Sure, you can just grab a can of refried beans at the store, but then you don’t get to control the ingredients and the seasonings! If you’ve never made your own, you’ll be surprised how easy it is with my microwave refried beans recipe. You’ll never want the store bought stuff again!
It’s so easy to make homemade refried beans in your microwave, you’ll wonder why you hadn’t tried it sooner.
Start with a can of pinto beans, add in lots of Mexican inspired seasonings, heat, mash, and enjoy. It’s really that simple, and ready to enjoy in less than 10 minutes.
You get so much more control over the flavors and the ingredients when you make your own. I find them better texturally as well!
Refried beans are a perfect side dish, but they’re also great as a filling in a variety of foods, and can even just be served solo with tortilla chips as a dip! They’re also naturally gluten free so they work for some special diets as well.
You can also use black beans instead of pinto beans
All seasonings are adjustable to taste, including omission. Other great options are cilantro, chili powder, lime juice, and other types of peppers
The chicken broth can be swapped for beef, or vegetable broth for a vegetarian alternative
I use butter instead of the more traditional lard, and you can also use olive oil
Toppings are optional, but you can add some crumbled cotija cheese, shredded Mexican style cheese, fresh cilantro, or pico de gallo if you’d like
Step By Step Instructions
To a microwave safe bowl, add the beans, chicken broth, and all the seasonings (everything except the butter)
Cover with a vented lid or a paper towel and cook on high for 2 minutes, stirring halfway
Use a potato masher (or a fork if you don’t have one) to mash the beans until the desired consistency is reached (I usually leave some chunks for texture)
Stir in the butter until melted
Garnish if desired and enjoy!
What to Serve With Refried Beans
Burritos
Burrito bowls
Tacos
Tostadas
Fajitas
Tamales
Taquitos
Enchiladas
Quesadillas
Nachos
Sweet potatoes
Street corn
Chiles rellenos
Corn salad
Green salad
Mexican rice
Fried plantains
Steak
Roasted chicken
Guacamole
Pico de gallo
There are so many great dishes that you can serve with refried beans to complete your meal!
Yes, microwave refried beans are incredibly easy to make.
With just a few simple ingredients and a microwave-safe bowl, you can have delicious homemade refried beans ready in minutes.
What Ingredients Do I Need to Make Microwave Refried Beans?
To make microwave refried beans, you’ll need canned pinto beans, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and a little bit of water or broth.
Optionally, you can add jalapeños or other spices for extra flavor.
How Do I Make Microwave Refried Beans?
Start by draining and rinsing a can of pinto beans. Place the beans in a microwave-safe bowl and add seasonings and a splash of water. Microwave the beans on high for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through.
Then, use a potato masher or fork to mash the beans until they reach your desired consistency. Stir well and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Can I Customize the Flavor of Microwave Refried Beans?
Absolutely! Microwave refried beans are highly customizable. You can adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences, adding more or less or any spices, or omitting them entirely.
Additionally, you can mix in diced jalapeños, chopped cilantro, shredded cheese, or a squeeze of lime juice for added flavor.
How Should I Serve Microwave Refried Beans?
Microwave refried beans are incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways. Enjoy them as a side dish alongside tacos, burritos, enchiladas, or fajitas. Use them as a filling for quesadillas, burritos, or stuffed peppers.
You can also serve them as a dip with tortilla chips or as a topping for nachos.
Can I Store Leftover Microwave Refried Beans?
Yes, you can store leftover microwave refried beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Simply reheat them in the microwave before serving.
If the beans thicken upon refrigeration, you can thin them out with a little water or broth when reheating.
Recipe Pro Tips
I made this recipe using a 1000W microwave. If you have a lower or higher wattage, you may need to adjust cooking time to achieve hot beans accordingly
There will be liquid in the dish prior to mashing (it does not evaporate during cooking). Don’t worry, this is what gives you the correct consistency after mashing!
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store any leftover refried beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days
To reheat your refried beans, microwave for about 1 minute on high. Stir and add additional time in 30-second increments as needed until hot. If they are too thick, add water or broth 1 Tbsp at a time to add moisture
Making refried beans in the microwave is so easy, you’ll never want to opt for the canned stuff again!
With this recipe, you can control the seasoning and the ingredients, so it’s much easier to suit your tastes, and adapt for dietary restrictions. Plus, they’re naturally gluten free too!
Refried beans are such a staple option to have in your arsenal, as they can be served as a side dish or used as a filling for a variety of different Mexican fare. They’re equally good served as a dip with some tortilla chips!
If you love refried beans but don’t have a microwave, check out my Air Fryer Refried Beans recipe for another delicious preparation method!
Homemade Microwave Refried Beans Recipe
Make your own refried beans at home with the help of your microwave! Pinto beans are seasoned with Mexican flavors and ready in just minutes for an easy side, dip, or filling.
To a microwave safe bowl, add the beans, chicken broth, and all the seasonings (everything except the butter)
15 ounce can pinto beans, ½ tsp cumin, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp onion powder, ½ tsp salt, ½ tsp Mexican oregano, ¼ tsp ancho chile powder, ¼ cup chicken broth
Cover with a vented lid or a paper towel and cook on high for 2 minutes, stirring halfway, until beans are hot
Use a potato masher (or a fork if you don’t have one) to mash the beans until the desired consistency is reached (I usually leave some chunks for texture)
Stir in the butter until melted
1 Tbsp butter
Garnish if desired and enjoy!
Notes
You can also use black beans instead of pinto beans
All seasonings are adjustable to taste, including omission. Other great options are cilantro, chili powder, lime juice, and other types of peppers
The chicken broth can be swapped for beef, or vegetable broth for a vegetarian alternative
I use butter instead of the more traditional lard, and you can also use olive oil
Toppings are optional, but you can add some crumbled cotija cheese, shredded Mexican style cheese, fresh cilantro, or pico de gallo if you’d like
I made this recipe using a 1000W microwave. If you have a lower or higher wattage, you may need to adjust cooking time to achieve hot beans accordingly
There will be liquid in the dish prior to mashing (it does not evaporate during cooking). Don’t worry, this is what gives you the correct consistency after mashing!
Store any leftover refried beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days
To reheat your refried beans, microwave for about 1 minute on high. Stir and add additional time in 30-second increments as needed until hot. If they are too thick, add water or broth 1 Tbsp at a time to add moisture
Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand of ingredients, any toppings or sides added, and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Keyword busy weeknight dinner, how to make refried beans from canned beans, microwave canned beans, microwave cooking, microwave refried beans, pinto beans in the microwave, quick food options
I enjoy trying new recipes, creating my own, and dabbling with new techniques all the time. My husband loves to protest when I make him my guinea pig, but it’s all for the love of food!
My cooking philosophy is that great tasting food doesn't have to be complicated or time consuming to make. I'm a home cook with over 20 years of experience feeding myself and others. I've learned from a variety of different people, things I've learned online, and some trial and error as well.
I enjoy cooking a variety of foods, from convenience to comfort foods, as well as international cuisine. You can rest assured that all of my recipes have been actually made, thoroughly tested, and most importantly: tasted! I want you to enjoy my food as much as I do!
