How Long Do Opened Canned Refried Beans Last?

We’ve all done it: you make a big batch of refried beans, eat them with your family, and then put the leftovers away, only to wonder a few days later, “Are these still good to eat?” Don’t worry! I’m going to help you make sure your leftovers stay safe and tasty. So, let’s get to the bottom of this bean dilemma!.

First, let’s talk about refried beans. They aren’t actually “refried” as the name might suggest. This term is a mistranslation from Spanish; “refritos” means “well-fried,” not “fried again. When making refried beans, pinto beans (or black beans) are usually cooked until soft, mashed, and then fried with spices and a little fat like lard or oil.

Canned refried beans are a handy staple to keep in the pantry. They’re pre-cooked and ready to heat and eat in recipes like tacos, burritos, nachos, and more. But once you open a can of refried beans, how long do they stay safe and tasty?

Here’s a breakdown of how to store opened canned refried beans and maximize their shelf life

Refrigerator Storage

Once opened, canned refried beans should be transferred to an airtight container or sealed bag and stored in the refrigerator.

Refrigerated, opened canned beans last:

3 to 4 days

The cold temperature keeps bacteria growth in check, extending the shelf life for several days.

Signs refrigerated beans have spoiled

Mold growth
Slimy texture
Strange odor

If you see any of these, throw the beans out. They are no longer safe to eat.

Freezer Storage

For longer term storage, canned refried beans can be frozen.

To freeze opened canned beans:

Transfer to airtight freezer bag or container
Remove as much air as possible
Freeze up to 2 months

Thawing and using frozen beans:

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator
Use in cooked dishes like soups or burritos
Don’t use for plain refried beans, texture will be too soft

The freezer prevents bacteria growth for safe long-term storage.

Food Safety with Canned Beans

To avoid foodborne illness when using canned refried beans:

Look for bulging, leaking, or rusted cans and do not use
Never eat beans directly from the can once opened
Transfer leftovers to refrigerator within 2 hours
Reheat to 165°F before eating

Following safe food handling practices reduces your risk of getting sick.

Best By vs Expiration Dates

Canned refried beans have a “best by” date, not an expiration date.

You can safely eat beans past the “best by” date if:

The can is not damaged in any way
The beans smell and look normal
They have been stored sealed in a cool, dry pantry

The “best by” date indicates peak quality, not safety. If the beans show no signs of spoilage, they should be good for some time beyond that date if the can integrity is intact. Still, for optimal freshness and texture, abide by the 3-4 day refrigerator guideline once opened.

Maximizing Freshness of Opened Canned Beans

To make opened canned refried beans last as long as possible:

Transfer to an airtight storage container soon after opening
Ensure container has no cracks
Refrigerate beans immediately after use
Use within 4 days for peak quality
Label container with date opened
Avoid introducing extra moisture or contamination

Following proper storage methods will help preserve the fresh taste and texture of your canned refried beans after opening.

Recipes to Use Up Leftover Canned Beans

Don’t let leftover canned refried beans go to waste! Here are some delicious recipes to use them up:

Bean and cheese quesadillas
Breakfast burritos
Chili
Nachos
Taco soup
Bean dip
Enchiladas

With a little creativity, you can reinvent those last spoonfuls of refried beans into quick, flavorful meals.

While canned refried beans eventually lose quality once opened, you can safely store and enjoy them for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Following safe food handling guidelines prevents bacterial growth and foodborne illness from spoiled beans. Use leftovers promptly in tasty recipes, and your canned refried beans will continue adding convenience, nutrition, and flavor to your meals.

how long do canned refried beans last once opened

Shelf Life of Refried Beans

According to the USDA, cooked beans can last 3-4 days in the refrigerator if they are stored properly. That means keeping them in a shallow airtight container or resealable plastic bags. The same can be said for your homemade refried beans. The general rule is the same whether you bought refried beans at a store or from a restaurant: 3–4 days is the safest time frame.

You may ask what about refried beans that come in a can. Once they are opened, they should be treated the same way you would make your own. The three-to-four-day rule applies here too. But canned refried beans that haven’t been opened last a lot longer. You can often keep them in the pantry for years; just make sure to check the can’s expiration date.

Spotting spoiled refried beans is key to food safety. Here are a few signs that your beans have gone bad:

Smell: You should throw away your refried beans if they smell sour or bad.
Texture: Beans that have a slimy texture are a no-go.
Color: Look for any discoloration or mold. If you see anything fuzzy or green, it’s clear that the food has gone bad.
Taste: If you’re still not sure, a small taste can make all the difference. If they taste off, it’s time to say goodbye.

HOW LONG does CANNED FOOD last? Survival Tip

FAQ

How long are canned refried beans good for after opening?

Low-acid canned goods, such as meat, poultry, fish, gravy, stew, soups, beans, carrots, corn, pasta, peas, potatoes and spinach) can be stored three to four days. Although it’s safe to store the food in the can, it will retain better flavor if transferred to a glass or plastic storage container.

How long are canned beans good for once opened?

Canned beans can be stored in the pantry for up to 5 years from the date of purchase. Check the date on the can. Once opened, refrigerate beans and use within 4 days. To cut down on sodium (salt), drain and rinse canned beans in a colander before using.

Can you eat refried beans that have been in fridge for a week?

Typically, beans will last up to 5 days in the fridge. The best way to store them, to get them to last until the fifth day, is to make sure they are stored quickly after cooking so bacteria don’t have the time to grow.

Can you save refried beans in a can?

It’s so easy to just cover up an opened can of refried beans and store it in the freezer, but this method can generate a mess that no one wants to clean up. Canned refried beans contain liquid that will eventually freeze when placed in colder temperatures. As the liquid expands, it may cause the can to explode.

How long do canned refried beans last?

How long do opened canned refried beans last in the refrigerator? Canned refried beans that have been continuously refrigerated will keep for about 3 to 4 days. Are canned refried beans safe to use after the “expiration” date on the package?

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.

Do canned refried beans need to be refrigerated?

The precise answer depends to a large extent on storage conditions – keep opened refried beans refrigerated and tightly covered. To maximize the shelf life of canned refried beans after opening, refrigerate in covered glass or plastic container. How long do opened canned refried beans last in the refrigerator?

Can you eat refried beans after expiration date?

If you have a can of refried beans and it’s undented and unopened, it’s probably not going to spoil anytime soon, unless it has exceeded the expiration date. You certainly shouldn’t consume beans after the estimated shelf life.