If you’ve ever found yourself craving Taco Bell’s refried beans but don’t want to make a trip to the drive-thru, you’re in luck! With just a few simple ingredients, you can recreate a homemade version of Taco Bell-style refried beans that’s quick, easy, and budget-friendly. In this article, we’ll walk you through how to make your own Taco Bell-inspired refried beans in just a few steps.
1. Homemade Taco Bell Refried Beans Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 tablespoons butter or oil (use butter for a richer flavor, or oil for a vegan option)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt, to taste
- Water or bean liquid, as needed (to thin out the beans)
Instructions
Step 1: Drain and Rinse the Beans
Start by draining and rinsing 1 can of pinto beans. Rinsing removes excess sodium and any canning liquid, which can affect the taste of your beans.
Step 2: Heat the Butter or Oil
In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter or heat oil. Butter adds richness, similar to the smoothness you get in Taco Bell’s beans, but oil works just as well if you’re making a vegan version.
Step 3: Add the Spices
Once the butter is melted (or oil is heated), add the garlic powder, onion powder, and cumin to the pan. Stir the spices for about 30 seconds to release their fragrance and flavor. This step helps enhance the depth of seasoning in your refried beans.
Step 4: Add the Pinto Beans
Add the rinsed pinto beans to the skillet and stir them to combine with the spices. Let the beans heat through for about 2-3 minutes.
Step 5: Mash the Beans
Using a potato masher or the back of a spoon, begin mashing the beans in the skillet. For a smoother consistency, mash the beans well, but if you prefer a chunkier texture, leave some beans whole.
Add 1-2 tablespoons of water (or reserved bean liquid) to the beans to help them reach your desired consistency. You can add more liquid as needed, depending on how creamy or thick you like your refried beans.
Step 6: Simmer and Season
Once the beans are mashed to your liking, let the mixture simmer on low heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps the flavors meld together.
Taste the beans and add salt as needed. Depending on the sodium content of your canned beans, you may need more or less salt.
Step 7: Serve Warm
Your Taco Bell-style refried beans are now ready to serve! Transfer them to a serving bowl and enjoy them with your favorite Mexican dishes.
2. Tips for Perfect Refried Beans
Adjust the Texture: If you like your refried beans extra smooth, you can use an immersion blender to puree the beans after mashing them. For a chunkier texture, simply mash them less.
Add Cheese for Extra Creaminess: To replicate the cheesy flavor of Taco Bell’s refried beans, stir in some shredded cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack while the beans are still warm. The cheese will melt into the beans, making them extra creamy.
Control the Spice Level: If you like a little heat, you can add a pinch of chili powder, cayenne pepper, or even a dash of hot sauce to the beans.
Use Bean Liquid for More Flavor: If you want to add more flavor to the beans, use the reserved liquid from the can (instead of water) when thinning out the beans. Just be mindful of the salt content, as canned bean liquid can be salty.
3. How to Serve Taco Bell-Style Refried Beans
Refried beans are incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas for how to serve them:
As a Side Dish: Serve a warm bowl of refried beans alongside tacos, burritos, enchiladas, or quesadillas for a complete meal.
In Burritos: Spread the refried beans inside a flour tortilla along with rice, cheese, and your choice of protein for a hearty burrito.
On Nachos: Use the refried beans as a base for loaded nachos. Layer them with tortilla chips, melted cheese, jalapeños, sour cream, and guacamole for a crowd-pleasing snack.
As a Dip: Serve the beans as a dip for tortilla chips. You can even top the beans with salsa, cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions for an easy bean dip.
4. How to Store and Reheat Refried Beans
Storing: Store any leftover refried beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: To reheat, place the beans in a small saucepan over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to loosen them up as they warm. Stir occasionally until heated through.
With the combination of canned pinto beans, simple spices, and butter or oil, you can replicate the creamy, flavorful beans you love from Taco Bell in less than 20 minutes. So, the next time you’re craving those famous Taco Bell refried beans, try this quick and easy recipe at home. You’ll be surprised at how close it tastes to the real thing—and you might even prefer this homemade version!