🫘 Homemade Bacon Refried Beans (Frijoles Refritos con Tocino)
Creamy, smoky, and packed with flavor—bacon takes classic refried beans to the next level. Perfect as a side, taco filling, or breakfast base.
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
- 2 cups cooked pinto beans (or 1 can, drained but reserve the liquid)
- 4 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
- ¼ small white onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼–½ cup bean broth (or water), as needed
- Salt, to taste
- ½ tsp cumin (optional)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Optional:
- 1 small jalapeño, finely diced
- ¼ cup shredded queso fresco or cheddar
🥣 Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the bacon
In a skillet over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crispy.
Remove some excess grease if desired, but leave about 1–2 tablespoons in the pan.
2️⃣ Sauté aromatics
Add onion (and jalapeño if using) to the bacon fat. Cook until soft.
Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds.
3️⃣ Add beans
Stir in the beans. Mash with a potato masher or the back of a spoon until mostly smooth (leave a little texture if you like).
4️⃣ Thin & season
Add reserved bean broth a little at a time until creamy.
Season with salt, pepper, and cumin.
5️⃣ Simmer
Cook 5–10 minutes, stirring often, until thick and creamy.
🔥 Tips for Extra Flavor
- Use beans cooked with onion, garlic, and bay leaf for better depth.
- For ultra-smooth beans, blend before frying.
- A splash of milk or a tablespoon of butter makes them extra creamy.
- Want heat? Add a spoonful of chipotle in adobo.
🍳 How to Serve
- With eggs for breakfast
- Inside burritos or tacos
- Spread on tostadas
- As a side for carne asada or enchiladas
If you’d like, I can also give you a slow-cooker-from-dry-beans version or a restaurant-style ultra-smooth version.
