How can you fix a can of refried beans so they taste better, without loading them with lots of fat? Use these simple spices and easy instructions to learn how to cook canned refried beans, the fat free, vegan way.
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🧄 Ingredient notes
To cook fat-free, vegan canned refried beans, you'll need the following ingredients:
- a can of refried pinto beans (look for the fat free, vegetarian option. Check the ingredients to be sure.)
- onion powder
- garlic powder
- sea salt
- water
Want refried black beans instead? Learn how to make refried black beans using a can of black beans.
Looking for the measurements? Please scroll down to the recipe card at the end of this post for the ingredient quantities.
🍳 Equipment
- Can opener
- To heat on stovetop: a small saucepan or skillet
- To heat in microwave: a medium glass bowl, that's microwave-safe
🔪 Instructions
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.
You could also do this in the Instant Pot pressure cooker, using the saute function and stirring them until they are hot and bubbly. Then, switch it to "Keep Warm" setting to keep them hot. This would work best if you're doing a big batch of refried beans (3 or more cans in a 6 quart Instant Pot) for a party or large family dinner.
Here are some step by step instruction photos for both the stovetop and microwave methods to see how easy it is to improve the taste of low fat canned refried beans and cook them up!
Stovetop
Microwave
Looking for the temps and times? Please scroll down to the recipe card at the end of this post for all the step by step details on ingredients and instructions. There's also a print recipe button down there!
Ways to use a can of refried beans
Dress up your refried beans with this oil-free recipe and then serve them with:
- Avocado Tostadas - spread a layer of refried beans, then top with sliced avocado
- Loaded Vegan Nachos - lay a base of chips, then dollop refried beans on top, along with your favorite vegan nacho toppings like fauxveeta cheese sauce, shredded lettuce, jalapeños, avocado, cashew cream, cilantro.
- Add a thin layer of refried beans to any tacos, then top with your filling. Try these Breakfast Tacos
- Creamy Spinach Black Bean Enchiladas - serve refried beans and Mexican rice on the side of these delicious enchiladas
- Homemade Tortilla Chips with refried beans are a great appetizer
- Homemade Tostada Shells can be spread with refried beans, then layered with lettuce, tomato, avocado and more for an easy weeknight dinner
- Make homemade charro beans in your Instant Pot, then add a can of refried beans to thicken it up to make an incredible hearty and spicy bean dip for a party
This recipe goes great with these TexMex favorites:
☕️ Tea pairing
This recipe would be delicious paired with Orange Vanilla Crème Rooibos Tea, steeped for 5 minutes, then served over ice.
❓ FAQ
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. In restaurants and in some cans at the grocery store, refried beans are typically made with lard, which is animal fat. Ask your server if the beans have any lard or cheese in them before ordering. At the grocery store, look for canned refried beans that say vegetarian and fat free, for the healthiest vegan canned refried beans. Always check the ingredients label.
Yes, you can freeze refried beans. They freeze really well. Make sure they are stored in an airtight container or jar and leave some empty room at the top to allow them to expand when they freeze.
Refried beans last up to 5 days in the fridge.
A few spices go a long way to fixing up a can of refried beans and making them taste better! See below for the recipe!
🔄 Variations
Make it spicy by adding a few dashes of Cholula or your favorite hot sauce.
💭 Tips
Refried beans will splatter as they're heating, so be sure to stir them frequently on the stove, use low heat and cover them in the microwave.
🗺 Cultural influences
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.
When first traveling to the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, where Mayan heritage is deep, I was surprised that refried pinto beans were not available at most restaurants. Black beans in the form of enfrijoladas, empanadas and other delicious preparations were more common.
💜 More recipes you'll love
If you love this easy vegan refried pinto bean recipe, check out these other plant-based bean recipes!
Love this recipe? Please rate it 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ below in the recipe card. And, if you make it, please tag me on Instagram or Facebook in your posted photos! I would love to see your creations. 😄
📖 Recipe
Fat Free Refried Beans (vegan)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 15 ounces canned fat free vegetarian refried beans
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- ⅓ cup water
- ½ teaspoon hot sauce optional - I recommend Cholula or Chipotle Tabasco
Instructions
Stovetop Instructions
- Open refried beans with a can opener, then transfer beans to small saucepan or medium-sized skillet.
- Add garlic powder, onion powder and sea salt to beans. Then, stir in about ⅓ cup of water to thin the mixture. (Canned refried beans are always too thick and need to be thinned).
- To make them spicy, add a dash or two of your favorite hot sauce. I recommend Cholula or Chipotle Tabasco. If you want them to stay mild, don't add the hot sauce.
- Heat the beans on the stove over medium low heat, stirring frequently, for about 3-4 minutes or until hot and bubbly. Taste the beans and adjust the seasonings, as needed.
- Serve hot with Mexican rice, on nachos, tacos, tostadas or with any TexMex meal. Or, serve cold as pinto bean dip with chips.
Microwave Instructions
- Open refried beans with a can opener, then transfer beans to medium microwave safe bowl (glass or ceramic should both work).
- Add garlic powder, onion powder and sea salt to beans. Then, stir in about ⅓ cup of water to thin the mixture. (Canned refried beans are always too thick and need to be thinned).
- To make them spicy, add a dash or two of your favorite hot sauce. I recommend Cholula or Chipotle Tabasco. If you want them to stay mild, don't add the hot sauce.
- Heat the beans in the microwave for 30 seconds at a time, stirring in between until they are hot. Taste the beans and adjust the seasonings, as needed.
- Serve hot with Mexican rice, on nachos, tacos, tostadas or with any TexMex meal. Or, serve cold as pinto bean dip with chips.
Lizzy says
liquid smoke adds alot of yummy flavor. Some vegan recipes call for it. I know we love it, esp. in our beans.