Turn a can of refried beans into restaurant quality in a matter of minutes! Only two simple add-ins and it’ll feel like you’re eating at your favorite Mexican restaurant, right at home!
Mexican food is far and beyond my MOST FAVORITE food. I never seem to tire of it. Typically when you ask someone what their favorite restaurant is, it’s something they think of that is really special, like a special occasion type of thing. Not me. I always say my favorite little Mexican place. The margaritas are good, the Dos Equis Amber is cold, the chips and salsa are homemade and the food is FABULOUS!
(plus I don’t have to dress up if I don’t feel like it, no judging, just good food.)
^^ LOVE IT? PIN IT!!!! ^^
I love how the refried beans at a Mexican place are so creamy and taste so much better than the canned stuff. Did you know though, that making the canned ones TASTE like the restaurant ones is super duper easy? How do you say easy in Spanish? — “fácil”
I used to have a friend many years ago that was Mexican, and she was a fantastic cook. She told me that adding milk to the canned beans was her mom’s secret, and that works, too. I have to say, though that adding sour cream is even better! It gives them just a slight tang with a smooth creaminess to them.
This is one of my MOST POPULAR recipes on my site. It happened almost instantly. Who couldn’t love something so very simple?? Only 3 ingredients, and in no time, you will have a piping hot bowl of Restaurant Style Refried Beans. Top them with cheese, like we do, to make them even better!
I’ll Drink to that!
Copy Cat El Bee’s Margarita -Only 3 ingredients make up our favorite El Bee’s margaritas. Delicious, but beware, they pack a punch!
Strawberry Margarita -Perfectly sweet Sauza Strawberry Margaritas — made by the pitcher, perfect for poolside sipping.
Blueberry Margarita Pureed fresh or frozen blueberries, lime simple syrup and your favorite tequila and you are on your way to a pitcher of seriously delicious sipping!
Restaurant Style Bean Dip
Using this recipe, you can quickly turn these beans into a Restaurant Style Bean Dip!
Serve them up as a side dish or with a bowl of chips for dipping. Either way, it’s a “ganador” (WINNER) of a recipe! I always buy the Old El Paso Fat-Free Refried beans, they always turn out perfectly, and they are lower in fat and have loads of fiber! You can even use fat free sour cream and make these even more guilt free!
Warm Bean Dip: a.k.a. TEXAS TRASH DIP One of my MOST POPULAR Recipes ever!
Love MEXICAN like I do? I have TONS of MEXICAN RECIPES to share with you. I hope that you will stay and browse a while.
When you’re done there, you can pop over to my MEXICAN RECIPE Pin Board on Pinterest for more great recipes!
“Dump” Salsa Tastes just like your favorite Mexican Restaurant’s fresh salsa – made right in your blender!
Ready? Let’s cook! 
How To: Make Canned Refried Beans Taste like a Restaurant's
Whether you serve these refried beans up as a side dish, or a dip, you will love how easy it is to make a can of refried beans TASTE like they came from your favorite Mexican restaurant!
Ingredients
- 16 ounce can Refried Beans
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 1-3 teaspoons of hot sauce (depending on the heat you want)
- shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
In saucepan on the stove, or in a microwaveable bowl, stir ingredients together and cook until heated through.
Top with cheese and serve.
*Note: I use fat free beans and fat free sour cream and it works great!*
Can also be baked with cheese on top and makes a great (and EASY) dip!
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
6Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 112Total Fat: 6gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 12mgSodium: 377mgCarbohydrates: 11gFiber: 3gSugar: 1gProtein: 5g
Nutrition isn't always accurate.
If you make this recipe, I’d love to know! Snap a picture, share the photo on social media with the hashtag #AnAffairFromTheHeart – I’d love to see what you made! – Michaela
JuleneTheGypsy says
Delicious! A very simple-yummy way to dress up canned refried beans. I am obsessed with Mexican food, but don’t like to eat out a lot. This is a perfect solution. Wonderful in bean burritos! Thanks so much for sharing!
Michaela Kenkel says
Thanks for commenting, Julene!
Dee Anderson says
I have a lot of can need refried beans excited about trying the bean/cheese dip.
Thank alot!
Dee Anderson says
I have a lot of can need refried beans excited about trying the bean/cheese dip.
Thank alot!
Tim Kavis says
Outstanding!!!! Made our Taco Pie even better,, thank you!!!!!
Michaela Kenkel says
Glad you liked it! 🙂 I need to know more about this Taco Pie!! Have recipe to share?
KiddJo says
Thank you! I am going to try this out tonight and I know I’m going to like it!!
Michaela Kenkel says
I hope so!! They are addicting!! If you love them like us, try making them into the bean dip!
Lily says
This week is teacher appreciation day at my baby’s daycare. Tomorrow is Mexican day, I’m doing rice and beans. I’m looking forward to trying this recipe! 🙂 Thank you for posting.
Michaela Kenkel says
AWESOME! They will love that!! I hope you enjoy!
David says
I gave it a try, and it certainly came out fantastic! I added some spices (think taco seasoning) to give it a kick, and I can’t get enough of it 🙂
Michaela Kenkel says
SO glad you liked it, David!
Patrick says
This recipe + green onions, cilantro, cumin = perfection.
Michaela Kenkel says
That’s sounds like a great addition! I’ll have to try that!
Claudia says
I mincedand sauteed yellow onion, added some minced garlic, along with cilantro and cumin, and otherwise followed Michaela’s recipe and it was better than any Mexican restaurant’s I’ve tried.
Michaela Kenkel says
So glad you loved it!
George says
I have tried for years to make canned refried beans taste as good as Resturaunt beans. Awsome thanks
Michaela Kenkel says
George – I am so glad you enjoyed these!! They are like a staple in our house! 🙂 Check out my bean dip from last week — that one is a keeper too!
sockbunwisdom says
This is exactly what I was looking for! Thanks!
Michaela Kenkel says
I am so happy!
Emma McAdam says
Perfect! Thanks!
Michaela Kenkel says
So happy you liked them!
Jim says
Why the big long story, get to the darn recipe already!
Sheesh!!
Michaela Kenkel says
Ouch. If you don’t want to read my stories, Jim. You can always scroll to the bottom for the recipe.
https://ashsjj8it4bi1.tumblr.com says
I enjoyed going to your webiste. I rarely leave comments, but
you definately up deserve a thumbs!
Michaela Kenkel says
Thank you so much! That means a lot to me!!
Charlene says
Years ago I knew a couple from Mexico. We where invited to their house for dinner one night and they had the best refried beans. I thought they made them from some secret beans or something. I asked them for the recipe and the husband said it was an old family secret and could never give it out. His wife told me later that they where canned and he put milk in them. Ill never forget them. The couple and their beans.
Michaela Kenkel says
What a great story!! Thank you!!
Sue says
A couple weeks ago I made this recipe for a supper club dinner. Everyone loved them. One lady just raved about them and asked how they were made. The moment she heard the beans were from a can she curled her nose up. We all laughed and tease her a little about her two opposite reviews. But I still make the recipe and it just disappears. Thank You.
Michaela Kenkel says
People are funny aren’t they?? Thank you for the laugh and the review!
Sandi says
I’m wondering how they would turn out if I just threw it all together in a slow cooker on low. I’m throwing a grad party and we’re doing a taco bar, and am trying to make things super easy on myself. Also maybe tripling the recipe?
Michaela Kenkel says
It would be just fine to do it that way! 🙂
Vicky says
Delicious! You nailed this! Thank you!
Karen says
I make this but instead of hot sauce I add cumin and garlic salt.
Michaela Kenkel says
Great addition!!
Diane says
I love refried beans and these are easy and delicious! Thanks for the great recipe and Happy Cinco De Mayo?
Michaela Kenkel says
I am thrilled y ou love them too!!
Just4Foodies says
This is fantastic! It looks really delicious. Yum!
Sarah says
What brand of canned refried beans do you use for this recipe? Thanks!
Michaela Kenkel says
I usually buy the Old El Paso fat free ones!
Suzy says
I just made this to go with our tacos for supper tonight, and it was SO good! I will definitely make them like this going forward. Thank you!
Michaela Kenkel says
Suzy – I am so happy that you enjoyed them! Thanks for the positive feedback! 🙂
Greg says
I’m a refried bean superfan (when in mexico I have them each and every breakfast on the side)… tried yours tonight. Not sure what prompted for me to make them better as I enjoy them out of the can just by themselves but I’ll say your sour cream/hot sauce mix in is pure genius and I’ll use it forever. Thanks so much!!
Michaela Kenkel says
Hi, Greg!! So happy that you liked them!! Isn’t it so weird when such a little tweak to something so simple makes it that much better?!