11 Creamy Refried Beans Recipes for Tacos
Growing up in a bustling Mexican-American household, taco nights were sacred rituals that brought our family together around the table. I still remember the aroma of my abuela’s refried beans simmering on the stove—creamy, rich, and perfectly seasoned, scooped generously into warm corn tortillas alongside carne asada and fresh pico de gallo. Those beans weren’t just a side; they were the heart of the meal, transforming simple tacos into something unforgettable.
Lately, I’ve been on a mission in my own kitchen to reinvent that childhood classic. With a focus on creaminess—achieved through techniques like slow-simmering with broth or blending in silky additions like avocado or cream cheese—I’ve experimented with bold flavors that elevate refried beans for modern tacos. In a world obsessed with quick meals, these recipes prove that creamy refried beans can be both nostalgic comfort and innovative flair, perfect for weeknight dinners or Taco Tuesday parties.
Classic Creamy Refried Beans
Start with 2 cans (15 oz each) of pinto beans, drained and rinsed, 2 tablespoons lard or olive oil, 1 small diced onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth, and salt to taste. In a skillet over medium heat, sauté onion and garlic in lard until soft, about 5 minutes. Add beans and broth, mash with a potato masher until creamy, and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This timeless version delivers velvety texture and authentic flavor, providing plant-based protein and fiber that make your tacos hearty and satisfying.
These beans shine in tacos by absorbing taco fillings without overpowering them, offering a smooth base that’s naturally gluten-free and versatile for any dietary needs.
Spicy Chipotle Refried Beans
Combine 2 cans black beans, 2 tablespoons butter, 1 diced onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (chopped), 1 cup vegetable broth, and 1 teaspoon cumin. Sauté onion, garlic, and chipotle in butter for 4 minutes. Add beans and broth, mash thoroughly, and cook down for 12 minutes until thick and creamy. The smoky heat from chipotle adds a bold kick, boosting metabolism with capsaicin while keeping the beans ultra-creamy for spicy taco lovers.
Perfect for fish or chicken tacos, these beans enhance flavor layers and provide antioxidants from the peppers.
Cheesy Queso Refried Beans
Use 2 cans pinto beans, 3 tablespoons cream cheese, 1 cup shredded cheddar, 1 small onion, 2 garlic cloves, ½ cup milk, and chili powder. Cook onion and garlic in oil, add beans, milk, and cream cheese; mash and simmer 8 minutes. Stir in cheddar until melted and creamy. This indulgent twist melts into gooey perfection, adding calcium and protein for a comforting, crowd-pleasing taco filler that’s kid-approved.
Ideal for beef tacos, it creates a nacho-like base that’s rich yet balanced.
Garlic Herb Creamy Refried Beans
Ingredients: 2 cans navy beans, 3 tablespoons olive oil, 1 head roasted garlic (squeezed), 1 diced shallot, 1 cup broth, fresh thyme and rosemary (1 tsp each chopped), salt. Sauté shallot in oil, add beans, broth, roasted garlic, and herbs; mash and simmer 10 minutes for herbal silkiness. Roasted garlic lends subtle sweetness and immune-boosting benefits, making these beans aromatic and digestive-friendly.
Pair with veggie tacos for a fresh, herbaceous contrast.
Smoky Bacon Refried Beans
Prepare with 2 cans pinto beans, 4 strips cooked crumbled bacon, 2 tablespoons bacon fat, 1 onion, 2 garlic cloves, 1 cup broth, smoked paprika (1 tsp). Fry onion and garlic in bacon fat, add beans, broth, and paprika; mash and stir in bacon for 10 minutes until smoky and creamy. Bacon infuses umami depth, with protein and flavor that elevates pork or shrimp tacos.
A meaty upgrade that’s indulgent but portion-controlled.
Vegan Coconut Refried Beans
Blend 2 cans black beans, ½ can full-fat coconut milk, 1 onion, 2 garlic cloves, 1 tsp curry powder, lime juice. Sauté aromatics in coconut oil, add beans and milk; mash and simmer 12 minutes for tropical creaminess. Coconut provides healthy fats and dairy-free richness, ideal for vegan tacos with anti-inflammatory benefits.
Refreshing with grilled veggies or tofu.
Roasted Poblano Refried Beans
Ingredients: 2 cans pinto beans, 2 roasted poblano peppers (peeled, diced), 2 tbsp sour cream, 1 onion, garlic, 1 cup broth. Sauté veggies, add beans, broth, and poblanos; mash, stir in sour cream, simmer 9 minutes. Mild smokiness from poblanos adds vitamins A and C, creating a creamy, garden-fresh base for carnitas tacos.
Healthful and subtly spicy.
Chorizo Creamy Refried Beans
Use 2 cans beans, ½ lb cooked crumbled chorizo, 2 tbsp oil, onion, garlic, ¾ cup broth, cumin. Cook chorizo first, remove; sauté veggies in fat, add beans and broth, mash, mix back chorizo, simmer 10 minutes. Spicy chorizo amps up protein and flavor for al pastor-style tacos, with bold taste in a creamy package.
Satisfying and fiesta-ready.
Lime Cilantro Refried Beans
Mix 2 cans pinto beans, 3 tbsp Greek yogurt, zest and juice of 2 limes, 1 bunch chopped cilantro, onion, garlic, broth. Sauté base, add beans, broth, yogurt; mash, finish with lime and cilantro off-heat for brightness. Citrus cuts richness, aiding digestion, while cilantro detoxifies—perfect zesty layer for shrimp tacos.
Light and vibrant.
Jalapeño Cream Cheese Refried Beans
Ingredients: 2 cans beans, 4 oz cream cheese, 2 diced jalapeños (seeded), onion, garlic, 1 cup broth, cheddar optional. Sauté peppers and aromatics, add beans and broth; mash, melt in cream cheese for 8 minutes. Heat with cooling creaminess offers capsaicin perks for tacos with grilled chicken.
Addictively spicy-smooth.
Truffle-Infused Creamy Refried Beans
Fancy up 2 cans cannellini beans, 1 tsp truffle oil, 2 tbsp mascarpone, onion, garlic, broth, thyme. Sauté, add beans and broth; mash creamy, swirl in mascarpone and truffle oil at end. Earthy luxury elevates steak tacos with antioxidants from truffles, for gourmet appeal.
Sophisticated yet simple.
These 11 creamy refried beans recipes are your ticket to taco perfection—easy to whip up, endlessly customizable, and packed with flavor. Grab some tortillas, your favorite toppings, and start experimenting tonight; your taste buds (and family) will thank you!
