Refried beans are traditionally made from pinto beans, especially in Northern Mexico and Tex-Mex cuisine. However, other varieties of beans such as black beans, Peruano beans, and red kidney beans are also used in different parts of Mexico. The beans are cooked, mashed, and then fried or baked to prepare refried beans.

Some other types of beans that are suitable for making refried beans include Mayocoba beans (also known as canary beans or Mexican yellow beans), which have thin skins and a creamy interior, making them good for mashing. Black beans are another popular alternative and provide a rich, earthy flavor.

So, the main types of beans used in refried beans are primarily:

• Pinto beans (most common)
• Black beans
• Mayocoba beans
• Red kidney beans (less common)

Among these, pinto beans are the most traditional and widely preferred for their creamy texture and flavor.