If you don’t have time to make homemade Pressure Cooker Refried Beans we have ways on how to make canned refried beans better! Thinner and creamy like Mexican restaurant style on the stove is easier than you think.
Ever wondered what the refried beans hack is so they don’t taste like they were served right out of a can but rather made from scratch. From adding jalapenos to adding liquid to thin it out, or garnishing with cheese or cilantro is just the beginning. (affiliate links present)
Table of Contents
- How do you doctor up canned refried beans?
- How to Make Canned Refried Beans Better on the Stove
- How to Make Canned Refried Beans Thinner
- Best Way to Reheat Refried Beans
- How to Reheat Refried Beans on Stovetop
- Reheating refried beans in the Microwave
- How to Reheat Beans in the Oven
- How to Make Canned Refried Beans Better Recipe
How do you doctor up canned refried beans?
How to Make a Can of Refried Beans Better? You can mix it with whole to make it taste more like homemade. This is How to Cook Dry Pinto Beans in Crockpot first. Then when fork tender you can add 1/4 cup of hot liquid into a pot with the canned beans and spoon in whole pieces integrating them in to add texture. That is just the beginning though….
If you have just scooped it out of the can to make burritos for years there is so much more!! Otherwise bland it needs seasonings for sure, and thinned out. Those are the two biggest differences between processed from the store and enjoyed at a restaurant. You can make with pinto or as Refried Black Beans.
How to Make Canned Refried Beans Better on the Stove
Use a large skillet or pan to heat and add a few elements in there to make them taste your creamy refried beans recipe semi-homemade. If done really well your guests or family may actually think you started from scratch!! Here are a few ideas to make them tastier;
- Saute with Aromatics, a little oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat with diced onions, garlic, and roasted jalapenos. Use a skillet and sauté until they are soft and fragrant. This adds depth of flavor.
- Add Seasonings because they can sometimes be bland. Be sure to season them well. Add spices such as chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or oregano to the beans as they cook. You can also add a pinch of salt and black pepper to taste.
How to Make Canned Refried Beans Thinner
Add Liquid when heating because they can be thick. Add a splash of liquid can help thin them out and improve their texture. You can use water, bacon fat, chicken or vegetable broth, or even a little beer or wine for added flavor. Heat the liquids in the pot until bubbling before adding the contents of the can for best results.
- Mix-ins can customize the flavor. Consider adding diced tomatoes, green chilies, diced green onions, or chopped cilantro for freshness and color.
- Cheese adds creaminess and richness. Stir in shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or crumbled queso fresco until melted and creamy.
Garnish before serving with fresh toppings for added flavor and texture. Some popular options include chopped fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, sliced avocado or sour cream. A squeeze of lime juice can add a whole new level of yum and cheese takes them to another level. Shredded cheddar cheese is great but try feta!
Best Way to Reheat Refried Beans
Whether you used pinto or black beans as shown below there isn’t much of a difference as far as how to warm your leftovers. The biggest thing is that they will thicken as they cool so you will need to add a bit of liquid to thin to the best consistency. Heating the liquid first works better so keep that in mind.
How to Reheat Refried Beans on Stovetop
You just transfer the desired amount of to a saucepan or skillet. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the beans are heated through. Add a splash of water or broth if the beans are too thick. This method allows you to control the heat and texture of the beans easily. To make a creamy consistency like bean dip use an immersion blender!
Reheating refried beans in the Microwave
You’re going to place the desired amount in a microwave-safe dish. Cover the dish with a safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape. Heat on high in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until they are heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as they can become dry or splatter.
How to Reheat Beans in the Oven
Preheat your oven to a low temperature, around 300°F or 150°C. Place in an oven-safe dish and cover the dish with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. This method is slower but can help maintain the creamy restaurant quality of the beans.
1. Add fat such as oil, butter, or lard, can help make refried beans creamier. Heat a small amount of fat in a skillet, then add the canned refried beans and stir until the fat is fully incorporated.
2. You can add a splash of liquid, such as water, broth, or milk to help loosen up the beans and make them creamy.
3. Use a hand blender or food processor to whip smooth into a dip with tortilla chips.
4. Use a potato masher or the back of a spoon to break down any lumps and create a smoother consistency.
5. Simmer on the stovetop over low heat for an extended period can help them become creamier.
Typically these are cooked with ingredients such as onions, garlic, and spices like cumin and chili powder, which impart a rich and flavorful taste. Made smooth and creamy, the texture is pleasurable to your mouth. You can achieve this with an immersion blender yourself and adding extra aeromatics.
Traditional refried beans are often cooked with added fats such as lard or vegetable oil to enhance flavor and texture. Canned often contain high amounts of sodium, which can contribute to high blood pressure and other health issues when consumed in excess as well.
How to Make Canned Refried Beans Better
Equipment
- 1 pot small
- 1 Spoon
Ingredients
- 1 can refried beans
- 1/4-1/2 c milk, water or half milk, half water
- 1/4 tsp chili powder, or finely diced jalapenos depending on how spicy you want it to be
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 wedge lime, squeezed, optional
Instructions
- In a pot over medium high heat add 1/4 cup of milk or water and allow to start to bubble, then add beans from the can and stir until smooth and thinner. Adjust liquid to your liking adding more until it is the perfect consistency for you.
- Turn heat down to low once beans consistently bubble. Stir in some chili powder and/or diced jalapenos to add a bit of heat. Add a pinch of salt, mix to integrate. Taste, add more if desired.
- Once seasoned to your liking turn off the heat and serve with cheese, crumbled feta cheese, diced green onions and/or a squeeze of fresh lime juice on the top.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
