Canned refried beans provide a convenient base to make flavorful Mexican dishes. But straight from the can, they can be dull and lackluster on their own. With a few easy steps in this article, I will help you to take canned refried beans from bland to grand.

1. How To Cook Canned Refried Beans on Stove

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (16 oz) can refried beans
  • 1/2 cup vegetable broth or water
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • Dash of cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat.

Sauté onion for 2-3 minutes until translucent.

Add garlic and continue cooking for 1 minute.

Stir in the can of refried beans, vegetable broth, cumin, oregano, chili powder and optional cayenne pepper.

Bring the mixture to a simmer and allow to cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, to blend flavors and reach desired consistency, adding more broth if needed.

Remove from heat and season to taste with salt and pepper as desired.

Serve the refried beans warm with desired taco toppings like shredded cheese, salsa, avocado, etc. Enjoy!

2. How To Cook Canned Refried Beans in Microwave

Ingredients

  • 1 (15oz) can refried beans
  • 2 tablespoons onion, finely diced
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable broth or water
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon oregano
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Shredded cheese, salsa, cilantro etc. for serving (optional)

Instructions

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the can of refried beans, onions, garlic, oil, vegetable broth, and all spices.

Microwave on HIGH power in 1 minute intervals, stirring well after each minute, for 2-3 minutes until hot and bubbly.

Carefully remove bowl from microwave using oven mitts. Beans may continue cooking a minute or two longer upon standing.

Add any additional broth/water if beans are too thick. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Serve beans warm with desired toppings like shredded cheese, salsa, cilantro, etc. if desired. Enjoy!

3. How To Cook Canned Refried Beans in Crock Pot

Ingredients

  • 2 (15 oz) cans refried beans
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup vegetable broth
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Add all ingredients to slow cooker and stir gently to combine.

Cook on low heat setting for 4-6 hours.

After cooking, taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Add more broth if too thick.

Serve warm topped with shredded cheese, avocado, cilantro etc. if desired.

Now, you know how to cook canned refried beans perfectly at home. No matter which cooking method you use, canned refried beans will also enhance flavor with fresh veggies and Mexican spices making for an easy, tasty side for tacos, burritos, or nachos any night of the week!

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Julia Jane is a home cook inspired by her mother's cooking. With the desire to share my cooking experiences with everyone, she created this website

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