Can You Freeze Refried Beans? Easy Guide to Freeze Refried Beans at Home?

Everyone has a type of food they can’t get enough of.

You can choose from American, Chinese, Mexican, or Italian cuisine.

These dishes can be eaten in many different combinations, but authentic Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisines are the best.

A popular dish that’s enjoyed by many is beans.

People who eat Mexican or Tex-Mex cuisine have grown accustomed to the refried bean and rice combination.

Beans are one of the most nutrient-dense foods on earth.

They are full of vitamins, minerals, and protein, making them a healthy addition to any meal plan.

Refried beans can be frozen to preserve their freshness.

They should be transferred to an airtight container before they are frozen.

Regardless of the freezing time, we recommend using them within 12 months of their date on the package.

This guide will show you how to freeze refried beans.

Although the process is simple, there are some things that you need to know to have the best freezing experience.

We also have lots of information about refried beans that we can share with you.

Continue reading to learn more about how to freeze refried beans and refried bean recipes.

What Are Refried Beans?

what are refried beans

Refried beans are Mexican or Tex-Mex food that usually includes pinto beans, lard, and salt.

They can also be prepared with other ingredients like chicken broth, chili powder, onion, or garlic, depending on the recipe.

They are washed, soaked in water, and then cooked.

They get their name because they are made by pressing them against a sieve or a refried, similar to a mortar.

This helps the process of mashing the beans easier.

They can be used as an ingredient for other Mexican dishes like burritos, tacos, and quesadillas.

They can also be made into dips and used as a garnish for enchiladas, queso, and other Tex-Mex foods.

How to Store Refried Beans in Fridge?

how to store refried beans in fridge

It’s easy to store leftover beans that you haven’t used yet in the fridge if they are still good.

It keeps them available without you having to do any additional work.

Here are some steps to help you store refried beans in your fridge.

  1. Allow the refried beans time to cool to room temp.

2. Place the beans in an airtight container or in a storage bag that seals tightly.

3. Refried beans can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

This is the best way to store refried beans because the starch in the bean will cause them to become hard if left at room temperature.

Some food contaminants and bacteria can grow in your refried beans as well due to their high-fat content.

We want to point out that canned refried bean cans should not be frozen.

Once the can is opened, it should be put in a different dish.

There have been reports that people cover open cans with plastic wrap.

We don’t believe this is the best way to preserve refried beans or properly store them.

How to Freeze Refried Beans?

how to freeze refried beans

Refried beans can be kept in the freezer. As we mentioned, you can make bulk batches and freeze them later.

This is an excellent way to make future meal preparations easier. You can always use freezer meal options.

If you are freezing beans for bulk production, you will need to divide them into portions.

We do not recommend that you place all of them in one dish or bag.

Here are some steps to help you freeze refried beans for maximum success:

  • Let beans cool completely before freezing.
  • Refried beans can be separated into usable portions.
  • Place the portions in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Ensure that the method you choose is well sealed and airtight. To provide extra protection against air, you might place some plastic wrap under an airtight container.
  • All packaging should be clearly labeled and dated.
  • Refried beans may be frozen for up 12 months.

Refried beans are also possible to be frozen for an indefinite period.

Although 12 months is the preferred timeframe, the best-refried beans will last for many years if the correct procedures are followed.

This means that frozen foods will last for a long time if kept at 0 degrees Fahrenheit and less.

This is the best way to store your refried beans in bulk or foods for a situation like an emergency.

Refried beans can be reheated after thawing.

It would be best if you heated them gently to avoid burning and damaging the dish.

How to Defrost Refried Beans?

how to defrost refried beans

You can thaw refried beans by using the microwave, slow cooker, or on the stovetop.

You should do things to ensure that your refried beans will be defrosted properly and not end up soggy or freezer burned.

Here are some steps for thawing frozen beans:

Allow the refried beans to come up to room temperature.

In the microwave, defrost for 1 minute per 30-second intervals.

Stir after each interval and follow all oven door safety precautions.

When using a slow cooker, add beans that need to be completely thawed into it when it’s heated between low and medium for 4-6 hours or until they are fully defrosted.

If using this method, stir the beans frequently to ensure even heating.

Refrieds can be reheated on the stovetop if you are out of frozen beans and have no other options available to make a meal.

They should be kept over medium-low heat until heated through.

Never put them over high heat, or they will burn and stick to the pan.

How to Use Frozen Refried Beans?

how to use frozen refried beans

Once frozen, refried beans are simple to use. To make it easier to use, place them in the fridge overnight.

Some of us forget to get things out of the freezer so they can thaw in our fridges.

You can also heat your refried beans in a skillet or a pan. Also, this would solve the problem of heating them.

Refried beans can become dry after they have been frozen. Add a little bit of water or oil to make them refried.

They should then be perfect.

A second tip you might find helpful is that you can also heat your refried bean in the microwave.

There are many options, but these should all be possible.

Heat the beans in a pot over medium heat for 3 minutes, then stir and heat them for one more minute or until they are hot.

Add them to your favorite recipes, such as burritos, quesadillas, or taco salads.

How to Tell if Refried Beans are Spoiled?

how to tell if refried beans are spoiled

It’s easy to tell when refried beans are spoiled. If you have a can of refried bean and a dent on the side or dented lid, don’t use it.

The dent will indicate that there was liquid leakage causing bacteria growth to happen inside the can. This is not safe at all.

Look at the color of your refried beans. If they are darker than usual, that is also a sign that bacteria have spoiled them.

This is what causes them to become moldy. If you open a can of refried beans and the beans smell and look strange, they are spoiled.

They will have a different color than usual and also a foul odor as well.

If the texture of your refried beans is different from the original, then they are spoiled.

If it looks slimy or looks like it has a mold outside the refried bean, it is bad and should not be used.


In conclusion, refried beans can be frozen and used again at a later date.

They are a wonderful staple in the kitchen to make meals that taste amazing.

They can be used in many recipes, from burritos to tacos.

All you have to do is make sure you follow the directions and store your refrieds correctly, so they don’t become freezer burned or soggy after thawing out.

This way, they will last longer for future use.

Sharing is caring!