Before being ruthlessly cut from their menu, Taco Bell’s Mexican Pizza was one of my all-time favorite meals. It was very different from pizza and real Mexican food, but there was something beautiful about the simplicity of refried beans between two crispy tortillas with melted cheese and tomatoes on top.
It’s possible for me to make it myself, but seeing refried beans slosh out of a cold aluminum can makes me sick. The brown sludge tube that kind of smells like dog food is not, as the kids say, cool beans.
It’s too bad. Is there a way to make canned refried beans taste even better? Could a simple can of bean goop be the star of the Mexican pizza I dream of?
Refried beans are a flavorful staple in Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine Their rich, creamy texture makes them perfect for tacos, burritos, nachos and more However, canned refried beans can sometimes turn out unappetizingly thick and pasty. If you’ve ever struggled with a can of overly thick refried beans, don’t worry – there are easy ways to thin them out for a smoother, more spreadable consistency.
Read on to learn 5 simple tricks for thinning out canned refried beans so they have an ideal texture for all your favorite dishes. With just a few extra ingredients and techniques you’ll be able to transform those pasty beans into a luxuriously creamy side in no time. ¡Buen provecho!
How to Tell If Your Refried Beans Are Too Thick
Refried beans should have a smooth, velvety texture. They should easily spread onto tortillas or mix into fillings without clumping or becoming gluey.
Some signs that your refried beans are too thick:
- They form a solid mass rather than a creamy mixture
- They don’t spread easily and cling to the spoon
- Adding a spoonful to a dish leaves a pasty blob rather than incorporating
- They have a gluey, sticky texture
Thick refried beans can ruin the texture of a whole dish But luckily, with a few fixes, you can get that delicious creamy bean flavor in a thinner, smoother form
1. Add More Liquid
The easiest way to thin out canned refried beans is by adding more liquid. This loosens up the thick puree and makes it smoother.
For one 15-ounce can of refried beans, try adding:
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup milk or cream
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup broth or water
- 2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
Stir the liquid into the beans until you achieve a creamy, drizzling texture. Add more liquid gradually until the beans reach your desired consistency.
Tip: Warm liquids blend more smoothly than cold. Heat your broth or milk before adding it.
2. Mix in Sour Cream
Stirring in some sour cream is an easy way to thin refried beans and add richness. The cool tang of the sour cream balances beautifully with the earthy beans.
For a 15-ounce can, mix in 2 to 4 tablespoons of sour cream. Add more to taste, along with a pinch of salt to accentuate the flavors.
Tip: Greek yogurt also works well instead of sour cream.
3. Blend in Cheese
Melting cheese into refried beans adds creaminess while amplifying the flavors. Cheddar, pepper jack, muenster and queso quesadilla all work wonderfully.
Grate or dice 2 to 4 ounces of your cheese of choice. Warm the beans over low heat and gradually mix in the cheese until melted and smooth.
Tip: Sprinkle extras on top of your finished dish! Melted cheese takes beans to the next level.
4. Mash in an Avocado
Blending some avocado into refried beans adds richness and healthy fats while thinning out the texture. The mild flavor of avocado allows the bean taste to still shine through.
Mash up half an avocado with a fork or potato masher. Mix the mashed avocado into the refried beans until the texture becomes smooth and velvety. Season with a pinch of salt.
5. Puree Beans with Oil in a Blender
For super smooth, spreadable beans, puree them in a blender with some olive oil or vegetable oil. This creates an ultra creamy texture you can’t get from just stirring.
Scoop one 15-ounce can of refried beans into a blender. Add 1 to 3 tablespoons of oil and puree until completely smooth. Add extra oil for a thinner result.
Tip: Fry some onion and garlic to add to the blender too for extra flavor!
More Tips for Thinning Refried Beans
- When reheating beans, add extra splashes of water to loosen the texture
- Use bean broth or chili sauce instead of plain water for more flavor
- Mash beans with a potato masher as they heat for a smoother consistency
- If beans are too thin, simmer uncovered for 5-10 minutes until reduced
- Add a spoonful of masa harina flour to thicken beans up slightly
With these easy tricks, you can customize canned refried beans to have the perfect texture for tacos, burritos, nachos and more of your favorite Mexican dishes. Whether you prefer them smooth and silky or thick and hearty, adjusting the consistency is simple.
Next time you open a can to find those beans pastier than expected, don’t worry! Just stir in some sour cream or cheese, puree them with oil or add extra splashes of broth. You’ll turn those dense beans into a decadent, drizzling side dish in no time. ¡Buen provecho!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best liquid to use to thin out refried beans?
Water, broth, milk, and cream will thin beans without strongly altering the flavor. Oil and sour cream add richness. Avoid strongly flavored liquids that will overpower the beans.
How much liquid do you need to add to refried beans?
Start with 1/4 cup liquid per 15-ounce can of beans and add more as needed. Go slowly to avoid making beans too thin.
Can I thin refried beans with cheese?
Yes, melting cheese like cheddar or pepper jack into the beans will thin them out. The cheese also amps up the flavor.
What if my refried beans turn out too thin?
If beans become too thin, simmer them uncovered for 5-10 minutes to reduce excess liquid content and thicken them up.
Why do my canned refried beans always turn out so thick?
The starch content causes beans to thicken up, especially during canning. Different brands also vary in consistency. Starting with a smooth, creamy variety helps avoid pasty beans.
Can I thin out homemade refried beans?
Absolutely! Simply mash or blend them with extra broth, milk, oil, cheese, etc. to get your perfect texture. The same thinning methods work great.
Do you add anything to refried beans served at restaurants?
Many restaurants thin out refried beans with broth or water and enhance flavor with onions, garlic, cilantro, etc. They aim for a smooth, scoopable texture.
Is it better to use canned or dried beans for refried beans?
Canned beans are quicker. But dried beans simmered from scratch allow you to better control the consistency as you mash and season them. Both work well.
What spices go well with refried beans?
Onion, garlic, cumin, oregano, cilantro, chili powder, smoked paprika, epazote, and lime juice complement and enhance the flavor of refried beans wonderfully.
How to Make Canned Refried Beans Taste Better
According to food blogger Abi Cowell, there are a few ways to spice up the refried beans themselves. She tells me to quickly improve the taste of one can of refried beans by adding 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt or garlic salt. Add about 1/4 cup of water and mix it in. Canned refried beans are always too thick and need to be thinned out. ”.
If your “spice rack” is just a few half-empty hot sauce bottles in the fridge, that will also work. “You can definitely add a dash or two of your favorite hot sauce,” Cowell explains. “I recommend Cholula or chipotle Tabasco. ”.
Once you’re happy with how the refried beans taste, heat them up on the stove or in the microwave. Taste them again and fine-tune the seasonings, as needed. Cook the beans in a small pan over medium-low heat, stirring them often. Alternatively, heat them in the microwave for 30 seconds at a time, stirring each time.
Once you’ve improved the taste of canned refried beans, they’re a great way to add protein to meals quickly and easily. Don’t use them as a layer in taco dip; instead, make a great refried bean soup by adding vegetables and broth to your newly improved beans. You can also stir them into your egg omelet in the morning.
“Canned refried beans are a staple in our house,” Cowell says. “We add them to tacos, nachos, tostadas or any Tex-Mex meal, like creamy spinach enchiladas. ”.