Easy Aardvark Refried Beans
Creamy, spicy, and ready in 15 minutes flat.
Whether you’re on team pinto or black bean, these easy refried beans come together fast and taste way better than the canned stuff. They’re creamy, flavorful, and have just the right amount of kick thanks to—you guessed it—Secret Aardvark Hot Sauce.
Perfect as a taco side, burrito filler, nacho base, or spoon-to-mouth situation. No judgment.
Making refried beans the traditional way involves 3-4 hours of soaking and simmering your beans, but we can save you hours of time without sacrificing flavor. And with the addition of bold heat from your favorite Aardvark hot sauce, you’re actually getting more flavor with a lot less effort.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
Serves: 4–6
Ingredients
2 tablespoons oil or butter (or bacon fat if you’re feeling wild)
1/2 small onion, finely chopped (optional but adds depth)
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 (15 oz) cans pinto beans or black beans, drained (but not rinsed)
1/2 cup water, bean liquid, or broth
1–2 tablespoons Secret Aardvark Habanero Sauce (or try Reaper Smoked Hot Sauce for a blaze, or Smoky Aardvark Chipotle-Hab Hot Sauce for extra depth)
Salt to taste
Optional: 1/2 teaspoon cumin or chili powder for extra flavor
Optional toppings: crumbled cotija cheese, chopped tomatoes, chopped green onions, cilantro, lime juice, or a fried egg
Optional toppings: sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, diced jalapenos, more Aardvark sauce
Instructions
Sauté the aromatics – Heat oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook another 30 seconds.
Add beans + Aardvark – Add the beans and water/broth. Stir in Secret Aardvark Hot Sauce, salt, and any spices. Bring to a simmer.
Mash it up (optional) – Use a potato masher or the back of a spoon to mash the beans to your desired consistency—smooth, chunky, or somewhere in between. Keep stirring and mashing for 5–7 minutes until thickened. For extra creaminess, add a splash of milk, sour cream, butter, or olive oil while blending.
Adjust and serve – Add more liquid if needed to loosen it up. Taste and add more hot sauce, salt, or lime juice to finish.
Hot Bean Tips
Use black beans for a deeper flavor and slight sweetness, pinto for classic creaminess.
Make it ahead—these reheat like champs and thicken up even more overnight.
Turn it into a dip: Top with cheese and broil for 5 minutes of melty magic.
These easy refried beans are everything a side dish should be: simple, versatile, and secretly the best thing on the table. Throw them in burritos, pile them on nachos, or eat them cold with chips at midnight—we won’t tell.
Want more easy Mexican-style side dishes and recipes? Come this way!