Authentic Refried Beans Recipe – Tex-Mex Style with Crispy Bacon

Refried beans is one of the most iconic side dish in Mexican cooking—and today, we’re Tex-Mexing it up with bacon! In this post, I’ll show you how to make refried beans from scratch, starting with basic frijoles de olla (plain, homestyle beans), and then turning them into creamy, bacon-infused frijoles refritos (refried beans).

Growing up, I remember having them at every family gathering, no matter the occasion. We’d spread them on fresh tortillas in the morning, serve them next to rice in the afternoon, or eat them as a side dish for dinner. It didn’t matter if we were feeding just our household or the whole extended family—there were always beans on the stove, and they always tasted like home.

Whether you're searching for the best refried beans recipe, a flavorful Mexican side dish, or want to learn how to cook pinto beans the traditional way—this guide has you covered.

How to Make Refried Beans with Bacon (Tex-Mex Style)

Ingredients

This recipe serves 4–6 people.

For the frijoles de olla (basic homestyle beans cooked until tender), you will need.

• 2 cups dried pinto beans

• 6 to 8 cups of water (or enough to cover beans by 2 inches)

• ½ white onion

• 6 whole garlic cloves

• 2 bay leaves

• 2 teaspoons salt

  
  

To make the homestyle beans into refried beans, you need:

• 4 strips of bacon (cut into small pieces)

• ¼ of a white onion, finely chopped

• 4 cups of cooked homestyle pinto beans (from above)

• 1/3 cup of bean broth (reserved from cooking)

• Queso fresco or shredded Mexican cheese blend, for serving

Step 1: Soak & Cook the Beans

First, we thoroughly rinse 2 cups of pinto beans and soak them overnight in 6 to 8 cups of water, ensuring there is enough water to cover them by about 2 inches.

The next day, drain and rinse the beans again. Add the beans to a pot with the onion, garlic, and bay leaves. Cover with fresh water and bring to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Let the beans cook for 2 hours, checking occasionally to ensure they stay covered with water. If you notice the pot needs more water, add hot water to keep the cooking consistent.

After 2 hours of cooking, once the beans begin to soften, stir in 2 teaspoons of salt. Let them cook for another 30 minutes or until they are tender but not falling apart.

Wondering how to cook pinto beans the traditional way? This is it—homestyle cooked until tender, simple, slow, and full of flavor.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

In a large pan over medium heat, add the chopped bacon. Cook for about 3–5 minutes or until crispy. The fat from the bacon will be used to cook our onions (coming up next) and to flavor our beans.

Step 3: Sauté the Onion

Add the chopped white onion to the pan and sauté in the bacon fat. Cook until the onion is soft and translucent. This process takes about 2–3 minutes.

Step 4: Add the Beans & Broth

In the same pan, add 4 cups of cooked pinto beans and 1/3 cup of the bean broth we previously set aside. Stir thoroughly to mix well with the bacon and onion. Let the mixture heat until it starts to bubble.

Step 5: Mash Until Creamy

Once the beans are bubbling, use a potato masher to mash the beans to your desired texture—smooth and creamy or slightly chunky. If you see that your beans are getting too dry, add a little more broth and continue mashing. Stir everything well and taste for salt.

🍽️ And that’s it! This is how to make frijoles refritos at home with the perfect creamy consistency every time.

Serving Suggestions

You can serve your refried beans just as they are, make them more traditional with queso fresco—or Tex-Mex them up with a sprinkle of shredded Mexican cheese blend. Personally, I love turning them into a party appetizer! 🥣 Hosting a get-together? This easy refried bean dip is always a crowd-pleaser. I mix about ½ cup of shredded Mexican cheese blend right into the beans while they’re still warm. It melts nicely and transforms the beans into the perfect creamy dip for tortilla chips.

Notes & Tips

• Don’t skip soaking the beans if you want better texture and faster cooking.

• Always save some extra bean broth! It helps with mashing and adds a lot of flavor.

• Use black beans if you prefer a different flavor twist.

• These refried beans freeze beautifully—make extra and save some for later. Just let them cook before you freeze them.

• Add shredded cheese for that Tex-Mex refried beans style, or keep it classic and add queso fresco for a more authentic Mexican refried beans flavor.

FAQ

What’s the best way to cook pinto beans for refried beans?

Soaking them overnight and simmering them with onion, garlic, and bay leaves gives the best flavor and texture. Don’t forget to salt them near the end!

Can I use canned beans for refried beans?

Yes, you can! But cooking them from scratch gives a richer flavor and creamier texture.

Are refried beans gluten-free?

Yes—this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your ingredients (like bacon or cheese) are certified gluten-free.

How do I store and reheat refried beans?

Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat with a little water or broth on the stovetop or microwave.

Can I make refried beans without bacon?

Absolutely! Use oil instead and skip the bacon. This can be a meatless vegan recipe.

Conclusion

Now you know how to make delicious homemade refried beans with bacon! Whether you're prepping for taco night, meal prepping, or just craving an authentic side dish, this refried beans recipe is a flavorful, easy go-to. Looking for more authentic Tex-Mex recipes? Check out our blog for homemade rice, street tacos, guacamole, and more. They’re simple, delicious, and inspired by real family traditions.¡Buen provecho, amigos!

🛒 Grocery List for Refried Beans with Bacon

Pantry Staples

• 4 cups cooked pinto beans (or 2 cups dried pinto beans, if cooking from scratch)

• 1/3 cup bean broth (or water)

• Salt

• Bay leaves

Produce

• ½ white onion (for cooking beans)

• ¼ white onion (for refried beans)

• 6 garlic cloves

Meat

• 4 strips of bacon

Optional Toppings

• Queso fresco

  or

• Shredded Mexican cheese blend