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Get creamy Restaurant Style Refried Beans by adding a few ingredients to canned refried beans!

These easy refried beans are the perfect side dish, great on tostadas, Mexican Pizzas, tacos or burritos, and even a tasty dip!

These easy cheater refried beans make Mexican night at home taste just like the ones you get at your favorite Mexican Restaurant.

Easy Restaurant Style Refried Beans in a skillet topped with shredded cheese and jalapeno slices

Mexican food is one of my family’s favorites. We usually eat it in some form at least one night a week. So this one is a staple at our house!

It’s the perfect side along with Mexican rice! It also is a great filling to add into baked tacos or on a tostada! Truly it’s the perfect way to dip a tortilla chip too!

Ingredients

By adding just 4 addition simple ingredients these beans are transformed into smooth and creamy deliciousness! With these simple changes the texture transforms completely from boring to restaurant quality refried beans.

  • Crisco or Bacon Grease – Bacon grease in my opinion puts these over the top! However, either one will add that smooth texture you are looking for.
  • Sour Cream – This is where the creamy deliciousness comes to play!
  • Taco or Hot Sauce – So much taste and a dash of heat give the refried beans a flavor like nothing else.
  • Shredded Cheese – This is a must on everything right! Every dish should have a little cheese!
  • and canned refried beans (of course)!
Easy Restaurant Style Refried Beans

How to make refried beans

It really is as simple as melt, dump and stir.

  • Melt your crisco or bacon grease in the bottom of your skillet or saucepan over medium high.
  • Dump & Combine. Then dump in the beans, sour cream and hot sauce and give a good stir. Warm through while stirring (no need to boil).
  • Top with cheese. 1 to 2 cups or as many as your heart desires! I like to let it melt in and then serve.

Refried beans tips and FAQ:

What is the best cheese to use? I like a Monterey or Pepper Jack, but any cheddar blend is delicious. You can also top with Cotija, Queso Fresco or Queso Añejo. These shredded blends melt well and the Mexican cheeses give an authentic flavor. Both are delicious.

How do I store leftovers? Put in an airtight container or wrap with plastic wrap and cover. Place in refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.

How to reheat? Pour into a saucepan and stir over medium heat or microwave 1 to 2 minutes and stir – until heated through.

How long can refried beans be left out on the counter? Usually 2 hours is all they can be out at room temperature to be safe. Just place in refrigerator or reheat them to keep harmful bacteria at bay.

Easy Restaurant Style Refried Beans dipped onto a tortilla chip

Other Mexican Dishes you will Enjoy

Recipe
5 from 8 votes

(click stars to rate)

Easy Restaurant Style Refried Beans

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 6
Author: Nikki Lee
Get creamy Restaurant Style Refried Beans by adding a few ingredients to canned refried beans! These easy refried beans are the perfect side dish, great on tostadas, Mexican Pizzas, tacos or burritos, and even a tasty dip!

Ingredients 

  • 1 to 2 Tbsp Crisco or bacon grease
  • 15 ounce can refried beans
  • cup sour cream
  • 2 tbsp taco or hot sauce
  • 1 cup Monterey jack, pepper jack or cheddar blend cheese

Instructions

  • In a small saucepan or skillet melt crisco or bacon grease over medium high heat.
  • Add in refried beans, sour cream, taco or hot sauce. Stir constantly to combine until beans are heated through.
  • Add cheese to the top and serve.

Notes

You can also add cheese and bake at 350° for 10 to 15 minutes (or until bubbly) for a fabulous dip!

Nutrition Information

Serving: 11 serving Calories: 269kcal (13%) Carbohydrates: 12g (4%) Protein: 13g (26%) Fat: 19g (29%) Saturated Fat: 10g (63%) Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g Cholesterol: 44mg (15%) Sodium: 532mg (23%) Fiber: 3g (13%) Sugar: 1g (1%)

Nutritional Disclaimer

Soulfully Made is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.

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7 Comments

  1. Are these thick or more runny. I love how at the restaurant they kind of flow into the rice so I would like a runny consistency more. I can’t wait to try these! Please let me know.

    1. These are probably a little in between. I would recommend trying the recipe as is. If you want them thinner, you can add a touch of chicken broth or vegetable to thin it out further.

  2. I’ve always hated refried beans from a can but that’s the only way we are going to eat them. And we need them to with our Tex Mex food frequently. Looking forward to trying this. Pinned

  3. I am going to have to try this. My at home refried beans never taste quite like the restaurant’s.