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    You are here: Home / Recipes / Mexican

    Best 15-Minute Canned Refried Beans

    Published: Oct 29, 2018 · Modified: Oct 14, 2022 by Susie Weinrich · This post may contain affiliate links. 14 Comments

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    pinterest image with text for canned refried beans recipe

    You can turn canned refried beans into a great side dish perfect for any Mexican Dinner! This recipe is the perfect mixture of a can of refried beans combined with the texture of canned whole pinto beans, seasoned with garlic, onions, sour cream and Mexican spices. Top all that off with some gooey cheese and you have a perfect Mexican side dish.

    refried bean side dish in a glass dish topped with cheese and tomatoes

    The truly great thing is that once all the ingredients are mixed together it bakes up in just 15 minutes! Gives you more time to mix up Margaritas and relax!

    This recipe for Mexican Refried Beans makes a great side dish for burritos, tacos, or enchiladas… all your favorite Mexican Dinners. You can also add some Mexican Rice to complete the dinner.

    Table of Contents hide
    1 Ingredients
    2 Canned Refried Beans
    3 How to Make The Best Canned Refried Beans
    4 Variations
    5 Make It a Meal
    6 Appetizer
    7 More Mexican Side Dishes to Check Out
    8 Did you make this recipe?!
    9 The Best 15-Minute Canned Refried Beans Recipe

    Ingredients

    Just a few simple ingredients from your pantry and spice cabinet, plus some cheese and sour cream and you have an amazing refried bean side dish.

    Onion- In most Mexican recipes we prefer to use white onion. Any onion will work, but the flavor of white onion is most traditional.

    If you like a crunchier onion in your beans you can skip the sauteing.

    Cheese – use any cheese you have on hand in this recipe. Fresh shredded cheese from a block will melt up creamier, but pre-shredded will still work. If you like a little spice you can choose to use pepper jack!

    Pinto Beans – You will be using two kinds of pinot beans; refried beans and whole pinto beans. More on buying canned refried beans in the section below.

    Canned Refried Beans

    Refried beans are traditionally whole pinto beans that are cooked soft and then pureed or smashed into a creamy texture. They are a staple in Mexican and Tex-Mex Cooking. However, recipes vary quite a bit from home to home and by region.

    In this recipe we are taking advantage of the canned refried beans at the grocery store.

    PRO TIP: I do recommend that you DO buy the traditional refried beans, not the fat free refried beans. The traditional ones have a much creamier consistency! The fat free beans can tend to be dry.

    How to Make The Best Canned Refried Beans

    This is a super simple recipe to put together. Buying canned refried beans and whole pinto beans cuts down on cooking time considerably!

    a baking dish of refried beans with a spoon

    Preheat your oven to 350 degrees, and grab a small baking dish, like an 8×8 or 9×9.

    In a small frying pan sauté the chopped onion and garlic in ½ tablespoon of oil, just until they are softened, about 4 minutes.

    (If you like a crunchy onions in your beans you can skip the sautéing step)

    Meanwhile, stir together the canned refried beans, the drained and rinsed whole pinto beans, sour cream, and all the seasonings.

    When the onions and garlic are ready stir them in as well.

    If you like a kick or heat or vinegar add a couple dashes of Tabasco or your favorite hot sauce. It gives it a little vinegar tang and great flavor! But, it’s totally optional. But also you should do it.

    Pour the bean mixture into your baking dish.

    Mexican Side dish of refried beans topped with cheese, tomatoes and cilantro

    Sprinkle the top with your preferred cheese (I like pepper jack or colby jack). Cover the pan with foil and pop it into the oven with the timer set for 10 minutes.

    Pro Tip: Spray the underside of your foil with non-stick spray so the cheese doesn’t cook to the foil.

    Then remove the foil and bake another 5 minutes.

    Garnish with cilantro and diced tomatoes if you are feeling fancy.

    They are ready to eat as soon as they come out of the oven!

    Variations

    Here are a few ideas on how you can change up this Canned Refried Bean recipe to suit your taste buds:

    • Add a tablespoon or two of your favorite hot sauce.
    • Sauté some chopped jalapeno with the onion and garlic for a kick of heat.
    • Sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for extra heat.
    • Substitute Refried Black Beans and a can of whole black beans.
    • If you like your beans super cheesy stir a ½ cup of cheese into the bean mixture and then top the beans with an additional ½ cup of cheese.
    • Top the beans with whatever cheese you like: cheddar, monterey jack, pepper jack, colby jack, queso fresco (however, note that the queso fresco will not melt).

    Make It a Meal

    Refried Beans are a traditional side dish served to accompany a dinner. They are also traditionally served with a Mexican Rice on the side (or try this Instant Pot Mexican Rice). Here are some favorite Mexican Main Dishes to check out:

    1. Barbacoa Tacos
    2. Instant Pot Chicken Tacos
    3. Chicken Enchiladas
    4. Beef Enchilada Casserole
    5. Grilled Steak Tacos
    6. Chicken Enchilada Suiza

    Appetizer

    You can also serve this refried bean recipe as a dip with some tortilla chips along side some salsa and guacamole. I would recommend smashing some of the whole pinto beans with a potato masher to serve it as a dip.

    More Mexican Side Dishes to Check Out

    Of course Refried Beans and Mexican Rice are traditional Mexican side dishes, here are some more to add to your dinner:

    • Simple Pico de Gallo
    • Guacamole
    • Cilantro Lime Slaw
    • Fresh Pineapple with Citrus Cilantro Glaze

    Susie Weinrich washing produce

    Did you make this recipe?!

    If you make this recipe I would love to hear your review. Pop down to the comment section and connect with me.

    Then sign up for our Weekly Newsletter so you never miss a new recipe!

    Rate This Recipe
    a pan of refried beans topped with cheese, cilantro and tomatoes

    The Best 15-Minute Canned Refried Beans Recipe

    A perfect mix of smooth canned refried beans and canned whole pinto beans seasoned with sour cream, Mexican spices, garlic, and onions. Top it all with your favorite cheese and bake for 15 minutes. 
    This dish makes a perfect and easy Mexican side dish!
    5 from 11 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 15 minutes
    Total Time: 20 minutes
    Servings: 6 people
    Calories: 191kcal
    Author: Susie Weinrich

    Equipment

    • 8×8 baking dish

    Ingredients

    • ½ cup onions finely diced
    • 1 large garlic clove minced
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
    • 16 oz canned refried beans buy the "Traditional" not the fat-free
    • 15.5 oz canned whole pinto beans drained and rinsed
    • ⅓ cup sour cream
    • ¼ teaspoon each: cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt
    • couple dashes of tabasco or hot sauce (optional)
    • ½ cup shredded cheese cheddar, pepper jack, colby jack, queso fresco, monterey jack
    • **optional garnish- cilantro and diced tomatoes
    Prevent your screen from going dark while you are cooking!

    Instructions

    • Preheat the oven to 350. Grab a small baking dish, 8×8 or 9×9
    • In a frying pan, over medium low heat, sauté the diced onions and minced garlic in the oil until they are translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
      ½ cup onions, 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil, 1 large garlic clove
    • While the onions and garlic cook, in a mixing bowl stir together the refried beans and drained whole pinto beans, sour cream, all the seasonings, and optional hot sauce. 
      16 oz canned refried beans, 15.5 oz canned whole pinto beans, ⅓ cup sour cream, ¼ teaspoon each: cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, couple dashes of tabasco or hot sauce
    • Once the onions and garlic are ready stir them into the bean mixture.
    • Pour the beans into the baking dish. Top with the shredded cheese. Cover the pan with foil and bake for 10 minutes.
      Pro Tip: spray the under side of the foil with non-stick spray to prevent the cheese from sticking.
      ½ cup shredded cheese
    • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
    • Garnish with cilantro and diced tomatoes if you are feeling fancy. 
      Enjoy this awesome Mexican side dish!
      **optional garnish- cilantro and diced tomatoes

    Notes:

    REFRIED BLACK BEANS: For refried black beans simply substitute 1 can of whole black beans and 1 can of refried black beans.
    OPTIONAL VARIATIONS:  
    • Add a TABLESPOON of your favorite hot sauce for more heat and vinegar tang.
    • Sauté some chopped jalapeno with the onion and garlic for a kick of heat.
    • Sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for extra heat.
    • If you like your beans super cheesy stir a ½ cup of cheese into the bean mixture and then top the beans with an additional ½ cup of cheese.
    • Top the beans with whatever cheese you like: cheddar, monterey jack, pepper jack, colby jack, queso fresco (however, note that the queso fresco will not melt).
    Did you try this recipe? Connect with me & let me know how it turned out by commenting below!
    Jump to Comments
    Serving: 1serving | Calories: 191kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Sodium: 694mg | Potassium: 247mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 206IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 123mg | Iron: 2mg

    If nutrition facts are provided they are calculated as an estimate to the best of our knowledge.

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    About Susie Weinrich

    Susie Weinrich is the recipe developer, food photographer, and content creator behind Mom's Dinner. She has over 20 years experience in the food industry. Currently, Susie shares all her recipes and food knowledge on Mom's Dinner. You will find her recipes are easy to follow and full of tips and tricks to make sure the recipe you are making turns out perfect!

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Karen

      December 04, 2022 at 11:07 am

      5 stars
      We added extra tabasco. Works perfect as a dip too!

      Reply
    2. Danyelle

      March 02, 2022 at 6:13 pm

      5 stars
      Easy, delicious and makes a great meal if served with warm corn and/or flour tortillas and some salsa! Thank you for a terrific dish!

      Reply
    3. Jenn

      April 22, 2020 at 10:59 am

      Can I use a black bean with regular refried beans?

      Reply
      • Susie

        April 22, 2020 at 11:11 am

        Absolutely. It may have a different flavor than my recipe, but that is totally fine!!

        Reply
    4. Margie

      February 27, 2020 at 1:44 pm

      Can these be made ahead of time?

      Reply
      • Susie

        February 27, 2020 at 5:25 pm

        Absolutely!

        Reply
        • Sophia

          August 13, 2021 at 11:48 am

          If I make it ahead of time, should I bake it for less time in an oven so I can heat it later? If so, how long do you recommend baking and reheating?

        • Susie Weinrich

          August 15, 2021 at 10:21 am

          If you make it ahead I would just assemble and refrigerate. Then bake it completely when you are ready.

      • Kathleen Kidman

        April 17, 2022 at 8:18 pm

        I’m wondering about leaving out the pinto beans and using a plant based mince like Quorn.
        Has anyone tried a vegetarian mince?

        Reply
    5. JOHN

      October 31, 2018 at 2:02 pm

      5 stars
      I love when you make these refried beans! They are the best! YUM!!

      Reply
    6. Emily

      October 30, 2018 at 9:57 am

      5 stars
      Love this! I’m so with you on not spending 24hrs on a side dish! Refried beans + cheese are a match made in Heaven.

      Reply
    7. Andrea Howe

      October 29, 2018 at 5:48 pm

      5 stars
      okay this is brilliant! My mom always made refried beans when we were growing up but she always fried them in a ton of oil. I love this bake option and love its versatility even more!

      Reply
    8. Tawnie

      October 29, 2018 at 12:17 pm

      5 stars
      Mmmm love how simple this is!

      Reply
      • Susie

        October 29, 2018 at 3:32 pm

        Simple is the only way I do side dishes (except maybe on Holidays).

        Reply

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