Are Homemade Refried Beans Better Than Canned?

Mexican food is my absolute favorite type of food! Are you like me? I simply can’t get enough Carne Asada, guacamole, and, my all-time favorite, bean and cheese burritos! It’s amazing to me that when I go out to Mexican restaurants that every restaurant has their own slight take on beans, and rice and salsa for that matter. But, aren’t beans just beans? No way! And, if you’re a fan of restaurant beans, then you’ll hardly be a fan of canned beans. Canned beans can’t come close to restaurant-quality beans! But, then another question arises: Are homemade refried beans better than canned?

We’ll share our take on the matter and a family recipe for homemade refried beans that are restaurant-like and actually healthy for you. They are made so frequently that they are literally a staple in our family kitchen!

Canned Refried Beans

There are many brands of canned refried beans on the market. And, I’ve tried most of them. Some canned bean brands are okay, meaning they have a tolerable taste, but most are just salty and have an off-taste.

If you were to do a taste-test between restaurant, homemade, and canned, canned would always come in last. Canning requires the use of preservatives, which alter taste.

They also use a ton of sodium to preserve, which gives the “salt coughs” after you eat it. The texture of canned refried beans is also very thick, so they often need to be thinned out with water.

When I ask myself to choose between the three, I think about fresh green beans, restaurant green beans, and canned green beans. Which beans do you think would be best? Now, apply that same thinking to refried beans.

Homemade Refried Beans

Homemade refried beans are better in a lot of ways!

Homemade refried beans are less salty, taste fresh, not old and fake, and have a better consistency. The color is more vibrant, too. When you make them yourself, you control the salt content and flavorings. You also can make as much beans or as little as you want.

Another benefit is that you can make them a more looser consistency or thicker. When blending, you can blend them to ultra-smooth or leave some unblended for more texture.

You can also control the fat content. I’ve seen recipes that use shortening or lard, which is fine for people that want a heavier and richer bean dish. However, I use zero fat in my refried beans recipe and you can’t tell the difference! You can achieve restaurant-quality beans with homemade beans A LOT more than with canned beans.

Is making homemade refried beans easy?

Yes! SOO easy! Follow the below recipe for perfect beans every time and the best part is that it takes less than 5 minutes of prep!

For starters, you need a crock pot and an immersion blender. If you don’t have these tools, don’t make the beans until you get them. They are necessary! For this recipe, I use my basic (and trusty!) 7 quart Crock-Pot. I love it because it holds a lot and is easy to use. It has two-settings and has been a work horse in the Kitchen Easy Life kitchen, making things from chilis to beans to pot roast and more. Check out the crock pot I used for the beans here.

Next, you’ll need to gather your ingredients. You need 2 cups of pinto beans, half a yellow onion that’s peeled, 4 chicken bullion cubes (DON’T skip these!!) 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 2 1/2 teaspoons of cumin, 1 teaspoon salt,1/2 teaspoon of pepper, and 4 cups of water. That’s it!

Everything goes into the crock pot… you don’t even need to dice the onion! Put the lid on and cook on low for about 8 hours.

Once it reaches 8 hours and the color looks similar to the pictures, turn off the crock pot and use your immersion blender to blend smooth.

See, I told you it was easy! Now, take a spoon and try the beans to see if you need to add a little more salt for your taste preference.

Storage and Leftovers

I make so many batches of beans, that I often end up freezing them. Don’t worry, they freeze great! They can last in the freezer for up to 3 weeks in an airtight container. They are also great at lasting in the fridge for up to 5 days in an airtight container.

Reheating

To reheat your beans, consider the time you have. For better taste, reheat in the oven. Cook in an oven-safe dish covered in parchment paper at 350 degrees for about 10-15 minutes, preferably topped with cheese! This makes for a great cheesy bean dip for tortilla chips!

If you just have to have that bean burrito right now, microwave them for about 1-2 minutes.

Another great way to heat the beans back up is in a saucepan over medium-low heat, but I don’t usually do this method because of the clean up involved.

FAQs

1. Are Homemade Refried Beans Healthier Than Canned?

Absolutely! Homemade refried beans have a health advantage for several reasons:

• Lower Sodium: You control the salt, reducing sodium intake.
• No Preservatives: Skip the additives found in canned versions.
• Fresh Ingredients: Utilize fresh beans and spices for better nutrition.

2. What Are the Benefits of Homemade Refried Beans Vs Canned?

Homemade refried beans are not just healthier; they’re a culinary delight! Here’s why:

• Customizable Flavor: Tailor the spices and ingredients to your taste.
• Texture Control: Make them as smooth or chunky as you like.
• Versatility: Perfect for various diets (vegan, gluten-free, etc.).

3. Why Do Restaurant Refried Beans Taste So Good?

Ever wondered why those restaurant beans are irresistible? Here’s the secret:

• Rich Ingredients: Restaurants often use lard or bacon fat for depth of flavor.
• Slow Cooking: This enhances the beans’ natural flavors.
• Secret Spices: Chefs might add unique spices or ingredients for a signature taste.

4. Are Fresh Beans Better Than Canned?

In the bean world, fresh is usually best. Here’s why:

• Better Texture: Fresh beans have a superior texture and don’t turn mushy easily.
• Full Control: You dictate the bean’s firmness and flavor.
• No BPA Concerns: Avoid bisphenol-A, a chemical in some can linings.

5. Are Refried Beans Anti-Inflammatory?

Beans, by nature, are anti-inflammatory, thanks to their nutritional profile:

• Rich in Fiber: Helps reduce inflammation markers in the body.
• Antioxidant Properties: Beans contain antioxidants that combat inflammation.
• Low Glycemic Index: Helps in managing blood sugar levels, reducing inflammation.

Aspect	Homemade Refried Beans	Canned Refried Beans
Sodium Content	Lower (customizable)	Higher (due to preservatives)
Freshness	Fresh ingredients used	Preserved for shelf life
Flavor	Rich & customizable	Standardized
Texture	Adjustable (smooth/chunky)	Often smoother, less varied
Health Benefits	Higher (no preservatives)	Lower (additives present)
Cooking Time	Longer, but worth it	Quick and convenient
Cost-Effectiveness	More cost-effective	Slightly more expensive
Versatility	Highly versatile	Less versatile
Environmental Impact	Lower (less packaging waste)	Higher (due to canning)

I hope that next time you are hosting that great fiesta, you’ll try this homemade refried bean recipe! Comment below how it worked out for you! Be sure to follow us on social media for other great tips and recipes!

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