Refried Beans Instant Pot Recipe - Foody Schmoody Blog (2024)

FAQs

What to add to canned refried beans to make them better? ›

I like to sprinkle in some taco seasoning, but you could add whatever spices you like — garlic powder, cumin, and chili powder are all good calls. Then, you mash the beans up directly in the pan and add just a little bit of vinegar at the end to really make the beans sing.

Cream cheese is the not-so-secret weapon for making refried beans a yummy side dish to accompany rice, or a versatile taco or nacho topping. The dairy in cream cheese not only thickens refried beans to a creamier consistency — cream is in the name — but it also incorporates the rich, silky flavor of dairy.

Milk makes refried beans creamy

This liquid can help make your beans smoother and taste richer. Once the beans are tender, it's time to fry them. Garlic is cooked in the oil and then the beans are added. The beans are mashed, and this is where the milk comes in.

If you're wondering what is the secret ingredient for restaurant-quality refried beans, the answer is fat. Restaurant-made refried beans honor traditional Mexican culinary practices by adding a hearty helping of lard or bacon fat drippings to their recipe.

If you're doctoring a can of refried beans, you'll likewise add a spoonful of lard, bacon grease, or butter. However, considering the thickness of canned refried beans, you might want to add a bit of broth or water, plus seasonings like garlic or onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Cream cheese is the not-so-secret weapon for making refried beans a yummy side dish to accompany rice, or a versatile taco or nacho topping. The dairy in cream cheese not only thickens refried beans to a creamier consistency — cream is in the name — but it also incorporates the rich, silky flavor of dairy.

How to make refried beans Creamy. MIX. Combine beans, milk, and crisco in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir vigorously with a fork or wire whisk until silky smooth.

Control the consistency of your beans by cooking them low and slow. If you put the heat too high, your beans will dry out faster. Your refried beans will continue to thicken as they sit, so taking them off the heat when they are still a little runny is totally fine!

How long should I microwave refried beans? ›

Open and drain your can of beans, then pop them in your microwave safe container, cover, and microwave them for about 90 seconds.

Or for an even smokier flavor, you can add in some finely-diced chipotle chile in adobo sauce. Or — the easiest option for heat — just add in some cayenne pepper to taste. Add in some cheese: I just like to garnish my refried beans with some crumbled cotija or shredded cheddar cheese on top.

How to Season Refried Beans. These homemade refried beans are flavored with fresh garlic, ground cumin, ground chili powder, salt, and fresh lime juice.

The beans are ready when you can easily smash them between your fingers (careful! they are hot). Strain the beans, onions, and garlic but don't throw out the bean water. Or you can use a slotted spoon to transfer the beans to the frying pan later and pour the bean water from the pot to save dishes.

All you need is a little butter along with some sour cream. Just melt the butter in a sauce pan. Then, once you melt that, you can add in the refried beans. Stir the butter into the beans.

Adding sour cream to refried beans is one of my favorite ways to dress up refried beans and make it thinner and creamier. This addition, hot sauce, and shredded cheese give you the same flavors as Mexican restaurants and makes the best refried beans.