How can you fix a can of refried beans so they taste better, without loading them with lots of oil? Use these simple spices and easy instructions to learn how to season and heat up refried beans from a can two ways - microwave and on the stove.
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Traditionally, refried beans are made with lard, so they are not vegan. When you're buying refried beans in the store, look for "vegetarian" and "fat free vegetarian" refried beans to get the ones without lard or vegetable oil. Check the ingredient list to be sure!
🔪 Instructions
There are a few methods you could use to heat up canned refried beans. The ways we use most often are heating them up in the microwave and on the stovetop.
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 canned refried beans!
Microwave
- Step 1: Open refried beans with a can opener, then transfer beans to medium microwave safe bowl (glass or ceramic should both work). Add your spices and water.
- Step 2: Mix everything together thoroughly with a spoon or fork. (My son says using a fork makes them smoother!) Then, cover the bowl with a paper towel and heat it up 30 seconds at a time, stirring after every 30 seconds.
Stovetop
- Step 1: Open refried beans with a can opener, then transfer beans to small saucepan. Add the spices and water. Stir everything together really well.
- Step 2: Cover the pan with a lid, to catch the splattering beans as they heat up. 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.
Expert tips
- Refried beans will splatter as they're heating, so be sure to stir them frequently on the stove and use low heat. And cover them in the microwave with a paper towel or plate.
- Make it spicy by adding a few dashes of Cholula or your favorite hot sauce.
Serving a big crowd
Are you heating up a big batch of refried beansfor a party or large family dinner?
You could use an Instant Pot pressure cooker to heat them up and keep them warm. Add your beans, seasoning and water to the Instant Pot and mix thoroughly. Using the sauté function, stir them until they are hot and bubbly. Then, switch it to "Keep Warm" setting to keep them hot.
You could also use a slow cooker or Crockpot to keep a big batch of refried beans warm during a party.
Ways to use a can of refried beans
Dress up your refried beans with this oil-free, no-lard recipe and then serve them with all your favorite Mexican and TexMex meals!
Make avocado tostadas by spreading a layer of refried beans, then top with sliced avocado or guacamole.
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.
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.
❓ 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!
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📖 Recipe
Easy Seasoned Refried Beans (from a can)
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.15 ounces canned fat free vegetarian refried beans
- 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).½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon sea salt, ⅓ cup water
- 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.½ teaspoon hot sauce
- Cover the pan with a lid, to catch the splattering beans as they heat up. 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).15 ounces canned fat free vegetarian refried beans
- 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).½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon sea salt, ⅓ cup water
- 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.½ teaspoon hot sauce
- Cover the bowl with a paper towel, to catch the splattering beans as they heat up. 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.