35 WAYS How to Make Canned Refried Beans BETTER!!

35 Ways How to Make Canned Refried Beans Better will help you transform this simple staple into a version like your favorite Mexican restaurant. Who knew there were so many different ideas on how to dress up a can of refried beans?

If you’re looking for more ideas on how to add flavor to your food, 31 Easy Ways to Add Flavor to Mashed Potatoes and 25 Ideas on What to Eat with Tzatziki Sauce will help keep your taste buds happy.

Someone asked in a frugal food group How to Make Canned Refried Beans Better. There were so many great answers. I decided to write an article about it so you can use these ideas for your homemade refried beans recipe.

When it comes to adding flavor to refried beans, there are many options. If you want your canned refried beans to have depth, you’ll want to mix and match a few of these simple ingredients to give you that restaurant quality taste.

Creamy refried beans make the perfect side dish or to add in your favorite Mexican food like burritos and tacos.

What are refried beans?

Canned refried beans are usually made of cooked pinto beans, water, salt, lard, vinegar, onion powder, garlic powder, spice, and chili pepper. It’s one of the most popular Mexican dishes. You can also find creamy refried black beans.

Refried beans were introduced commercially to the United States in the 1930s by Mountain Pass Canning Company, according to West Texas A&M University.

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Here’s How to Make Canned Refried Beans Better

How to Make Refried Beans Creamy

1. Milk or Heavy Cream

When you add milk or cream to your canned refried beans, it gives them a smoother texture. Be sure to slowly add the milk or cream at a medium-low temperature, so it doesn’t curdle.

Restaurant Style Refried Beans

2. Sour Cream

Adding sour cream to refried beans is one of my favorite ways to dress up refried beans and make it thinner and creamier. This addition, hot sauce, and shredded cheese give you the same flavors as Mexican restaurants and makes the best refried beans.

3. Greek Yogurt

If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to sour cream, Greek yogurt will also help give your refried beans a creamy texture.

4. Cream Cheese

Adding cream cheese to your refried beans will help you achieve a more decadent side dish. Just add a little bit of cream cheese to the beans a little at a time until you reach the desired creamy consistency.

How to Season Refried Beans from a Can

5. Bacon Fat

Many people in the group swear by adding bacon drippings to their side of refried pinto beans. One member described adding bacon grease creates a silky texture and makes them more flavorful.

6. Olive Oil

When you reheat the canned refried beans, adding a little olive oil can add just the right touch to your canned refried beans.

7. Butter

I was surprised how many people mentioned adding butter to refried beans. The fat and sweetness in the butter add just the right combination to the beans.

How to Cook Refried Beans from a Can

8. Water

You can thin out your refried beans by adding a little bit of water.

9. Chicken Broth

Adding chicken broth to refried beans will help you make them a little creamier while giving them more flavor.

10. Chicken Boullion

Water and chicken bouillon will yield the same results as the chicken broth.

What to Add to Refried Beans

11. Chili Powder

One popular way to add flavor to refried beans is chili powder. This spice can help to give the beans a little bit of heat, as well as color. Make sure you taste the beans as you add a bit at a time. You want to avoid ending up with a dish that is too spicy.

12. Garlic Powder

A little garlic powder goes a long way, so be sure not to add too much. Garlic powder is a great way to give beans a nice flavor and aroma. This simple change can make a big difference in the taste of your dish.

13. Onion Powder

This pantry staple is an easy way to take your canned refried beans from bland to flavorful. It gives the beans a savory depth that compliments the other ingredients.

14. Cayenne Pepper

Adding cayenne pepper to refried beans can give them a little extra zing. Cayenne is a chili pepper with a fiery flavor that can transform bland refried beans into the perfect side dish.

15. Cumin

Cumin has a warm, earthy flavor that pairs well with the beans.

16. Taco Seasoning

Taco seasoning is a great choice if you’re looking for a quick and easy way to add depth to your refried beans. It’s usually made with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder – so it give your beans a little bit of everything.

The spices in the taco seasoning will bring out the flavors of the beans and make them more enjoyable to eat. It will also help give them that restaurant quality taste you find in Mexican cuisine.

17. Salt and Pepper

Everything tastes better with a little bit of salt and pepper.

18. Garlic Cloves

Sautéing minced garlic in olive oil before adding them to refried beans will give your dish a slightly more complex flavor. It’s a simple way to elevate the taste of the beans. No How to Make Canned Refried Beans Better list would be complete without adding garlic cloves.

19. Chopped Onions

Onions are an excellent ingredient choice that adds flavor and texture to a dish. Cut the onions into small pieces so they cook evenly and don’t overpower the dish when adding them to refried beans.

20. Caramelized Onions

Caramelized onions add a rich, sweet flavor to refried beans. The caramelization process brings out the natural sugars in the onions, making them sweeter. At the same time, it also reduces the bitterness of the onion. The combination of sweet and savory flavors is truly delicious.

21. Lime Juice

If you’re looking for a delicious and healthy way to enjoy refried beans, try adding a squeeze of lime juice. The lime juice’s acidity helps balance the beans’ richness.

22. Fresh Cilantro

I love adding cilantro to my refried beans. It adds a fresh, herby flavor that elevates the dish. If you’re feeling adventurous, add other herbs, like oregano or parsley.

Refried Beans from Can

How to Season Refried Beans from Can

23. Shredded Cheddar Cheese

Adding cheddar cheese is a great way to add creaminess to your dish. The cheddar cheese will melt into the beans and create a delicious side dish.

24. Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese

Monterey Jack cheese pairs well with refried beans. If you want to turn up the heat a bit, try adding pepper jack cheese instead. It’s a quick and easy way to upgrade your beans.

25. Queso Cheese

Queso fresco, a type of Mexican cheese, is often used to enhance the taste of refried beans. It offers a unique flavor that goes well with beans. To add queso to your refried pinto beans, simply crumble it into the beans as they cook.

26. Salsa

If you want to add more flavor, adding salsa will help loosen up the beans. You can try different types of salsa for variety. How to make canned refried beans better is easy with your favorite salsa.

How to Spice Up Canned Refried Beans

27. Your Favorite Hot Sauce

If you’re looking for the perfect way to make canned refried beans better, adding your favorite hot sauce will give them an instant upgrade. This ideas is a must for How to Make Canned Refried Beans Better.

28. Pickled Jalapeños Juice

Just a splash of the briny pickled jalapeño juice will give your beans extra heat and take them to the next level.

29. Fresh Jalapeños

Sauté minced fresh jalapeños in olive oil and then mix them into your refried beans for some extra kick!

30. Can of Chopped Chiles

If jalapeños are too spicy, try adding a can of milder chopped chiles to the beans. You still get the depth without as much spiciness.

31. Chili Oil

Adding chili oil to pretty much everything is one of my secret weapons in my cooking arsenal. It makes most dishes taste better, including canned beans.

32. Sautéed Chorizo

Chorizo is a sausage that is usually made from pork, but you can make it from other meats like chicken or beef. It has a spicy, smoky flavor that goes well with the beans. To add the chorizo to the beans, sauté it with olive oil until browned, then add it to the beans when you are heating them.

33. Chipotles

Chipotles are a type of chili pepper that’s known for its smoky flavor. When adding them to your refried beans, you’ll want to start by adding just a tiny amount. You can always add more later if you want more spice.

34. Black Olives

Several people in the group mentioned adding black olives to the beans. The saltiness of the olives gives the beans a nice layer of flavor.

35. Enchilada Sauce

Adding enchilada sauce to your refried beans is a way to instantly transform your refried beans from boring to tasty easily. This combination is perfect if you like smoky and spicy-tasting beans.

How to use these easy refried beans

You can use your cheater restaurant style refried beans in breakfast tacos, bean dip with tortilla chips, tostadas, nachos, burritos, quesadillas, and taco salad.

We’ve reached the end of How to Make Canned Refried Beans Better. Who knew that a can of beans could taste so delicious? I hope you enjoyed it!

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