10 Smooth Refried Beans Recipes for Sides

Growing up in a bustling Mexican-American household, refried beans were the unsung heroes of every family gathering. I still remember the aroma wafting from my abuela’s kitchen on Sundays—creamy, smooth pots of frijoles refritos simmered low and slow, scooped generously onto plates alongside fresh tortillas and carnitas. Those beans weren’t just food; they were comfort, tradition, and a canvas for creativity that shaped my love for experimenting in the kitchen.

Lately, I’ve been on a mission in my own home lab (aka my tiny apartment kitchen) to elevate these classics into smooth, versatile sides that pair with everything from tacos to grilled meats. With a high-speed blender and pantry staples, I’ve whipped up variations that are healthier, bolder, and ridiculously easy. In a world craving quick, nutritious sides, smooth refried beans deliver protein-packed goodness without the fuss—perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests.

Classic Smooth Refried Beans

Start with 2 cans (15 oz each) of pinto beans (drained and rinsed), 2 tablespoons lard or vegetable oil, 1 small diced onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon cumin, salt to taste, and ½ cup bean cooking liquid or water. For smoothness, a splash of milk or cream is optional.

Sauté onion and garlic in oil until soft, add beans, cumin, and liquid, then simmer 10 minutes. Blend until ultra-smooth, return to pan to thicken if needed. These timeless beans offer high fiber and plant-based protein, making them ideal for gut health and pairing with any Mexican meal.

Spicy Chipotle Refried Beans

Ingredients: 2 cans black beans, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 onion, 3 garlic cloves, 2 chipotle peppers in adobo (chopped), 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, salt, and ½ cup vegetable broth.

Cook onion, garlic, and chipotles in oil until fragrant, add beans and broth, simmer 8 minutes, then puree until velvety. The heat from chipotles boosts metabolism with capsaicin, while black beans add antioxidants—perfect as a fiery side for tacos or enchiladas.

Garlic Herb Refried Beans

Use 2 cans cannellini beans, 3 tablespoons butter, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon each fresh chopped rosemary and thyme, salt, pepper, and ⅓ cup chicken broth.

Melt butter, sauté garlic and herbs 2 minutes, add beans and broth, cook 10 minutes, blend smooth. Herbs provide anti-inflammatory benefits, and cannellini beans offer heart-healthy potassium—a fresh, aromatic side for roasted chicken or fish.

Cheesy Smooth Refried Beans

Ingredients: 2 cans pinto beans, 2 tablespoons oil, 1 onion, 2 garlic cloves, 1 cup shredded cheddar, ½ teaspoon cumin, salt, ½ cup milk.

Sauté aromatics, add beans, milk, and half the cheese; simmer 10 minutes, blend, then stir in remaining cheese to melt. Loaded with calcium for bone health, these indulgent beans shine as a dip or side for burgers.

Vegan Coconut Refried Beans

Combine 2 cans kidney beans, 1 can coconut milk (lite), 1 onion, 2 garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon curry powder, ginger (1-inch grated), salt, and lime juice.

Sauté onion, garlic, and ginger; add beans, coconut milk, and curry; simmer 12 minutes, blend creamy. Coconut adds healthy fats for satiety, making this dairy-free delight a tropical side for veggie stir-fries.

Smoky Bacon Refried Beans

Ingredients: 2 cans pinto beans, 4 slices chopped bacon, 1 onion, 2 garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon liquid smoke, salt, ½ cup broth.

Cook bacon until crisp, add onion and garlic, then beans, smoke, and broth; simmer 10 minutes, puree. Bacon’s umami pairs with beans’ protein for a satisfying side that elevates BBQs or breakfast plates.

Lime Cilantro Refried Beans

Use 2 cans black beans, 2 tablespoons oil, 1 onion, 3 garlic cloves, zest and juice of 2 limes, ½ cup chopped cilantro, salt, ½ cup water.

Sauté basics, add beans, lime, and water; cook 8 minutes, blend, stir in cilantro. Bright citrus aids digestion, and cilantro detoxifies—a zesty side for seafood tacos.

Roasted Poblano Refried Beans

Ingredients: 2 cans pinto beans, 2 roasted poblano peppers (peeled, chopped), 2 tablespoons oil, 1 onion, 2 garlic cloves, cumin, salt, ½ cup broth.

Roast poblanos, sauté with onion and garlic, add beans and broth; simmer 10 minutes, blend smooth. Mild heat and vitamin C from poblanos make this a flavorful, immune-boosting side for grilled meats.

Jalapeño Jack Refried Beans

Combine 2 cans black beans, 2 diced jalapeños (seeded), 1 cup pepper jack cheese, 2 tablespoons butter, onion, garlic, salt, ½ cup milk.

Sauté peppers and aromatics, add beans and milk; simmer, blend, melt in cheese. Spicy peppers rev metabolism, cheese adds protein—great for nachos or as a bold steak side.

Truffle-Infused Smooth Refried Beans

Ingredients: 2 cans cannellini beans, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 shallot, 2 garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon truffle oil, thyme, salt, ⅓ cup broth.

Sauté shallot, garlic, and thyme; add beans and broth, simmer 10 minutes, blend, drizzle truffle oil. Luxurious truffle elevates with antioxidants—a gourmet side for fancy dinners.

These 10 smooth refried beans recipes are your ticket to effortless, crowd-pleasing sides that transform any meal. Grab a can of beans, fire up your blender, and get creative in the kitchen—your taste buds (and family) will thank you! Which one will you try first? Share your twists in the comments.