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!

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

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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.


refried beans and beef in a bowlPin
Yield: 10 servings

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.
4 from 7 votes
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Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 9 hours
Total time: 9 hours 30 minutes

Ingredients
 

  • 1 pound (454 g) dried pinto beans
  • 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
  • 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

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

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 236kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 44mg | Sodium: 571mg | Potassium: 848mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 92IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 65mg | Iron: 4mg

All images and text ©️ Paula Rhodes for Salad in a Jar.com

5-Star Ratings Are My Favorite!Help others find this recipe in search results on the web.

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!

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4.43 from 7 votes (6 ratings without comment)

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6 Comments

  1. Arthur Arre says:

    5 stars
    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.”

    1. You are right, Arthur.

  2. Judy Smith says:

    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.

  3. 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!

  4. Ann Hastings says:

    I guess I didn’t eat much Mexican Food growing up, because my mom was an Indiana Farm Girl too!!! This recipe looks great!

  5. 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:)