How to Make Refried Black Beans from Canned Beans
Let’s learn how to make refried black beans! Now, I have nothing against a good can of refried beans, but these refried black beans from canned beans are just SO good (and easy) that I’m not sure we can go back. Update: my kids refuse to go back. Even when we really need to lean on the convienence of canned refried beans, they complain. This easy recipe is made with just a few simple ingredients and take just 15 minutes to make. I think you’ll love them as much as we do!
The black refried beans were originally created for these black bean tostadas, and then we all fell in love with them so much that we started looking for other ways to use them – hence the bean and cheese burritos, black bean quesadillas, and so many more. They are also a great side dish to slow cooker salsa chicken or turkey tacos.

Estimated reading time: 8 minutes

What You’ll Love About Refried Black Beans
- Quick and easy
- Just 15 minutes total time
- Made with just 4 basic ingredients
- Can be used in so many ways
- Naturally vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free

Ingredients
- Olive oil – This is what we’re using to “re-fry” the beans, but you can really use any oil or fat.
- Onion – I’ve used white onion, but you could also use yellow onion or even red onion, though the flavor might change slightly.
- Garlic – Use fresh garlic cloves for best flavor or frozen garlic cubes for a quick and convenient option.
- Black beans – Yes, we’re making refried beans from canned black beans! I think it’s a great shortcut. Use high-quality black beans for best results.


How to Make Refried Black Beans from Canned Beans
This is an overview on how to make refried black beans, the detailed instructions can be found below in the recipe card. These are perhaps semi-homemade beans. I consider them homemade, but others may not because we’re using canned black beans as a shortcut. Regardless, they are easy to make:



How to Use Refried Black Beans
There are so many ways to use these refried beans! Here are some ideas:
- Side Dish – These beans make a great side for Mexican-ish dishes like slow cooker salsa chicken, slow cooker chicken burrito bowls, easy fish tacos, or cheater chicken chilaquiles.
- Burritos – These are the best in bean and cheese burritos or black bean quesaritos, but you could also add them to really any burritos.
- Quesadillas or Tacos – Stuff these beans into black bean quesadillas, ground beef quesadillas, steak quesadillas or breakfast tacos to add some extra-oomph.
- Black Bean Tostadas – This is another favorite way to eat these beans, let everyone make their own tostadas, it’s a great DIY family meal. You can also spread them on chicken tostadas too and serve with esquites.
- Dip – Stir in a squeeze of fresh lime juice and scoop up with tortilla chips.

FAQs
Can you make refried beans with black beans?
Yes, while traditional refried beans are made with pinto beans (and also totally delicious), you can use the same method with really any type of beans. Black beans make excellent refried beans!
How do you spice up refried black beans?
If you want to add some extra flavor to your refried black beans, here are some ideas:
- Spices – Add spices like cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika to the onions sautรฉing (right when you add the garlic)
- Salsa – Add some salsa into the bean mixture before you mash them. I would start with 1/2 cup but add more to taste.
- Hot sauce – If you’d like to add spice, but maybe not to the whole batch, top your refried black beans with your favorite hot sauce.
How do you make refried black beans from scratch?
Refried beans are exactly what they sound like. Beans that are being fried (cooked again) and then mashed into a paste. So to make them from scratch, you’ll need cooked beans (either canned or dry black beans that you’ve cooked) that you then saute with some fat and a little onion, garlic, and seasoning like we’ve done here. Canned refried beans are incredibly convenient, but homemade beans taste SO good.


Storage Instructions
Store the refried beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
How to reheat
Reheat beans in the microwave or a hot skillet until warmed through.
Can you freeze refried beans?
Yes, you can also freeze these refried black beans in an airtight container for 2-3 months.

How to Feed Refried Black Beans Recipe to the Whole Family
I get it, feeding kids can be tough! But following the Division of Responsibility and knowing your job and your childโs job makes it SO much more enjoyable. Youโll be able to feed your kids any meal, which will help ensure that they are eating a variety of nutritious foods โ with plenty of play food sprinkled in.
I would recommend serving the refried beans in a pinch bowl (taster bowl) if itโs a new or learning-to-like it food. Serve the meal with a few items you know your kids will eat, like fruit, milk, and/or bread and butter if they don’t do tortillas or chips.

More Easy Bean Recipes
If you like this black refried bean recipe, you might also like some of these other easy recipes that are made with beans:
- Easy Chili
- Black Bean Hummus
- Vegetarian White Bean Chili
- Fajita Chicken and Rice Burrito
- Ground Turkey Taco Skillet


How to Make Refried Black Beans from Canned Beans
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings (1/2 cup) 1x
- Method: Skillet
Description
You won’t believe how easy it is to make refried black beans at home and they are SO GOOD! Made with just 4 ingredients and ready in 15 min.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1/2 white onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3–15 oz. cans black beans (drained, but reserve liquid)
- 1 1/2 cups liquid from canned beans
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in large stainless steel skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion to pan and cook for 3-4 minutes, until soft. Add garlic to pan and cook for 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
- Drain beans over a bowl to reserve liquid.ย
- Add beans to pan and combine with onions. Add bean liquid to pan and bring to a simmer. Turn heat to low and cook at a low simmer for about 9-14 minutes until most of liquid has evaporated.
- Mash beans to desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.ย
Food styling and photography by Loren Runion.
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