How to Make Canned Refried Beans Taste Like Restaurant

Tired of canned refried beans having no flavor and just not tasting as good as what you get at your favorite mexican restaurant? This quick and easy recipe will turn boring canned refried beans into what you get at the restaurant or even better since you make them to your liking. Try this simple recipe and add a side of refried beans to your favorite mexican dishes. 

What are refried beans?

Refried beans are made from pinto beans that have been cooked and mashed. The name “refried beans” is somewhat misleading as the beans are really only fried one time. Refried beans are popular in mexican restaurants and tex-mex restaurants around the United States as well as in Mexico. 

Canned refried beans are different from the ones found in restaurants because they are generally lacking seasoning and additional sources of fat that give refried beans the desired creamy consistency. Thankfully, improving canned refried beans is quick and easy. 

Ingredients for Making Canned Refried Beans Taste Like Restaurant 

Restaurant style refried beans are loaded with extra fat and are seasoned to improve the bland flavor of pinto beans. For this refried bean recipe you will need just a handful of ingredients and then you can adjust them to your liking with our additional suggestions. You will need the following ingredients:

• can of refried beans, preferably plain so you can season as you desire
• sour cream- use non-dairy if you prefer 
• salt

How to Make Canned Refried Beans Taste Like Restaurant

To make delicious refried beans from canned refried beans all you need is the above ingredients plus a skillet. To start, open the can of beans and add them to a skillet. Place the skillet on the stove, and heat over medium heat until beans start to warm. Once beans are beginning to soften, add the sour cream and stir well to combine. 

Cook until warmed through and creamy. Then, season with salt as desired. This amount will vary depending on personal preferences as well as how salty the beans are right out of the can. I recommend tasting the beans before adding any salt. Finally, see our additional tips for extra seasoning or topping to make your creamy refried beans even more flavorful. 

Extra Seasoning Tips for Refried Beans

Refried beans can be made to suit all tastes. Next time you make them give some of these tips a try:

• Sauté a couple of garlic cloves in olive oil in the pan before adding the beans for a garlicky kick
• Add bacon grease instead of sour cream and get a rich flavor that only bacon fat can give
• Add your favorite hot sauce and stir in during the final minutes of cooking for a little heat 
• Like spicy? Try adding chili powder or cayenne pepper to the refried beans
• For more savory flavor try adding a sprinkle of garlic powder or onion powder 

Topping Refried Beans

Making refried beans doesn’t have to end at the seasoning… try these extra toppings on warm refried beans for a true restaurant experience: 

• Sprinkle the top of the beans with cheese like cotija cheese or shredded cheddar cheese 
• Top with a squeeze of lime juice on top, the little bit of acid with help cut the fat 
• Top with chopped fresh cilantro, green chiles or sliced jalapeño peppers 
• Crush up some tortilla chips to sprinkle on top

Frequently Asked Questions

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For more delicious side dish recipes try our Easy Butternut Squash Risotto with Bacon, Forbidden Rice and Beans, Air Fryer Frozen Brussels Sprouts, Homemade Macaroni and Cheese, Homemade Cilantro Lime Rice or Simple Black Beans.