Dried beans are an economical pantry staple packed with fiber, protein and nutrients. But preparing them from scratch requires time for soaking simmering, and waiting for perfect tenderness. Freezing cooked beans helps you save money while having tender beans ready in minutes whenever a recipe calls for them.
Why Freeze Cooked Beans
Freezing cooked beans offers several advantages
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Saves money – Much less expensive than canned beans. Avoid added sodium and BPA lining concerns of cans.
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Saves time – Beans are prepped and cooked already. Thaw and add to meals in minutes.
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Locks in freshness – Frozen at peak texture and flavor. No chance of spoilage like refrigerated beans.
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Provides flexibility – Beans are ready when you need them Adapt meals based on what’s in freezer
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Allows large batches – Freezer space lets you cook big pots efficiently.
How to Freeze Cooked Beans
Follow these simple steps for freezing beans:
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Fully cook beans – Simmer stovetop or pressure cook until very tender. Undercooked beans become tough when frozen.
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Portion beans – Ladle hot beans into freezer containers. Good sizes are 1-1 1/2 cups or equivalent to a 15 oz can.
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Leave headspace – Fill containers only 3/4 full to allow for expansion during freezing.
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Add liquid – Cover beans with broth or water to prevent drying out.
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Seal tightly – Use rigid plastic containers or zip-top freezer bags, pressing out air.
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Label – Note bean type and freeze date. Use within 2-3 months for best flavor.
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Freeze flat – Lay bags flat in a single layer to freeze quickly.
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Thaw options – Thaw beans overnight in fridge or quickly under warm water.
Tips for Freezing Beans
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Chose fresh, in-season dried beans for best texture after freezing.
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Salt and season beans after thawing, as salt toughens beans during freezing.
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Portion based on recipe needs like chili or soups. Freeze surplus bean broth too.
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Blanch green beans before freezing to preserve color and texture.
With a stash of frozen cooked beans, you’ll always be ready to add protein and fiber to soups, stews, tacos, rice bowls, and more! It’s one of the easiest ways to have homemade convenience in your freezer.
Steps to Storing Beans
- Prepare dry or canned beans. Go to step 2 if you plan to use the extra beans within one to three days. If you don’t plan to eat the rest of the beans for dinner soon, move on to step 3.
- Beans that have been cooked and cooled down should be kept in the fridge in an airtight container for one to three days.
- To get ready to freeze, let cooked beans cool down and pat them dry to get rid of any extra water.
- Measure: Put 1 to 2 cups of beans in a container that can go in the freezer. Freeze until ready to use.
- Soups, stews, and chili can all use frozen beans. The key is to add them at the simmer stage so they don’t split.
- You can keep cooked beans in the freezer for about 6 months. When you’re ready to use the beans, put them in warm water in a sealed bag to thaw faster.
Kitchen Tip 9 ~ Freezing Cooked Beans
FAQ
Do cooked beans freeze well?
Do you need to boil beans before freezing?
What is the best way to store cooked beans?
Can you freeze leftover cooked baked beans?
How do you keep beans fresh in the freezer?
This will help you keep track of how long the beans have been in the freezer. If using resealable freezer bags, gently press out excess air before sealing them. This will help prevent freezer burn and keep the beans fresh. Place the labeled and portioned beans in the freezer, ensuring they are placed flat to allow for easier storage and stacking.
Can you freeze refried beans?
Freezing refried beans is a simple and practical solution for dealing with leftovers. You can reheat them on the stove or in the microwave.
Can baked beans be frozen?
You can store your cooked beans in the fridge, or you can freeze them. In the fridge, baked beans can last 3 to 5 days when stored below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Be sure to pop them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. Cooked baked beans, on the other hand, can last up to 6 months when frozen. Can you Freeze Cooked Baked Beans?
Can you freeze black beans?
If you want to save time and have quick access to pre-cooked beans, freezing is arguably a better solution than buying canned. When you cook and preserve your own black beans, you can season them with herbs and spices instead of just over-salting them and you won’t have to worry about any potential side-effects of the metals from cans.