21 Recipes With Canned Refried Beans  - Megan vs Kitchen (2024)

FAQs

Why do restaurant refried beans taste so good? ›

Why Do Restaurant Refried Beans Taste So Good? Most authentic Mexican restaurants use lard in their refried bean recipes which adds another layer of flavor and helps achieve the ideal creamy texture.

Turmeric, carom seeds, harissa, paprika, cumin, and oregano will help provide an innovative take on your refried beans, while chili, chipotle, onion, and garlic powders will always work wonders on this dish. You can really add any spices you have handy to upgrade this canned classic!

Overall, refried beans can be healthier than you think, since they are a good source of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

One of the most common beans to be serve in a lot of Mexican dishes is refried beans. You can find both black and pinto refried beans. However, pinto beans are the most common. Even though they are called refried beans, they are not fried.

Milk makes refried beans creamy

Lard or vegetable oil would work well for this dish, but few recipes ever mention milk, which is a missed opportunity. This liquid can help make your beans smoother and taste richer.

You can add crushed whole seeds (coriander, cumin, fennel, mustard, etc.), woodsy herbs (thyme, oregano, rosemary, sage), red pepper flakes, crushed garlic cloves, and of course salt and pepper.

If your beans are still too watery after prolonged cooking and mashing, consider adding a thickener like cornstarch, all-purpose flour, or arrowroot. To do this, first, make a slurry of equal parts thickener and water, then slowly add it to your refried beans. They should thicken considerably.

I even use refried beans in my Ground Beef Enchiladas, but if serving as a side, I like to crumble Cotija or Queso Fresco cheese on top when serving.

'Refried' actually means 'very fried'

While the English language tells us that a word beginning with "re" means to do again, in the Spanish language, it actually means "very." That being said, "refried beans" in Spanish means "very fried," and the beans are only fried once.

Can you eat refried beans out of the can? ›

Refried beans are a safe and convenient food item pre-cooked during the canning process. While it is safe to eat the beans directly from the can, it is advisable to transfer them to a different container to avoid any potential health risks from the can's lining.

2. Beans & Legumes. These foods combat inflammation because they're loaded with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds, fiber, and protein.

Refried beans are healthy because they are high in protein, fiber, minerals, and other nutrients and they may help you lose weight. Refried beans are a delicious and versatile dish that appears on the menus of many Mexican and Tex-Mex restaurants. You can also easily make this meal at home or buy it in a can.

Beans are a nutritious food packed with essential nutrients, but they can also cause gas and bloating due to their high fiber content. In addition, beans contain oligosaccharides, which are not easily digested in the small intestine and are fermented by bacteria in the large intestine, producing gas.

Beans are high in minerals and fiber that may boost your digestive health and reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. Yet, since refried beans often contain added fat and salt, they may be higher in calories, saturated fat, and sodium than other beans.

Try some onion – Dice green, yellow, or even red onion and add to the refried beans for more flavor. Add some seasonings – Try adding a dash of cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt. Top with cilantro – Garnish with cilantro to improve refried beans taste.

Though the name “refried beans” implies the beans are fried twice, they're actually only fried once. Traditionally, pinto beans are cooked and mashed, then fried on the stove until thick. This recipe starts with canned beans, which cuts the cooking time considerably.

"Refried" doesn't mean the beans have been fried twice. The word comes from the Spanish name for the dish—frijoles refritos. In Spanish "refritos" means "well fried". To make the beans you have to cook them in water first to soften them.