Get creamy, restaurant-style refried beans when you doctor up store-purchased canned versions with a few simple ingredients.
Ain't no shame in buying refried beans in a can. What is a shame, however, is serving them straight from the can. Because canned beans are the perfect vehicle for achieving Restaurant Style Refried Beans quickly - and deliciously!
Opening a can of refried beans is pretty uninspiring. Yeah, let's use that word. They are super thick and incredibly unexciting in the flavor department. You need some dairy (sour cream) to ensure a creamy consistency, a fat to reinforce that creamy mouthfeel (hello bacon fat!), and something to bring a little flavor - I opt for hot sauce here, but you could also use whatever seasonings you like.
They're the perfect addition to all types of dishes, but I especially love pairing them with Crispy Air Fryer Tacos or Chorizo Quesadillas.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare. These cheater restaurant-style refried beans are quick and delicious. If you're super short on time but just gotta have those creamy refried beans (like they serve at Mexican restaurants), you'll want to start with a can of store-purchased. Then you'll want to add the following ingredients to punch up the flavor and achieve that rich, creamy consistency.
- Improved Flavor. All you need are a few simple ingredients to pump up the flavor of canned beans - sour cream, bacon fat, and hot sauce! Use them all (recommended) to doctor up those canned beans to transform them into a restaurant-quality side.
- Perfect Texture. All you need is an immersion blender (or regular blender) to achieve that super creamy consistency. By the way, if you love the flavor and texture of this resulting dish, I think you'll also love this Cheesy Bean Dip.
Summarize and Save with
Jump to:
- Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Summarize and Save with
- Ingredients
- Substitutions and Variations
- How to Make Restaurant-Style Refried Beans from a Can - Directions
- Top Tips for the Best Doctored-Up Canned Refried Beans
- Recommended Garnishes
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What to serve with Refried Beans
- Restaurant Style Refried Beans from a Can
Ingredients
- refried beans - use any brand you'd like, because they are getting a flavor upgrade either way! I often buy Old El Paso brand.
- sour cream - adds just a subtle kiss of tanginess and lends creaminess. You could also mix in a sour cream-based sauce like this Chipotle Lime Sour Cream sauce - with the added benefit of even more flavor!
- bacon fat - for flavor! Bacon fat infuses this meat-y, smoky flavor that's amazing. A little does a long way here.
- hot sauce (I like Cholula) - just a few dashes of hot sauce really kick ho-hum canned beans up in the flavor department.
- cotija, feta, or shredded cheese of your choice - cheese is optional of course, but I like the saltiness it adds when used as a garnish.
A full ingredient list with exact amounts can be found in the recipe card below - keep scrolling!
Substitutions and Variations
Here are some snazzy substitutions to doctor up those canned beans.
- Bacon grease - I realize that not everyone stockpiles bacon grease like I do. Instead, you can use lard, butter, or even a vegan butter. You can also use olive oil or vegetable oil. Just use amounts equivalent to what's called for in the recipe.
- Sour cream - You could also use cream cheese (YUM) or heavy whipping cream. Milk also works here. Try swapping in vegan substitutes like a cashew or soy-based cream if you want this to be dairy-free.
- Hot sauce - You can use most any hot sauce you prefer here, just remember that you can add but not take away! I love Cholula, but Tabasco and Texas Pete's are fantastic as well.
- Taco seasoning - I didn't include seasonings in this recipe because I pushed the easy button and opted for hot sauce, but why not include some choice seasoning to add flavor? Try this homemade (and low-sodium) Taco Seasoning! Start with a teaspoon and increase the amount until you're satisfied with the resulting flavor.
How to Make Restaurant-Style Refried Beans from a Can - Directions
- Step 1. Add the canned refried beans, sour cream, bacon fat, and hot sauce to a small pot over medium heat.
- Step 2. Stir frequently as they heat up to combine all of the ingredients.
- Step 3. Once heated through, remove from heat and blend with an Immersion Blender (or regular blender) until smooth and creamy.
- Step 4. Top with cheese of your choice and serve (pictured, crumbly cotija cheese).
If you prefer your beans with some texture, you don't have to blend them - no judgment here! I'll happily eat them either way.
If you liked the addition of bacon grease in this recipe, check out Best Uses for Leftover Bacon Grease for more cooking inspiration.
Top Tips for the Best Doctored-Up Canned Refried Beans
- Use flavor boosters. Bacon fat, sour cream, and hot sauce are my go-to additions when I need to dress up canned beans. If you don't consume animal fats, leave the bacon fat out and/or replace it with a dairy-free substitution of your choice, like olive oil or vegetable stock to keep it vegetarian-friendly.
- Adjust the flavors to suit your tastes. I like to include bacon fat, sour cream, AND hot sauce when kicking up a can of refried beans. But, that might not be your jam. I would be remiss if I didn't discuss some easy adjustments you can make to better suit your own taste buds.
- sour cream - Not a fan of the tang? Reduce the amount or try swapping it with an equal amount of cream cheese for a milder result that still lends creaminess to the resulting refried beans.
- bacon fat - A full tablespoon may be too much for some; it brings a lot of flavor and if you overdo it, it will be the dominant flavor, which you want to avoid. Start with a smaller amount, like ½ tablespoon, to see if you like the flavor. Or reach for butter or olive oil. You could also add in an equal amount of chicken or beef broth or stock, or vegetable broth or stock to keep it vegetarian.
- hot sauce - Cholula is a go-to, but there are so many that would be great here! Like Tapatio, Tabasco, or Louisiana Hot Sauce. Maybe even Sriracha.
- Adjust the consistency. I used refried beans that come pre-blended, but you can also use chunky versions. For Creamy Beans, break out your immersion blender (or regular blender) for super smooth, restaurant-style refried beans (especially if the refried beans you are using aren't smooth from the can). For Chunky Beans, skip the step of blending the beans. No judgment here!
- Serving and pairing suggestions. Obviously, this is great as a side dish next to tacos, but think beyond the super obvious. Slather these refried beans on a sandwich, like this Spam Torta; include it in a layered dip; sneak it into burritos and enchiladas, like these Carnitas Enchiladas; slather it on avocado toast ahead of the avocado; or add it to a burrito bowl, like this Buffalo Chicken Rice Bowl.
Recommended Garnishes
- Cheese, please! From gooey melty shredded cheddar cheese to lovely crumbles of cotija, cheese is a must for topping these beans. If you want to keep it vegan, use a non-dairy cheese substitute.
- Tortilla strips for crunch, like these homemade tortilla strips.
- Cilantro, sliced spring onion, and fresh (or pickled) jalapeno make fresh additions.
- Iceberg lettuce. I love the crunch of cold shredded Iceberg lettuce against piping hot beans. Alright, so you may not want to put the lettuce on top of the beans to avoid wilting, but serve alongside for a refreshingly crunchy reprieve.
- Sautéed aromatics like onion, garlic, and bell peppers make fantastic additions on top.
- Fried chorizo or crumbled bacon bits add texture and a carnivore-friendly flavor contrast.
- Pepitas. Raw or roasted and salted, pepitas add a nice crunch.
- Sour cream. You've already got it out, why not use a dollop for garnish?
- Crema. Similar to sour cream, but less tangy. Add a swirl to the finished product.
- Salsa! Why not garnish with one of these fantastic salsas, like this Roasted Green Tomato Salsa or this super fresh Cucumber Pico de Gallo.
For even more tips and tricks on making canned beans taste like they were prepared in a restaurant, check out the Tasty Tip's 5 Easy Tips to Make Canned Refried Beans Taste Like Restaurant Style.
Frequently Asked Questions
To make canned beans truly great, you NEED to add a fat. Bacon grease, butter, olive oil. I also recommend adding a dollop of sour cream and a few dashes of hot sauce to really jazz the flavors up. You can of course also experiment with the addition of seasonings, like paprika, Mexican oregano, garlic powder, cumin to name a few. Or even a homemade taco seasoning. If there's anything you add that you think really takes it over the top, do tell 🙂
Store any leftovers in a lidded container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. I prefer to reheat in a covered pan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
If you followed this recipe to the letter (or let's be honest, close enough) but your beans are too thick, try adding more hot sauce. However, you don't want to go overboard, so consider adding in a little bit of chicken broth or stock to thin things out. You could also use milk, leftover juice from jarred jalapenos, or even plain old water. Start by adding a splash or two of desired liquid, stir, and keep adjusting until you've reached a thinner result.
If the beans are too thin, continue cooking over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until they thicken up. They should come around without adding anything additional to the mix.
What to serve with Refried Beans
Looking for other recipes to pair with this one? Try these amazing mains!
If you tried this refried beans recipe (or any other recipe on Midwexican), please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it turned out in the 📝 comments below!
Restaurant Style Refried Beans from a Can
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 16 ounce can refried beans
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 tablespoon bacon fat
- 2 teaspoons hot sauce (I like Cholula)
- Cotija, feta, or shredded cheese of your choice (optional, garnish)
Instructions
- Add the canned refried beans, sour cream, bacon fat, and hot sauce to a small pot over medium heat. Stir frequently as they heat up to combine.
- Once heated through, remove from heat and blend with an immersion blender. Or add to a blender. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Top with cheese of your choice and serve.
Notes
- If you don't consume animal fats, leave the bacon fat out and/or replace it with a dairy-free substitution of your choice, like olive oil or vegetable stock, to keep it vegetarian-friendly.
- Easy adjustment to better suit your own taste buds.
- sour cream - Reduce the amount or try swapping it with an equal amount of cream cheese for a milder result that still lends creaminess to the resulting refried beans.
- bacon fat - Reduce the amount called for or reach for butter or olive oil instead. Or use a fat in combination with a little stock or broth of your choice.
- hot sauce - Cholula is a go-to, but there are so many that would be great here! Like Tapatio, Tabasco, or Louisiana Hot Sauce. Maybe even Sriracha.
Bill F. says
Personally! I would give this 8 STARS. I found this to be the best and easiest sauce to make.
Nancy says
Can these be made the day before and reheated in the oven the next day prior to serving?
Christina Koncker says
Absolutely! My experience is reheating prepared refried beans from leftovers. I usually reheat on the stovetop over a low - medium low heat, with a lid on the pot. I believe they could be reheated in the oven; if you try it, please let me know what temperature you had your oven at and how long it took.