquid until you achieve the desired consistency. Continue to heat the beans on low, stirring occasionally, until they are warmed through and creamy.
Step 6: Serve
- Serving Suggestions: Serve your homemade Taco Bell-style refried beans hot, as a filling for burritos, as a topping for nachos, or as a side dish with your favorite Mexican-inspired meals. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Notes
Creative Ways to Serve Taco Bell Refried Beans
Here are some delicious and creative ways to incorporate Taco Bell-style refried beans into your meals:
- Burritos: Use refried beans as a filling for burritos along with rice, cheese, salsa, and your favorite protein for a hearty meal.
- Nachos: Spread a layer of refried beans on tortilla chips and top with melted cheese, jalapeños, tomatoes, and sour cream for a tasty snack.
- Tacos: Add a spoonful of refried beans to your tacos for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
- Quesadillas: Mix refried beans with cheese and spread between two tortillas. Grill until crispy and enjoy a creamy, cheesy delight.
- Enchiladas: Spread refried beans inside corn tortillas along with chicken or beef, roll them up, cover them with enchilada sauce, and bake for a delicious meal.
- Stuffed Peppers: Fill bell peppers with a mixture of refried beans, rice, and veggies, then bake for a healthy and filling dish.
- Our Spicy Poyo Poyo Sauce: Our Spicy Poyo Poyo Sauce adds the perfect kick to any of these dishes. Try it as a topping or mix it in with your beans for an extra layer of flavor.
- Breakfast Burritos: Combine refried beans with scrambled eggs, cheese, and avocado in a tortilla for a satisfying breakfast option.
- Layered Bean Dip: Make a layered dip with refried beans, guacamole, sour cream, salsa, and cheese in a dish—great for parties.
Storage Suggestions for Refried Beans
You can store any leftover refried beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you want to make larger batches and freeze them, follow these tips:
- Portion Control: Portion out the cooled beans into small containers or freezer bags before freezing so that you can easily thaw what you need.
- Containers Safe for Freezing: Use containers or bags that are safe for the freezer to stop freezer burn. Push out as much air as you can before sealing the bags.
- Reheating: Warm up thawed beans in a pot on low heat, stirring now and then, until hot. Add some saved cooking liquid if needed to get the right thickness.
Now that you have all the tips and tricks for making and storing Taco Bell Refried Beans, go ahead and try this recipe at home.
Tips for Making Perfect Taco Bell Refried Beans
Here are some expert tips to ensure your Taco Bell-style refried beans turn out perfectly every time:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: The quality of your refried beans starts with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Choose plump, dry pinto beans and fresh spices for the best flavor.
- Soak Beans Properly: Soaking the beans properly whether overnight or using the quick-soak method, ensures they cook evenly and smoothly.
- Monitor Cooking Liquid: Check the cooking liquid level throughout the simmering process. You may need to add more water or broth if it evaporates too quickly.
- Simmer Gently: Maintain a gentle simmer rather than a rolling boil. This prevents the beans from breaking apart and ensures they cook uniformly.
- Enhance Flavor with Fat: Add a small amount of fat, like vegetable oil or bacon grease, which significantly enhances the creaminess and richness of the beans.
- Use a Slow Cooker: For an even more hands-off approach, consider using a slow cooker. Let the beans cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-5 hours.
Conclusion
By following these detailed steps and tips, you can create delicious Taco Bell-style refried beans that are both versatile and flavorful. Whether you serve them as a main dish or a side or incorporate them into your favorite Mexican-inspired recipes, these beans are sure to be a hit. Enjoy the thick, creamy feel and tasty flavor that make your homemade refried beans a regular part of your cooking routine.
FAQ
Can I use canned beans instead of dried beans?
Yes, you can use canned beans to save time. Simply rinse and drain them before cooking. However, using dried beans will give you a better texture and flavor than canned beans.
How can I make these beans spicier?
Add more diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to increase the heat. Adjust to your preference.
Are these beans vegan?
Yes, if you use vegetable oil instead of bacon fat, this recipe is entirely vegan.
Can I make these beans in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can make these beans in a slow cooker. Simply add all the ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until the beans are tender.
What should I do if my beans are too thick?
If your beans are too thick, add a splash of water or broth to the pot and gently mix it until you reach the desired consistency. You can continue to add liquid in small amounts until the beans are as creamy as you like.
Resources
For more information and recipes, check out these resources:
- Bon Appetit – Your Ultimate Guide to Cooking with Dried Beans
- Taste of Home – The Best Ways to Use Refried Beans
