Taco Bell Refried Beans Recipe

These Taco Bell style refried beans are smooth, creamy, and packed with the mild savoury flavour that makes them so popular. They are simple to prepare at home using pantry staples and come together with very little effort. The texture is soft and velvety, perfect for spreading, scooping, or serving alongside tacos and burritos. This easy recipe takes around 35 minutes from start to finish.

Ingredients

For the Beans

• 2 x 400g tins pinto beans, drained
• 250ml water
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp sugar
• 1/2 tsp chilli powder
• 1/4 tsp ground cumin
• Extra water if needed

How to Make Taco Bell Refried Beans Recipe

• Prepare the pan: Place a medium saucepan over medium heat and add the drained pinto beans, water and vegetable oil.
• Add seasoning: Stir in the onion powder, garlic powder, salt, sugar, chilli powder and cumin until evenly mixed.
• Simmer gently: Bring the mixture to a light simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring now and then so nothing sticks.
• Mash or blend: Use a potato masher for a rustic texture or blend carefully for a smooth fast food style finish.
• Cook until creamy: Return to the heat and cook for another 10 to 15 minutes until thick, soft and creamy.
• Adjust and serve: Add a little more water if needed, then serve warm.

Tips

How do I make them extra smooth?

Blend the cooked beans with a hand blender or food processor until silky.

Why are my beans too thick?

Stir in warm water a tablespoon at a time until the texture loosens.

How do I improve the flavour?

Add a little extra garlic powder or a pinch more salt to taste.

Can I use dried beans?

Yes, cook dried pinto beans until tender first, then continue with the recipe.

Serving Suggestions

• Spread inside burritos
• Serve beside tacos and rice
• Use as a nacho topping
• Spoon into quesadillas
• Serve as a warm dip with tortilla chips

Storage

Room Temperature

Do not leave out for more than 2 hours.

Refrigerator

Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently with a splash of water.

Freezing

Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Nutrition

• Calories: 170 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Protein: 7g
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Sodium: 620mg

Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients used.

FAQs

Taco Bell Refried Beans Recipe

Recipe by Milli RoseCourse: Side DishCuisine: Mexican InspiredDifficulty: Easy

Servings

6

portions

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

25

minutes

Total time

35

minutes

Calories

170

kcal

35

minutes

Creamy homemade Taco Bell style refried beans made with pinto beans, seasonings and a smooth blended texture. Perfect as a side dish, dip or burrito filling.

Ingredients

• 2 x 400g tins pinto beans, drained

• 250ml water

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil

• 1 tsp onion powder

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp sugar

• 1/2 tsp chilli powder

• 1/4 tsp cumin

• Extra water as needed

Directions

• Add drained beans, water, oil and all seasonings to a saucepan.
• Bring gently to a simmer over medium heat.
• Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Mash thoroughly with a potato masher or blend until smooth.
• Cook for another 10 to 15 minutes until thick and creamy.
• Add a splash of water if the beans become too thick.
• Serve hot.

Notes

• Blend for the smoothest Taco Bell style texture.
• Add water gradually to control consistency.
• Freeze cooled beans for up to 3 months.