How can I make canned refried beans taste better without adding a lot of fat? Follow these simple steps and spices to cook vegan refried beans without adding fat.
Want refried black beans instead? Learn how to make refried black beans using a can of black beans.
Want to know how much of each ingredient to use? Scroll down to the recipe card at the end of this post.
There are a few methods you could use to heat up canned refried beans. The ways we use most often is the microwave and the stovetop.
Using the sauté function on the Instant Pot and stirring them until they are hot and bubbly is another way to do this. Then, switch it to “Keep Warm” setting to keep them hot. For a party or big family dinner, this works best if you’re making a lot of refried beans (3 or more cans in a 6 quart Instant Pot).
Watch these step-by-step videos for both the stovetop and microwave methods to see how easy it is to cook up and make low-fat canned refried beans taste better.
Would you like to know the temperatures and times? Scroll down to the recipe card at the end of this post for a full list of ingredients and step-by-step instructions. Theres also a print recipe button down there!.
Refried beans are a staple side dish in Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine. Their rich, creamy texture and savory flavor make them the perfect accompaniment to tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and more. While making refried beans from scratch yields the best results, canned refried beans offer convenience when time is limited. However, the question arises – can you microwave refried beans to quickly reheat them?
The short answer is yes, you can absolutely microwave refried beans to heat them up in a hurry. Microwaving provides a fast, simple way to enjoy canned refried beans without the wait of conventional cooking methods. Read on to learn more about microwaving refried beans, including tips for success, nutrition, and how it compares to other reheating methods.
How to Microwave Refried Beans
Microwaving refried beans is easy. Here are some tips:
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Transfer beans to a microwave-safe bowl Glass or ceramic bowls work best
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Cover the bowl loosely with a paper towel or lid to prevent splattering.
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Microwave beans in 30 second intervals until heated through, stirring occasionally.
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The heating time will depend on the amount of beans but generally takes 1-2 minutes.
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Let the beans stand for 1 minute before serving. The bowl will be hot.
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Add toppings like shredded cheese, salsa, or cilantro.
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For more flavor, stir in chopped onions, chili powder, cumin, or cilantro before heating.
Microwaving provides an easy way to quickly reheat canned refried beans while retaining their texture.
Benefits of Microwaving vs. Conventional Cooking
Microwaving refried beans has several advantages:
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It’s much faster – Beans reheat in just 1-2 minutes in the microwave versus 10-15 minutes on the stovetop.
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Uses less energy – Microwaves use less electricity than ovens or ranges.
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** Minimal preparation** – Just transfer beans to a bowl versus washing pans.
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Easy cleanup – With fewer dishes dirtied, cleanup is quicker.
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Retains texture – The beans don’t get overcooked or dried out.
For hurried weeknight meals, microwaving pre-cooked beans helps get dinner on the table faster. The compromise is that stovetop heating better melds flavors.
Tips for the Best Results Microwaving Canned Refried Beans
Follow these tips to microwave canned refried beans perfectly:
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Stir the beans before heating to distribute any separated liquids.
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Add a tablespoon of water to prevent dryness if beans have been open for storage.
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Heat beans in a bowl wider than it is tall for even warming.
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Cover with a paper towel or lid for splatter-free heating.
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Microwave in 30 second bursts, stirring between intervals, until hot.
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Let beans stand 1-2 minutes before serving as the center will be hotter.
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Mix in any extra seasonings after heating as microwaves dull flavors.
With these tricks, microwaved canned beans taste great!
Nutrition of Refried Beans
Refried beans deliver an array of nutrients:
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Protein – A one cup serving contains around 11 grams.
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Fiber – They provide about 10 grams of filling fiber per cup.
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Iron – Refried beans contain about 15-20% of your daily iron needs.
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Potassium – This mineral supports heart health.
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B Vitamins – Important for energy and brain health.
As a plant-based source of protein and fiber, refried beans offer nutritional value. Microwaving does not significantly change the nutrient content unless beans are overheated.
Microwaving vs. Oven Baking Refried Beans
While the microwave provides the fastest heating method, oven baking refried beans can also be effective. Here’s how the two techniques compare:
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Microwaving takes 1-2 minutes while oven baking takes 10-15 minutes.
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Microwaving requires frequent stirring but oven baking does not.
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Oven baking crisps and browns the beans better whereas microwaving leaves them soft.
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Beans may dry out in the oven whereas microwaving retains moisture better.
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Oven baking melds flavors more while microwaving maintains the original taste.
Deciding between these methods depends on your time constraints and texture preferences. Both reheat canned refried beans sufficiently.
Serving Suggestions for Refried Beans
Creamy, protein-packed refried beans pair deliciously with many foods:
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Bean and cheese tacos or burritos
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Nachos topped with beans, salsa, guacamole, etc.
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Tostadas with refried beans, lettuce, avocado
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Quesadillas with melted cheese and bean filling
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Mexican rice bowls with beans, meat, veggies
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Bean dip with tortilla chips for snacking
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Breakfast tacos with eggs, beans, cheese, and more
Thanks to their versatility, refried beans complement both savory and vegetarian meals.
Quick and Hassle-Free Meals with Canned Refried Beans
With canned refried beans in the pantry, tasty Mexican-style meals are always within reach. Keep these tips in mind:
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Look for low sodium beans to control salt content.
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Combine beans with vegetables like corn, peppers or tomatoes.
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Add spices like cumin, chili powder, cayenne or garlic powder.
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Mix in some shredded cheese, Greek yogurt or avocado for extra richness.
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Serve beans alongside meat like chicken, ground beef or carnitas.
With the shortcut of canned refried beans and a microwave, authentic south-of-the-border flavor is just minutes away on hectic nights!
Microwaving canned refried beans makes enjoying these nutritious, protein-rich legumes quick and convenient. With just 1-2 minutes in the microwave, the beans heat through without turning dried out or mushy. While the stovetop may provide better flavor melding, the microwave offers speed when time is short. Follow these tips for microwaving success along with creative serving suggestions, and refried beans can become a regular go-to item in your kitchen.
Ways to use a can of refried beans
Dress up your refried beans with this oil-free recipe and then serve them with:
This recipe goes great with these TexMex favorites:
Orange Vanilla Crème Rooibos Tea, steeped for 5 minutes and then served over ice, would go well with this recipe.
Once opened, transfer refried beans to an airtight container. Then, store in the refrigerator or freezer. Do not store opened beans still in the can.
Reheat and eat with tortilla chips, rice, on nachos, on tostadas or with any TexMex inspired meal.
No, not usually. You can find some cans of refried beans at the grocery store and in restaurants that use lard, which is animal fat. Ask your server if the beans have any lard or cheese in them before ordering. There are healthy vegan refried beans that say “vegetarian” and “fat free” on the can when you go to the store. Always check the ingredients label.
Yes, you can freeze refried beans. They freeze really well. Store them in a container or jar that won’t let air in, and leave some space at the top so they can grow when they freeze.
Refried beans last up to 5 days in the fridge.
Just a few spices can really fix up a can of refried beans and make them taste better! Here’s the recipe!
Make it spicy by adding a few dashes of Cholula or your favorite hot sauce.
As refried beans heat up, they will splatter, so stir them often on the stove, use low heat, and put a lid on them in the microwave.
Refried pinto beans are popular here in Texas with many TexMex meals. Most restaurants will serve rice and beans will almost any entree you order. They are eaten in many (but not all) parts of Mexico, where the dish originated.
I was surprised that most restaurants didn’t serve refried pinto beans when I first went to the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico, which has a lot of Mayan history. Black beans in the form of enfrijoladas, empanadas and other delicious preparations were more common.
4 Ingredients to Enhance Canned Refried Beans (How to make canned refried beans taste better)!
FAQ
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