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!.
Canned refried beans are a staple in many pantries for their convenience, versatility, and delicious flavor. Heating them properly ensures you get smooth, creamy beans ready to be enjoyed in all your favorite Tex-Mex and Mexican dishes.
Follow this simple guide to learn foolproof methods for heating refried beans from a can plus tips to customize the flavor and use them creatively.
An Overview of Heating Canned Refried Beans
Refried beans packed in cans have already been cooked and mashed, so heating them is a quick and easy process. Here’s a quick overview
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Total Time: 5 minutes
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Methods: Stovetop, Microwave, Oven
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Tips: Add seasonings, broth, or water to adjust texture and flavor
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Uses: Tacos, burritos, nachos, dips, soups, etc.
With the right technique, you can have hot, creamy refried beans ready in just minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Stovetop
Heating refried beans on the stovetop allows you to stir and adjust consistency as you go.
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Pour beans into a saucepan and set heat to medium-low.
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Stir frequently to prevent sticking and promote even heating.
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Once heated through, reduce heat to low to keep warm until serving.
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Add broth or water to thin beans, if desired.
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Total Time: 5-10 minutes
Microwave
The microwave provides fast, hands-free heating.
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Transfer beans to a microwave-safe bowl.
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Microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring between.
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Heat until hot and steaming, 1-2 minutes total.
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Check and stir occasionally as beans can bubble up.
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Total Time: 1-2 minutes
Oven
The oven gently and evenly heats beans without monitoring.
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Preheat oven to 350°F.
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Transfer beans to small oven-safe baking dish.
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Cover with foil and bake 20-25 minutes.
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Check occasionally and stir.
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Add water or broth to adjust consistency after heating, if needed.
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Total Time: 20-25 minutes
Handy Tips for Heating Canned Refried Beans
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For smoother beans, add 1-2 tablespoons broth or water while heating and stir.
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For fuller flavor, stir in a pinch of cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, or smoked paprika.
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For creamier beans, melt a bit of cheese into the heated beans.
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For spicy beans, mix in your favorite hot sauce or diced jalapeños.
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For quick tacos or burritos, heat beans while simmering shredded chicken or beef.
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For easy appetizers, top heated beans with cheese, avocado, and green onion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I thin out the beans if they seem too thick?
Yes, stir in a small amount of chicken or vegetable broth, 1-2 tbsp at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
Do I have to heat the entire can at once?
No, you can heat a portion of beans and refrigerate the rest for later use within 3-4 days.
Is it safe to heat the beans in the can?
It’s not recommended. Always transfer to a microwave/oven-safe dish for even heating.
How long do leftover heated beans last?
Store heated leftover beans in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat before consuming.
Can I freeze the leftover beans?
Absolutely. Store in a freezer bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Creative Uses for Heated Refried Beans
- Bean and cheese quesadillas
- Burrito bowls
- Taco dip or seven layer dip
- Nachos
- Enchiladas
- Breakfast tacos or burritos
- Bean soup or chili
You can also incorporate refried beans into casseroles, stuffed peppers, or Mexican lasagna. The possibilities are endless!
Enjoy Perfectly Heated Refried Beans
Canned refried beans are a handy staple that can be quickly transformed into a delicious side dish or main meal component thanks to simple heating methods.
Follow the instructions to heat them on the stovetop, microwave, or oven. Then get creative with mix-ins and seasonings to customize the flavor.
Incorporate the hot, creamy beans into all your favorite Tex-Mex recipes. They add protein, fiber, and bold flavor to enchiladas, tacos, nachos, and more!
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.