Cheater Restaurant-Style Refried Beans

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4.95 from 55 votes
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Our Cheater Restaurant Style Refried Beans taste exactly like what you get at your favorite Mexican restaurant! Creamy, flavorful, and easy to make, this is a perfect side for any homemade Mexican dishes.

Skillet of Cheater Refried Beans with cilantro and cojita cheese. Spoon resting in the skillet.

5 Star Reviews ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“The best refried beans I’ve ever had! Easy, quick and always loved by everyone! I’ve also made these with refried black beans and they are just as yummy!” – Stacy

“We made these tonight as a change, using a can of spicy jalapeno refried beans. Incredible with how just 4 ingredients, these beans turned out soooo amazing. This is our forever go to side dish now for Texmex night. Awesome recipe!!!!” – Suzanne

“Love these beans! I always get so many compliments when I make them too. So easy and so delicious! Thanks for a great recipe!” – Patty

The Easiest and Tastiest Refried Beans


I have to tell you—I am absolutely obsessed with these “cheater” restaurant-style refried beans! Why are they “cheater,” you ask? Well, because we’re starting with canned refried beans. Yep, no need to spend hours in the kitchen soaking and simmering dried beans. This recipe lets you whip up a creamy, flavorful side dish in just minutes. I always pair these with my favorite Restaurant Style Mexican Rice when making Mexican Dishes. Bonus: these beans are naturally gluten-free, so everyone can enjoy them!

I love how easy these beans are to make, and trust me, they taste so much better than anything you’ll find in a can. They’re perfect for dipping chips, spreading on tacos, or serving alongside all your favorite Mexican dishes. Have you ever noticed how the beans at restaurants are creamy and smooth, but the canned stuff is so thick it breaks your chips? Well, this is my no-fail method for turning the canned stuff into something even better than what you’d get at a restaurant.

Have a little more time on your hands and want to try a more authentic recipe? Try our easy guide on How to Make Refried Beans. Either way, whether you stick with this “cheater” recipe or go the more authentic route, you can’t go wrong!

🩷 Emily

Key Ingredients

Refried beans, Valentina salsa picante, sour cream and Monterey Jack cheese for Restaurant Style Refried Beans.

Just four simple ingredients to make these flavorful beans.

1. Canned Refried Beans

  • Why use it? Canned refried beans are the foundation of this recipe, offering convenience and a good base flavor to build upon. They save time compared to starting from dried beans, which require soaking, cooking, and mashing.
  • Pro tip: Choose a high-quality brand with simple ingredients like beans, salt, and minimal additives for the best flavor.

2. Sour Cream

  • Why use it? Sour cream adds creaminess and a slight tanginess, giving the beans a smooth texture and balancing the richness of the dish. It also helps achieve that restaurant-style consistency that’s perfect for dipping or spreading.
  • Substitutes: Greek yogurt (for a lighter option), cream cheese (for extra richness), or plant-based alternatives if dairy-free.

3. Hot Sauce

  • Why use it? Hot sauce brings a subtle kick and depth of flavor to the beans, enhancing their overall taste without overpowering the dish.
  • Which type to use: A Mexican-style hot sauce like Cholula, Tapatío, or Valentina works best, but you can adjust based on your preferred heat level.
  • Customizations: If you prefer milder beans, use less hot sauce, or try smoky flavors like chipotle for variation.

4. Monterey Jack Cheese (Optional)

  • Why use it? Monterey Jack is a mild, creamy, and melty cheese that complements the flavors of the beans while adding a satisfying gooey texture.
  • Alternatives: Cheddar, cheddar-jack blend, pepper jack (for added spice), or dairy-free cheese if avoiding dairy.
  • Optional toppings: Instead of melty cheese, try crumbled cotija or queso fresco for a fresher, saltier finish.

How to Make Restaurant-Style Refried Beans

Glass mixing bowl with beans, sour cream and hot sauce. Wooden spoon on the side.
  1. Combine ingredients – Combine all the ingredients and place the mixture in an oven-safe baking dish. This can be anything from a cast-iron skillet to a 9×13 glass baking dish.
Skillet with baked cheater refried beans. Tortilla chips and cilantro on the side.
  1. Bake – Bake for 10 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
Stirred Cheater Refried Beans in a skillet with a spoon. Tortilla chips, cilantro and pico de Gallo on the side.
  1. Stir and Bake Again – Remove the beans from the oven and give it a good stir. Top with cheese and then bake again until the cheese melts. If you prefer to not have cheese over the top, you can always just stop after the first bake and serve.
Skillet of Cheater Refried Beans with cojita cheese and cilantro. Tortilla chips and salsa on the side.
  1. Garnish and Serve – When beans are done, garnish with cotija cheese, queso fresco, and/or chopped cilantro.

Tips and Suggestions

  • Adjust the sour cream – To get a better flavor and creamy consistency from canned refried beans, adding sour cream and cheese is the answer! You can add more or less sour cream, depending on your desired consistency.
  • Kick up the heat – These cheater Restaurant Style Refried Beans have a little more intensity and kick, which I love. They aren’t too spicy, but definitely have a little more spice than a regular can of refried beans. You can amp up the spice by adding more hot sauce, or tone it down by adding less — whatever your family prefers!
  • 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.

Recipes that use Refried Beans

Refried beans are the perfect side dish all on their own, but they are also great as an ingredient in a wide variety of recipes! Use them to add flavor, creaminess, and a protein boost to your favorite dishes, including:

  • Burritos and Tacos: Spread a layer of refried beans on tortillas before adding your choice of protein, veggies, cheese, and toppings for delicious burritos or tacos.
  • Enchiladas: Use refried beans as a filling for enchiladas along with shredded chicken, beef, or cheese. Top with enchilada sauce and bake until bubbly.
  • Quesadillas: Spread refried beans on one tortilla, top with cheese and another tortilla, then cook until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are crispy.
  • Bean Dip: Warm up refried beans and serve as a dip with tortilla chips. Add toppings like melted cheese, jalapeños, sour cream, and salsa. You can also serve cold and make a 7-Layer Bean Dip.
  • Tostadas: Spread refried beans on crisp tortillas and add toppings like lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheese, and salsa for a tasty tostada.
  • Navajo Tacos: Much like tostadas, you can layer the refried beans with some chili and toppings on some Indian Fry Bread for a delicious meal.
  • Nachos: Layer tortilla chips with refried beans, cheese, and toppings like sliced olives, jalapeños, and guacamole for loaded nachos.
  • Mexican Pizza: Use these refried beans to make your favorite taco pizza or Mexican-style pizza.
  • Mexican Lasagna: Layer corn tortillas with refried beans, cheese, and a meat or veggie filling to create a Mexican-style lasagna.
  • Use as a Chili Thickener: This is one of my favorite secrets for thickening chili! Add refried beans to chili for extra thickness and flavor. They work particularly well in Mexican-style chilis.
Stirred Cheater Refried Beans in a skillet with a spoon. Tortilla chips, cilantro and pico de Gallo on the side.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes these refried beans “cheater” style?

These beans are called “cheater” because they use canned refried beans as a base, saving you hours of cooking while delivering restaurant-quality flavor and texture.

Can I use a different cheese instead of Monterey Jack?

Absolutely! Monterey Jack is great for a melty topping, but you can also use cheddar, a cheddar-jack blend, or even crumbled cotija or queso fresco for a different flavor profile.

Are these beans spicy?

These beans have a mild kick from the hot sauce, but they aren’t overly spicy. You can easily adjust the spice level by adding more or less hot sauce to suit your taste.

Can I make these beans ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the beans, store them in an airtight container in the fridge, and reheat them when you’re ready to serve. If you’re adding cheese on top, add it just before reheating.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! To make it dairy-free, skip the sour cream and cheese or use dairy-free alternatives like vegan sour cream and plant-based cheese.

Can I customize the recipe with additional ingredients?

Absolutely! You can add diced onions, garlic, or seasonings like cumin and garlic powder for extra flavor. Fresh cilantro makes a great garnish.

Do I have to bake the beans, or can I cook them on the stove?

While baking enhances the flavor and creates a smooth, creamy texture, you can heat the mixture on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until hot.

Can I freeze leftover refried beans?

Yes! Let the beans cool completely, then store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat before serving.

Pulling up Cheater Refried Beans on a tortilla.

More Mexican Food Recipes

I use these restaurant style refried beans and our Restaurant Style Mexican Rice for sides every time I make Mexican food at home, we honestly never make a Mexican dish without these two sides anymore. Here are some of my favorite dishes to serve with our beans and rice:

Ready to elevate your next Mexican-inspired meal? Try these Cheater Refried Beans and see just how easy restaurant-quality flavor can be at home. Whether you’re dipping chips, layering tacos, or piling on nachos, this recipe is bound to become a go-to favorite. If you give it a try, leave a comment below and share how you served them. We love hearing from you! 🌮🎉

Cheater Restaurant Style Refried Beans

4.95 from 55 votes
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 13 minutes
Total Time: 18 minutes
Servings: 6
Cheater Restaurant Style Refried Beans have a yummy, restaurant-like, creamy consistency and flavor. I always use this for a side to our Mexican dishes.

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Ingredients 

  • 1 can refried beans
  • 1/3 cup sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce
  • 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, (optional)

Instructions 

  • In a medium-sized bowl combine the refried beans, sour cream, and hot sauce.
    Glass mixing bowl with beans, sour cream and hot sauce. Wooden spoon on the side.
  • Pour into a oven safe skillet, glass pie pan or 9×9 dish.
    Smoothing refried beans into skillet with a wooden spoon.
  • Bake at 400℉ for 10 minutes, or until its hot and bubbly.
    Skillet with baked cheater refried beans. Tortilla chips and cilantro on the side.
  • Remove and stir well. Optional: Top with grated cheese and heat in the oven for 3 more minutes or until cheese is melted.
    Stirred Cheater Refried Beans in a skillet with a spoon. Tortilla chips, cilantro and pico de Gallo on the side.
  • Garnish with cilantro and serve with tortilla chips and with our Restaurant Style Mexican Rice for a complete side dish to any Mexican meals.
    Skillet of Cheater Refried Beans with cojita cheese and cilantro. Tortilla chips and salsa on the side.

Notes

  • You can use an immersion blender or a potato masher to get an even creamier consistency to your refried beans.
  • Heat refried beans in a crock-pot or even the instant pot.
  • Garnish with diced onion, cilantro or shredded cheddar cheese.

Nutrition

Calories: 162kcal, Carbohydrates: 11g, Protein: 9g, Fat: 8g, Saturated Fat: 5g, Cholesterol: 23mg, Sodium: 743mg, Potassium: 33mg, Fiber: 4g, Sugar: 3g, Vitamin A: 305IU, Vitamin C: 1.7mg, Calcium: 188mg, Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Course: Side Dish

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About the author

Emily Walker

Emily lives in Meridian, Idaho, with her husband, Beau, a physician assistant, and her three incredible children: a son and two daughters. Travel is one of her favorite ways to experience new cultures and cuisines, and she has a love for all things Disney.

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4.95 from 55 votes (15 ratings without comment)

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Comments

  1. 5 stars
    Good dip but used Rosarita Jalapeno spiced refried pinto beans. It is not too spicy I also added mild salsa instead of hot sauce

    1. Wow, I’m not sure how they could have been so terrible. What did you not like about them? Were your beans expired?

  2. 5 stars
    This was really good! Super easy to make. Came together in no time. Next time I’ll try it with black beans. This is a winner!

  3. 5 stars
    Worked out fine. An improvement over just the canned.
    Didn’t have Jack cheese. I sprinkled with Cojita.

  4. 5 stars
    I love love love black beans so I used a can of refried black instead of pinto. I also sauteed about a half of a small chopped onion, 1 large minced garlic clove, and half a small chopped/seeded jalopeno in bacon grease and then smashed them with my pestal and mortar to add to the beans. Then i added the hot sauce and sour cream. Oh my Lord they were phenomenal!! The sour cream made them so creamy and the flavor was out of this world! I need to double this next time because they were gone and I had none to go with my left over fajitas!

  5. 5 stars
    We made these tonight as a change, using a can of spicy jalapeno refried beans. Incredible with how just 4 ingredients, these beans turned out soooo amazing. This is our forever go to side dish now for Texmex night. Awesome recipe!!!!

  6. Somehow had no flavor? We used a good refried bean, Frank’s Red Hot hot sauce. Follow the recipe to a T. Came out so bland and sad. We tried to doctor it up more but no luck.

    1. What style of refried bean did you use? We haven’t had this turn out bland before, it seems like adding more hot sauce and maybe some extra salt could solve the problem but no? What flavor profile were you hoping for? Most refried beans at restaurants aren’t over-the-top flavorful but I feel like this recipe has a good, mild flavor to it. I am not sure what could have gone wrong with this.

  7. 5 stars
    This recipe is CRAZY!!!! Blew my mind! You dont taste any of the added ingredients, but all together it changes entire dish!

  8. 5 stars
    My go-to refried beans for all my dinner guests. I use you your restaurant style Mexican rice recipe as well always.. however, when clicking the link from this refried bean recipe to get to the restaurant style rice recipe, the link led me instead to the best guacamole recipe. I use that recipe as well; but just wanted you to know the link in your page is not correctly. Thank you for perfect, easy recipes and keep them coming please!

        1. Thank you so much for letting us know! It’s fixed correctly this time. I appreciate you reaching out. 🙂

  9. 5 stars
    I worked in a hospital kitchen with several sous chefs and an executive chef. I learned all kinds of shortcuts and tricks. For refried beans the easiest way to make them is to chop some garlic, onion and maybe some cilantro and other spices and salt and pepper, and toss into a commercial food processor or blender with cooked beans and just puree them for 15 or 20 minutes. If you want some kind of fat, toss it in with everything else. Butter is always on hand and easy enough to throw in.

    When you’re making food for 800 patients you take as many shortcuts as possible.

  10. I do something similar with my canned refried beans. They really do suck straight out of the can. I add some spices, but use heavy cream at the end (not sour cream) when cooking. For the cheese, you can get creative, but a few spoons of Queso from a can is always a quick standby. I’d like to try to do them from scratch someday, but I usually put my energy and thought into my main dishes.

    1. I used to do something similar when I used canned refried beans. I would buy the one with the least amount of ingredients and then add my own fats and seasonings and stir it all in together in the sauce pan while heating it up.

  11. 5 stars
    Love these beans! I always get so many compliments when I make them too. So easy and so delicious! Thanks for a great recipe!

  12. 5 stars
    Been making my refried beans this way for years! Thank you for this great recipe. I often take this to family dinners and everyone loves it. So easy yet so good!

  13. 5 stars
    Thank you for this great recipe! I did do a taste test with Rosarita beans vs the Taco Bell beans just out of curiosity. The Taco Bell beans won hands down! The color, texture and taste are amazing! I’ll be serving these at my sons wedding rehearsal dinner.

  14. 4 stars
    I plan to try this refried bean add-on this week, and I’m giving it 4 stars because it sounds so good. However, nobody ever said TexMex is health food, so may I (a Texan who has eaten TexMex for almost all of my 79 years) suggest another addition? Anybody from this part of the country knows that pinto beans must be seasoned with a tad of bacon drippings or some ham hocks —the way that greens, dried beans and such are always cooked in this southern part of the U.S. And really, you’re going to have to add a little water to what comes out of the can to get a consistency that can be dipped with a chip.
    [Bless your hearts, you don’t have HEB grocers, which sell OUTSTANDING frijoles refritos (refried beans) close to GREAT straight out of the bag they are packaged in.]

    Many of us cook pinto beans from scratch, simmering slowly for most of the morning, but I have cheated for a while now, (with canned Bush’s beans seasoned as if they were my own from scratch, then smushed to the desired consistency).

    Thanks for your recipe—I would NEVER have thought to incorporate sour cream. Of course, I also have to make arroz Mexicano (Mexican rice), and use our classic bottled heat from McIlhenny on Avery Island, Tabasco. So many brands are regional, but they usually have quality equals where we live.

    I’m so glad to have found your site; you seem dedicated to being the best cook possible. I had to wait until my retirement to have time to devote to improving cooking skills!

  15. 5 stars
    The best refried beans I’ve ever had! Easy, quick and always loved by everyone! I’ve also made these with refried black beans and they are just as yummy!

  16. 5 stars
    We didn’t have all the ingredients on hand, so made something similar. I substituted vegan cream cheese for sour cream. And for cheese used queso fresco.
    These substitutions worked well for us, and the beans added nice flavor and creaminess to tacos!

  17. 5 stars
    So perfect to accompany the rest of my Mexican dinner. And so very easy. My go to for Refried Beans!! Thank you so much.

  18. 5 stars
    I love the creamy restaurant style beans but until now have been unable to master them. As you suggested, I used Taco Bell (fat free) refried beans and added a little olive oil. I hit them with an emersion blender and a little water and they were perfect. I topped them with the sour cream.

    1. 5 stars
      Made this tonight. Everyone loved it. Super easy to make on a week night too. Made exactly as described. Would make this again for sure.

  19. 5 stars
    I so love your cookbook! I even bought a year of favorites for myself and a friend! Thank you so much for all your wonderful hints & tips also! ❤️❤️❤️

    1. Hi Mimi- Thank you so much! I am so thrilled to hear that you have enjoyed our cookbooks 😀 We hope to provide you with many more recipes, hints, and tips for years to come. Thanks for your support! – Erica

      1. Has anyone made this the night before and put in the oven versus stove top or done these in a crockpot? I’m making a large quantity for a party and would like to use the oven or crock pot! Thanks!

  20. 5 stars
    My husband walked up while I was prepping this and was instantly grossed out when he saw the sour cream, he hates sour cream. I asked him to give it a chance. He did and he did not regret it. These beans were as good, maybe better, than ANY that we’ve ever had anywhere. He was blown away and so was I! I did not have the hot sauce you described but used some Taco Bell Diablo sauce instead and wow, they had a great kick! I’m also a HUGE fan of your Restaurant Style Mexican Rice, I’ve been making it for a couple of years and it’s outstanding. I feel like after searching for years, I’ve found the perfect recipes. I can’t wait to see what kinds of meals we can whip us using these beans and your rice as staples!

  21. 5 stars
    These were delicious! I didn’t measure the sour cream as I was in a hurry and I think I added a little more than a third cup so mine were lighter in color but they were still very good. I didn’t have the hot sauce brand that you referenced so I used what I had in the pantry. This will be my new recipe for
    quick refried beans. Thank you for sharing a great recipe.

  22. 5 stars
    Very good!!!! Now I need to find a way to make $1.00 Spanish rice side in a bag taste better. Any suggestions?

    1. Hmmm our best suggestion is to make restaurant style Mexican rice. It tastes better than those rice side dishes 🙂 Click HERE for the recipe!

  23. 5 stars
    Wow, yum. I have added cheese and hot sauce to refried beans before, but never thought to use sour cream. So creamy, cheesy, and delicious. Thanks!

    1. So glad you liked it! The sour cream makes all the difference. I think that is the “secret” that makes it taste like restaurant refried beans. 🙂 Thanks for the 5-stars!

        1. 5 stars
          Like another commenter I cooked a whole bag of pinto beans and needed a way to utilize them. Your recipe is great. I just wanted to add that you can freeze them for up to 8 months if you make a ton like I did. Just defrost a portion here and there night before and lunch is served next day — no problem. Also another idea is to make layered dip for evening snacking. Some guacamole, sour cream, refried beans, and hummus…. Mmmm mmmm mmm. Thanks for the sour cream tip!

    1. That should totally be fine. Yo will just want it on low, probably, to avoid burning. Hope this helps!

  24. We are hosting a fiesta bridal shower serving tacos and want to have refried beans a as side item. Will this recipe work for that or is it more of a dip for chips? I know that may be a silly question, but I don’t care for refried beans myself so I really know. 🙂

  25. Taco Bell refrid beans are the best besides homemade.
    I’ve always thinned mine with water but I will differently try the sour cream.

  26. If there were a star rating, I’d give it 5/5! I just made it and my husband and I gluttonly ate it all! (Granted that’s all I made for dinner). Anyway, it was great and very much like restaurants. And, I have now discovered Valentina sauce! (Btw, we use the sour cream you find by the Mexican cheeses- it’s Cacique brand, called Crema Mexicana: Agria Sour Cream– I highly recommend for all your sour cream needs.)

    1. Ooh I love Crema– great idea to use that as a substitute! So glad you liked this recipe 😀 Thanks for taking the time to comment!

  27. Have you ever tried it with Greek yogurt instead of sour cream? I’m am thinking of trying your recipe in the morning for huevos rancheros and our of sour cream

    1. We haven’t used Greek yogurt before but I am sure it would be fine! Let us know how it turns out if you try it!

  28. I have ditched the can. I make mine from dried pinto beans in the slow cooker. It’s cheaper, I can control how much to make, and it’s lower in sodium. Well worth it.

  29. So simple, I hope it’s good. I Will be making this tonight with some homemade chicken and cream cheese taquitos.

  30. Valentino hot sauce can be found on the Mexican aisle at Walmart. They also make an extra hot version, which I will be using tonight! Can’t wait to try this along with your Spanish rice recipe and tacos.

  31. I just wanted to let you know, I’m hosting SuperBowl 50 party, and am doing a Messican Fiesta theme.. Im making these beans and your rice dish for sides. Your site and recipes are awesome, and I must come back and check out more.. Thank you so much.

    1. Thanks so much! How did you like them? I made burritos out of the beans and rice today too. Great minds think alike ????

  32. So glad I found your recipe. I am cooking up a crockpot full of pinto beans and ham for dinner a couple times this week. I had put way too many beans into soak last night which means I will cook excess on stove top for refried bean dip….perfect timing with SUPER BOWL this Sunday!

  33. going to make tonite, sounds delicious and simple to make im all about quick and simple since I’m a very busy mom, thanks for sharing!! Also I don’t think is very polite for others to push recipes on others blogs, please get your own!! God bless and thanks again for sharing.

  34. Can someone tell me where I can get the hot sauce or a good substitute for it because I cannot find the Valentina hot sauce anywhere! Thanks in advance! 😉

  35. I didn’t have refried on hand, but I did have cans of pinto beans in the pantry. (when I have more time I’ll use dried) Anyway I dumped 2 cans in a pot and added homemade chicken stock, garlic, onion powder, cumin, and bacon drippings. Let that sit on the stove and simmer a while. After all the flavors were blended and beans were soft, I mashed them then put in a blender. Once they were a smooth consistency I mixed in the sour cream. I used this in a taco lasagna and it was to die for.

  36. This is exactly what I have been searching for! Quick and easy way to make canned refried beans, much better! Thanks for sharing!

  37. I just open a large can of pinto beans, dump them undrained into a large frying pan, heat them up and mash with a potato masher.. let them simmer till they thicken a little. Sprinkle with a little grated cheese and turn off. They will thicken even more after they are turned off. So creamy and delicious!

  38. 5 stars
    Love this! I make something similar. I start with canned pinto beans that I rinse thoroughly and then either mash them with my potato masher (when I want more texture) or put them in my Bullitt or food processor. I sauté a couple tablespoons of chopped onion and a clove of garlic til soft in either olive oil or a little bacon grease. Then I add the mashed or processed beans along with the sour cream, hot sauce and cheese. I also usually add a couple dashes of chili powder and smoked paprika.

  39. I love the idea of adding sour cream; however, I followed your recipe to a tee, and I made refried bean soup. I don’t think 1/3 cup sour cream to 1 can of refried beans is the right measurement. I’d probably go with 1/4 cup or maybe even just 1 TBL. No disrespect intended. Just adding my experience when following your recipe. God bless.

    1. I have found that the consistency of different brands of refried beans varies from almost solid to runny. So, if you start out runny, you’ll end up “runnier”.

  40. Looks like and easier version of Sonoran style refried beans. The long version involved making beans from scratch then blending them with a bit of milk and adding dried chilies and cumin then baking them with a bit of veg oil. They are to die for. But your version is much quicker and tastes great!

  41. Can o’ beans and some sour cream….brilliant! Made these for a big family bbq to go with my carne asada. These are so simple & delicious!

    1. My lactose intolerant friends and family appreciate controlling their own sour cream dosage. Now with years of hindsight one must wonder, is adding cheese and cream to the beans really a brilliant idea? Ah, it was such a simple time back then.

  42. Why can’t I print this recipe? The recipe comes up, but the heading says “about.blank” and won’t print when I hit my print tab

    1. I’m not exactly sure– the recipes print through ZipList so I will check it out. Thanks for letting us know!

  43. My refrained beans take just a few minutes longer but are not just a bowl of goo. Melt 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in a 10″ frypan. Pour in 1 can of pinto beans. Add 1/2 can of water. Start on high heat then lower to simmer once they begin to boil. Stir occasionally. After half the liquid is cooked away, mash the beans with a potato masher leaving some beans roughly mashed (not smashed all the way). If they get too thickened add a little more water. You can add chili powder, ground cumin, or your favorite spices if you wish.
    Use as is for a side with a sprinkle of shredded cheese, or pour into a serving bowl and pour some Tostitos salsa con queso on top for a nacho dip. Add sour cream if you wish, or your favorite chunky tomato salsa works well too.

    1. Perhaps you should have your own blog & submit your own recipes there instead of cluttering up this comment section with your unsolicited recipes.

  44. When I originally commented I clicked the “Notify me when new comments are added”
    checkbox and now each time a comment is added I get several e-mails with the same comment.
    Is there any way you can remove me from that service? Thanks!

  45. Saw the recipe and added the refried beans to a homemade taco salad. The outcome was uber delicious. Have left overs and looking forward to another taco salad tonight. Yummy!!!

  46. I made these for dinner as a side dish for tacos, and it was fantastic! I had the leftovers for lunch the next day, and they were just as good.

    1. I love just plain canned refried beans, LOL , in my tacos right from the can. Wish they made small cans, we are a retired couple and only one in this house likes stuff like this. My husbands Idea of a taco it meat and cheese. 🙁 However, I love every thing on top. Now I am in to avacadoes and wondering if there is a dip to make with the two. Would love the recipe if you have one to offer.

      1. 5 stars
        Try a little white corn black bean salsa mixed into your mashed avocados. I use Walmart brand salsa. Or even cantina salsa is very good with it. Great over fa heita chicken I also use Wal-Mart brand fa heita mix.

      1. 5 stars
        I freeze refried beans all the time but just make sure the beans are room temperature before you put them in the freezer.