Best Canned Refried Beans
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Best Canned Refried Beans
Description
The Best Canned Refried Beans recipe starts with bacon grease melted in a pan, where chopped onions are softened to add subtle sweetness. Canned refried beans are then incorporated and broken up for a smooth consistency. Sour cream and cheddar cheese are stirred in along with onion and garlic powders plus a touch of cayenne pepper for mild heat. The mixture is gently heated through, then seasoned to taste with salt and black pepper. This method revives canned beans into a creamy, flavorful dish that works well with chips or as an accompaniment to other dishes.
The flavor balance comes from the smoky notes of bacon grease combined with the richness from sour cream and cheddar. The beans have a creamy yet slightly textured consistency, thanks to careful stirring and heating. The cayenne pepper adds a gentle warmth without overwhelming the other flavors.
Serve the beans warm, garnished with extra cheddar, sour cream, and green onions for contrast. They can be enjoyed as dip with tortilla chips or as a side alongside Mexican main dishes.
If the canned beans seem too thick or firm to stir, adding a tablespoon of vegetable oil can help smooth the mixture. Substituting bacon grease with oil or butter is possible but the smoky flavor is distinctive. Taste and adjust salt and pepper at the end for optimal balance.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbs bacon grease see notes for substitutions
- ½ onion chopped
- 1 16 oz refried beans canned
- ⅓ Cup sour cream
- ⅓ Cup cheddar cheese shredded
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- cheddar cheese Sour Cream and chopped green onion for garnish, shredded
Instructions
- In a saucepan or frying pan over medium heat on the stovetop place 2 Tbs Bacon Grease and allow it to melt and get hot. Look for rippling in the surface of the grease to know that it is hot.
- Add the chopped onion and cook till onion is soft, 3-4 minutes.
- Add the can of refried beans (it will be chunky). Break the beans up with your wooden spoon. See notes if beans won’t break up and stir in.
- Once the beans are smoothly mixed in, add the sour cream, cheddar cheese, onion powder, garlic powder and cayenne pepper and mix well.
- When heated through, taste the beans and see if they need salt. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot
Notes
- Bacon grease adds authentic flavor, but vegetable oil or butter can be used as substitutes.
- Add vegetable oil incrementally if canned beans are difficult to break up or stir smoothly.
- Garnish with shredded cheddar, sour cream, and chopped green onions for extra flavor and texture.
- Serve as a snack with chips or as a side dish for Mexican meals.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 2servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 200 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 200kcal | 10% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.