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!
This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
The first time I tasted Mexican food (out of a can from my Mom’s pantry), it didn’t leave a great impression. But once I married a Texan, I discovered the real thing—bold flavors, hearty ingredients, and meals you can’t wait to share. These refried beans with ground beef are one of those dishes: rich, savory, and perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients and Substitutions
Step-by-Step for Making Ground Beef and Refried Beans
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!
Hey Ms Paula love your website and subscribe to newsletter but er um….” Oyster sauce is, as advertised, made from oysters. It’s a mixture of caramelized oyster juices (a byproduct of cooking oysters in water for a prolonged period of time), salt, sugar, and sometimes soy sauce that is thickened with cornstarch.”
You are right, Arthur. It adds umami that makes these beans extra flavorful, but don’t worry. They won’t taste like oysters.
You brought back memories for me. I remember visiting my parents friends in Washington D.C. back in 1969 and eating Taco’s for the first time, they had to show us how to eat them. When we got back to Georgia. Mama started cooking them for us. She also could only buy the corn tortilla’s in the can, and had to fry each one of them when we had Taco’s.
This looks good. I guess I’ve never thought about making my own refried beans. Your tortillas look so good. I wish our Costco had good tortillas!
I guess I didn’t eat much Mexican Food growing up, because my mom was an Indiana Farm Girl too!!! This recipe looks great!
Hi Romaine! I haven’t checked your blog for a while and I’m glad I did it today! You don’t cease to inspire us with your wonderful creations – I especially like cookies, cakes, puddings…you make, sweet recipes in general. They look so amazing. Keep up the good work:)