Easy Restaurant Style Refried Beans

Name: Mexican Restaurant Refried Beans
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 1 to 2 Tbsp Crisco or bacon grease; 15 ounce can refried beans; 1/3 cup sour cream; 2 tbsp taco or hot sauce; 1 cup Monterey jack (pepper jack or cheddar blend cheese)

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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!

Creamy Refried Beans 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 into 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 refried beans (of course)!

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How to Make Canned Refried Beans Taste Like Restaurant

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.

How to Eat Refried Beans:

There are so many ways to enjoy these creamy refried beans—it’s hard to choose just one! You can serve them warm as a dip with some crispy tortilla chips (so good for game day or a quick appetizer), or spread a layer on your nachos, tostadas or burritos for that extra comfort-food factor. I also love them as a side with just about any Mexican-inspired dish—think enchiladas, tacos, or tamales.

And don’t forget, if you’re short on time, you can even roll them up in a warm flour tortilla with a little cheese for a quick and easy lunch the whole family will devour. However you scoop ’em up, these beans bring that cozy, home-cooked touch to your plate.

What Cheese Goes On Refried Beans?

When it comes to cheese, there are so many tasty ways to go! Monterey Jack melts like a dream, Pepper Jack gives you a little spicy flair, and a good ol’ Cheddar brings that bold, comforting flavor we all love. Can’t decide? Mix ’em up and go with a blend—you really can’t go wrong.

Now, if you want to level things up with a little restaurant-style flair, sprinkle on some Cotija cheese right before serving. It’s salty, crumbly, and adds a nice contrast to the creamy beans. Think of it like the parmesan of Mexican food—it finishes things off just right!

What to Serve Alongside These Mexican Restaurant-Style Refried Beans

These beans pair beautifully with Mexican rice, grilled meats like carne asada or chicken fajitas, or tucked into a plate with enchiladas or tamales. Add some warm flour tortillas or crunchy tortilla chips and a fresh side salad with avocado, and you’ve got yourself a simple and satisfying meal.

How to Store Restaurant Style Refried Beans

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.

Mexican Refried Beans Recipe FAQs

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 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 them in the refrigerator and then reheat them when ready to serve, to keep harmful bacteria at bay.

How to thin out refried beans?

If your beans are too thick, just stir in a splash of water, broth, or even a little milk until you reach your desired consistency. Heat and stir until smooth.

What thickens refried beans?

If your beans are runny, simmer them uncovered to let some of the liquid cook off. Sour cream or shredded cheese is a great thickener. You can also mash in a few extra cooked pinto beans or add a spoonful of instant mashed potatoes to thicken things up.

Can you use butter instead of lard for refried beans?

Absolutely! Butter will give the beans a rich, slightly sweet flavor. It won’t be quite as traditional as lard or bacon grease, but it’s still tasty and a great substitute for those avoiding pork. You can also use shortening instead of lard.

Why are my refried beans so dry?

Dry beans usually mean they need more fat or liquid or they have simmer a bit too long. Try adding a bit more sour cream, broth, or some broth, water or milk while heating and stirring until creamy.

Easy Restaurant Style Refried Beans dipped onto a tortilla chip

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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!

Ingredients

▢ 1 to 2 Tbsp Crisco or bacon grease
▢ 15 ounce can refried beans
▢ ⅓ cup sour cream
▢ 2 tbsp taco or hot sauce
▢ 1 cup Monterey jack, pepper jack or cheddar blend cheese

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