Refried Beans and Ground Beef for Quick Burritos
Sneak Preview: These Refried Beans with Ground Beef are loaded with flavor, making them the ultimate filling for quick burritos. Just add cheese, maybe a little salsa or sour cream, and you’re good to go!
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Growing up in Indiana, my first taste of Mexican food came from a dusty can of tamales in my mom’s pantry—mushy and flavorless. It’s a wonder I ever gave Mexican food another chance! But after marrying a Texan, everything changed. These refried beans with ground beef became a weeknight favorite—and they might just become one in your kitchen, too.
Ingredients and Substitutions
- PINTO BEANS: Use dried for best texture; canned (rinsed and drained) works in a pinch.
- GROUND BEEF: Lean beef is ideal; turkey or sausage also work well.
- OYSTER SAUCE: Adds umami; substitute with soy sauce or hoisin.
- TOMATO PASTE: Tube paste is convenient; canned is fine—freeze leftovers.
- JALAPEÑO PEPPER: Use fresh (I freeze mine); pickled jalapeños are a good swap.
- ADOBO SEASONING: Substitute with garlic powder, black pepper, and ground oregano if needed.
Step-by-Step for Making Refried Beans with Ground Beef
➊ Cook or heat pinto beans. Rinse and drain if using canned.
➋ Mix beef, garlic, egg, sauces, and paste. Chill.
➌ Brown beef with onion and jalapeño. Drain grease.
➍ Combine with beans. Mash to preferred texture.
➎ Add liquid as needed. Season and simmer 30–45 minutes.
💡 Tips That Make a Difference
• Skip the lard. These beans are rich and flavorful without bacon grease or lard.
• Freeze leftovers. Cool completely, then portion into freezer bags for quick meals later.
• Try it in burgers. A spoonful on top adds a bold Tex-Mex twist.
• Double the batch. This recipe scales easily and reheats well with a splash of water.
Ground Beef and Refried Beans Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound (454 g) dried pinto beans
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- 1 pound (454 g) lean ground beef
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (50 g) large egg
- ¼ cup (37 g) oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1½ teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- ½ (75 g) large onion, coarsely chopped
- 1 small jalapeño pepper, chopped
- ½ teaspoon Adobo seasoning
Instructions
- Cook the Beans: Soak and cook 1 pound (454 g) dried pinto beans according to the package, adding 1½ teaspoons salt after they’re tender.
- Prepare the Beef: In a bowl, mix 1 pound (454 g) lean ground beef, 2 cloves garlic, minced,1 (50 g) large egg, ¼ cup (37 g) oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon tomato paste, and 1½ teaspoons Worcestershire sauce. Refrigerate while beans cook.
- Brown the Meat: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the beef mixture with onion and jalapeño until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Mash and Simmer: Combine beans and meat in one pot. Mash to desired consistency using a potato masher or immersion blender. Add reserved bean liquid or water as needed. Season with ½ teaspoon Adobo seasoning and simmer for 30-45 minutes.
- Serve Warm: Use as a burrito filling, dip, or side dish.
Notes
Equipment
Nutrition
All images and text ©️ Paula Rhodes for Salad in a Jar.com
Serving Ideas
- Classic Burrito: Wrap in a warm tortilla with cheese, salsa, and sour cream.
- Tex-Mex Dip: Serve with tortilla chips for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
- Loaded Nachos: Spread over tortilla chips, top with melted cheese and jalapeños.
Final Thoughts
These refried beans with ground beef are a must-try for any Tex-Mex lover. Whether you’re making a quick burrito, a satisfying dip, or just looking for a hearty side, they’re guaranteed to bring bold flavors to the table. Plus, they freeze beautifully, so you’ll always have some on hand!
Need help troubleshooting? Please email me: Paula at saladinajar.com–photos welcome!
Paula Rhodes, owner
As a retired home economist, I created Saladinajar.com to share my belief that you don’t have to be a chef to find joy in creating homemade food worth sharing. Bread machines (used in an unconventional way), homemade yogurt, and quick microwave recipes are my specialty.