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Creamy Bacon Fat Refried Beans Recipe Easy Homemade with Crispy Bacon Bits

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A comforting and smoky refried beans recipe made creamy with bacon fat and topped with crispy bacon bits. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or as a flavorful side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup dry pinto beans (about 190g), soaked overnight
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups water or chicken broth (960ml)
  • 1 tsp salt, adjust to taste
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
  • Fresh lime juice (optional, for brightness)

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1 cup dry pinto beans under cold water, then soak overnight in plenty of fresh water. If short on time, soak in hot water for 1 hour.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook 6 slices of thick-cut bacon until crispy, about 8–10 minutes. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside on paper towels to drain. Reserve the rendered bacon fat in the pan.
  3. Add 1 small finely chopped onion to the bacon fat in the skillet. Cook for 4–5 minutes until translucent and fragrant. Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for another 30 seconds, careful not to burn.
  4. Drain the soaked beans and transfer them to a large pot or Dutch oven. Add the sautéed onion, garlic, and bacon fat from the skillet. Pour in 4 cups water or chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, partially covered, for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until beans are tender. Stir occasionally and add more water as needed to keep beans just covered.
  5. Once tender, remove about ¼ cup (60ml) cooking liquid and set aside. Using a food processor, blend the beans in batches with reserved cooking liquid until smooth and creamy. Alternatively, mash with a potato masher directly in the pot for a chunkier texture. Add 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp ground cumin, and ½ tsp black pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  6. Chop the reserved crispy bacon slices into bite-size pieces. Stir most of the bacon bits into the beans, saving some for garnish.
  7. Spoon the creamy bacon fat refried beans into a serving bowl. Top with the remaining bacon bits and optionally sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice.

Notes

Soaking beans overnight reduces cooking time and improves digestibility. Use thick-cut bacon for more fat and crispy bits. If beans are too thick, add warm water or broth to reach desired consistency. For a vegetarian version, omit bacon and use smoked paprika with vegetable broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: refried beans, bacon fat, creamy beans, homemade refried beans, bacon bits, easy side dish, Mexican side, comfort food

Find it online: https://zorbmeal.com/creamy-bacon-fat-refried-beans-recipe-easy-homemade-with-crispy-bacon-bits/