Sneak Preview: This recipe for Ground Beef and Refried Beans is perfectly seasoned to make a quick burrito. The only thing you need to add is lots of cheese (and maybe some salsa and sour cream).

refried beans in a bowl with tortillas, jalapenos, cheese and sour cream

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

When you live in Texas, Mexican food is part of the landscape. But as an Indiana farm girl, I did not always crave Tex-Mex as I do now. I think it's because of the infamous canned tamales.

A glass jar of tamales sat in my mom's pantry for years.  I can still picture it. We used to move that jar around in the cabinet while looking for something tastier. When we finally opened the jar, the tamales were mushy and flavorless.

It's a wonder I ever touched Mexican food again.

Then I married a Texan. That changed everything.

Refried beans became my new favorite tortilla stuffer. Now, our whole family loves them!

Throughout my married life, I have tried many refried bean recipes. This one is slightly more complicated but worth the trouble.  Ground beef increases the flavor considerably. Also, you don't have to use the more traditional lard or bacon grease unless you want to.

Ingredients and substitutions:

  • DRIED PINTO BEANS: Please note that the older dried beans are, the longer they will take to cook. Substitute 4 (15 oz.) cans of pinto beans that have been rinsed and well-drained for dried beans if you want to save time.
  • SALT: Omit the salt if you are using canned beans.
  • GROUND BEEF: Substitute turkey or ground breakfast-style sausage if you like.
  • OYSTER SAUCE: Don't be put off by the name. You can read more about oyster sauce here. It is a common Chinese cooking ingredient that adds umami. You could leave it out but it is an important component of the taste profile for these beans. Soy sauce and hoisin sauce are two possible substitutes.
  • TOMATO PASTE: If you use tomato paste from the can, freeze the remainder for later use. Using tomato paste squeezed from a tube is even easier.
  • JALAPEÑO PEPPER: If you don't have a fresh jalapeño pepper on hand, substitute 1/2 to 1 tablespoon pickled jalapeño peppers. Did you know you can freeze fresh jalapeño peppers? You don't even have to cut them up. Just throw a bag of whole fresh peppers in the freezer.
  • ADOBO SEASONING: This is a Puerto Rican spice mixture. If unavailable, substitute 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon ground oregano.

Can I freeze these refried beans?

These beans freeze beautifully. Place them in freezer zipper-locked bags for convenience.

One tortilla plus a small serving of these refried beans equals an effortless, healthy lunch when eaten with my daily salad.

logo for saladinajar

Join our community of adventurous cooks, and you, too, can create homemade food worth sharing.

If you want inspiration and exclusive tips, add your email and press the button. (Don't worry. I won't sell your email.)

Do you need to make refried beans in a hurry? Make them in an Instant Pot in 90 minutes.

How to make Ground Beef and Refried Beans:

pot of cooked pinto beans

Cooked beans are ready to transform into refried beans.

In a separate skillet, brown the ground beef mixture, onions, and jalapeño pepper.

mashing beans and beef together.

Combine beans and meat in one pot and start mashing. Cook on low heat for 30 minutes.

tacos made with refried beans and beef.

Fill flour tortillas with bean mixture and lots of cheese. Serve with salsa or guacamole.

Did you enjoy this recipe? If so, leave a rating 🤩 inside the recipe below. No comment required. If you have any questions or suggestions, email me privately: Paula at saladinajar.com. Hope to see you again soon! Paula

refried beans and beef in a bowl

Ground Beef and Refried Beans Recipe

Refried beans are coupled with ground beef and several seasonings that results in extreme flavor–perfect for burritos or to use as a side dish.

Prep Time 30 mins

Cook Time 9 hrs

Total Time 9 hrs 30 mins

  • 1 pound dried pinto beans
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 2 cloves garlic - minced
  • 1 large egg
  • ¼ cup oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 ½ teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ large onion - coarsely chopped
  • 1 small jalapeño pepper - minced
  • ½ teaspoon Adobo seasoning

Prevent your screen from going dark

  • Soak 1 lb dried pinto beans and cook according to package, adding salt AFTER beans are tender.

  • Meanwhile, combine 1 lb lean ground beef,2 cloves garlic, minced,1 large egg, ¼ c oyster sauce, 1 T tomato paste, 1½ t Worcestershire sauce in a small bowl. Mix it together however you can. Hands work best–it's like making meatloaf. Cover with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator while the beans cook.

  • When beans are tender, drain off juice and reserve.

  • In a separate skillet, brown ground beef mixture, ½ large onion, chopped, and a chopped jalapeno pepper. Drain excess grease.

  • Combine beans and meat in one pot and start mashing. A fork will work, but a masher or granny fork works faster. An immersion blender works even better. Mash until there are no obvious whole beans but still some texture. Put small batches in a food processor if you don't want lumps. Add reserved liquid until beans are the thickness you like. If they are still too thick, add a little more water.

  • Season with ½ t Adobo seasoning and simmer on the stove over low heat for another 30-45 minutes.

See the section about "Ingredients and Substitutions" in the post for more information about possible substitutions.

Nutrition Facts

Ground Beef and Refried Beans Recipe

Amount per Serving

% Daily Value*

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Course: Beef

Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Keywords: recipe for refried beans, refried bean dip with ground beef, refried beans with ground beef