How to Make Canned Refried Beans Taste Better

Are you looking for a way to make canned refried beans taste better? If so, you’ve come to the right place. In this post, I’ll share some tips that will help you improve the flavor of your refried beans. So, whether you’re making them for a family dinner or a party, follow these tips and they’ll be sure to impress!

Refried beans from can don’t taste bad on their own but what if I told you that there was a way to make them taste better?

Now, there is something to be said for the convenience of a canned good. You can make refried beans from scratch- and those taste delicious, too.

But if you’re like me- you may not have time to whip up homemade beans at the drop of the hat. Which is why canned refried beans are so nice to have on hand. But like I said, you can make them taste even better with little to no effort at all!

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp butter
• 1/2 cup white onion, diced
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 can (16 oz) refried beans beans 
• 1/4 cup half and half
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)
• Cumin (to taste)
• Cheese 

Instructions

1. Melt butter in a skillet.
2. Add onion and saute until translucent. Add garlic and cook until fragrant over low heat.
3. Add refried beans, break up and combine with butter, onion, and garlic.
4. Add half and half, stir.
5. Add sour cream
6. Season with salt, pepper and cumin to taste (I used 1 teaspoon of each).
7. Add cheese.

What are refried beans?

Despite how it sounds, refried beans aren’t twice-fried beans. They are mashed beans (typically pinto or black) that are then heated up. They are typically combined with other seasonings and ingredients like onions or chiles. Canned refried beans often just have salt and water added.

How to season refried beans

There are many different ways to season refried beans from a can:

• Salt
• Pepper
• Taco Seasoning
• Cumin
• Chile Powder
• Lime Juice
• Crema or sour cream

Substitutions

• I prefer using a white onion when I cook savory dishes but you could easily use different variations.
• I have also started to use frozen or pre-chopped onions and I’m kind of obsessed! It’s so convenient and makes it so much easier!
• If you’re not a fan of sour cream or half and half you could try plain greek yogurt or heavy whipping cream or 2% milk.
• And as always, if you don’t like onion or garlic you can always omit it- just know that the rich, strong flavors that it brings won’t be there and will slightly change the taste of this dish!

How long do refried beans last in the can?

If you open the beans and decide to hold off on using them, they will stay good for about 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

What can I serve with Refried Beans?

Refried Beans are typically served alongside Mexican dishes.

You’ve probably noticed they are a staple at most Mexican restaurants and offered with most entrees.

They are delicious and easy and cheap to make but can really bring your meal to the next level.

Here are some of our favorite dishes to pair with our delicious fancy canned refried beans.

• One-Pot Creamy Chicken Enchilada Casserole
• Queso Dip
• Mexican Taco Lasagna
• Roasted Tomatillo Salsa
• Tacos de Papa
• Salsa Verde Steak Baked Tacos
• Quick and Easy Beef Enchiladas
• Black Bean Tacos
• Mini Shredded Chicken Tacos
• Sticky Spanish Rice
• Guacamole
• Salmon Tacos

Can you double this recipe?

Yes, this recipe is very easy to double.

How long do refried beans stay good for?

Homemade or semi-home-made refried beans will stay good for about 3-4 days in the refrigerator if properly covered.

How to Store Refried Beans

After you have revamped your can of refried beans, it’s best to store them in an airtight container in the fridge.

How do you warm refried beans?

You can easily warm these up in a microwave-safe dish or warm them slowly in a pot on the stove- stirring often.

Continue to Content

How to Make Canned Refried Beans Taste Better

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Print

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp butter
• 1/2 cup white onion, diced
• Sauté until translucent
• Add garlic over medium heat. Cook until Fragrant
• Add 1 can (16 oz) refined beans
• 1/4 cup half and half
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• Salt
• Pepper
• Cumin
• Cheese

Instructions

1. Melt butter in a skillet.
2. Add onion and saute until translucent. Add garlic and cook until fragrant over low heat.
3. Add refried beans, break up and combine with butter, onion, and garlic.
4. Add half and half, stir.
5. Add sour cream
6. Season with salt, pepper and cumin to taste (I used 1 teaspoon of each).
7. Add cheese.

More Recipes You Might Enjoy:

So, there you have it. A few tips to make your canned refried beans taste better and more like restaurant-style refried beans. Give them a try the next time you’re cooking up a Mexican feast!

• About the Author
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Katie Clark( Simply Side Dish Creator )

Katie Clark is a mom of three with a passion for creating home-cooked meals every night for her family. She has learned the skill of cooking from the time she was young and comes from a long-line of women who love to cook. Over the years, she has developed this skill to not only help her family but thousands around the world with her popular copycat recipes, jello salads, and twists on traditional favorites. She has a degree in journalism and loves to help others succeed in getting dinner on the table!

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