If there’s one thing every home cook should have in their pantry stockpile, it’s beans. Affordable, filling, and packed with protein, beans have been a staple in kitchens for generations. Whether times are tight or you’re simply looking for hearty, homemade meals that stretch your grocery budget, learning how to make creamy, delicious refried beans from scratch is a skill worth mastering.
This simple recipe, inspired by Marcy Inspired’s tutorial, transforms humble pinto beans into a rich, flavorful dish—no cans required. Plus, if you have the Henflower Bean Masher on hand, mashing them to the perfect creamy consistency is a breeze!
Why Beans Deserve a Spot in Your Pantry Stockpile
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about why beans are a must-have:
✅ Affordable – A few dollars' worth of dry beans will feed a family for days.
✅ Long Shelf Life – Stored properly, dry beans last years.
✅ Versatile – Use them in soups, burritos, dips, tacos, and more.
✅ Nutritious – Packed with fiber, protein, and essential minerals.
✅ Easy to Cook in Bulk – Make a big batch and refrigerate or freeze for later.
Now, let’s get into how to make the best refried beans at home!
Ingredients You'll Need:
- Pinto beans (about 3 cups dry)
- Water (for soaking and cooking)
- Salt (to taste)
- Oil or bacon grease (for frying)
- Cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
- Chorizo (optional, for a flavor boost)
Step 1: Soak Your Beans
Soaking dry beans overnight reduces cooking time and makes them easier to digest. Here’s how:
1️⃣ Sort through the beans to remove any debris.
2️⃣ Rinse them well under running water.
3️⃣ Place them in a large bowl or pot and cover with water.
4️⃣ Let them soak overnight.
Shortcut Tip: If you forget to soak them overnight, you can do a quick soak by boiling the beans for 2 minutes, then letting them sit in the hot water for an hour before draining.
Step 2: Cook the Beans
Once your beans have soaked, drain and rinse them. Now, it’s time to cook!
🔹 Stovetop Method: Simmer the beans in a pot with fresh water for 2–3 hours until tender.
🔹 Crockpot Method (preferred!): Cook on low for 6–8 hours—no babysitting required.
📌 Important: Don’t add salt until the last 30 minutes of cooking. Adding it too soon can make the beans tough.
Step 3: Make the Refried Beans
Now for the fun part—mashing and frying!
1️⃣ Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add oil or bacon grease.
2️⃣ Ladle in the cooked beans, making sure to include some of the cooking liquid for creaminess.
3️⃣ Using your Henflower Bean Masher, mash the beans to your preferred consistency. (If they dry out, add a little more liquid.)
4️⃣ Stir in cheese if using, and let it melt into the beans for extra richness.
5️⃣ If making chorizo refried beans, cook the chorizo first, then add the beans and mash everything together.
And that’s it! Serve your homemade refried beans as a side dish, spread them in burritos, or use them as a base for huevos rancheros.
Why You Need the Henflower Bean Masher
Mashing beans can be a chore, but not with the Henflower Bean Masher! Designed for easy grip and efficient mashing, it helps you get the perfect creamy texture in seconds.
👉 Get yours here: Henflower Bean Masher
Stock Up, Save Money, and Eat Well
Homemade refried beans are more than just a delicious side—they’re a budget-friendly, pantry-staple meal that belongs in every home. Whether you're looking to stretch your grocery budget, cook from scratch, or just enjoy a classic comfort food, keeping dry beans in your stockpile is a smart move.
So grab a bag of pinto beans, pull out your Henflower Bean Masher, and get cooking!
