It’s 2 a.m. and you’re standing in front of the refrigerator, desperately searching for something to eat. Your eyes finally settle on a container of refried beans, leftover from last night’s dinner.
Perfect! These refried beans will pair perfectly with some burritos you have from the night before.
You pop the lid open and scoop out a heaping spoonful, then head to the microwave. But wait…how long do you heat for? How much power should you use? And what about stirring – should you stir halfway through?
Suddenly, reheating your beans doesn’t seem so simple anymore. But don’t worry, I’m here to help.
In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about reheating refried beans in the microwave, so you can enjoy a delicious midnight snack
Can You Reheat Refried Beans In The Microwave?
Yes, you can reheat refried beans in the microwave. Microwaving is a quick and effective option when it comes to reheating refried beans. Simply throw the beans in a microwave-safe container and zap them for a couple of seconds and you’ll have piping hot refried beans ready to enjoy.
Here’s a short guide on how to reheat your refried beans in the microwave:
Transfer the refried beans to a microwave-safe container. Cover the container loosely with a microwaveable lid or a damp paper towel. Put the refried beans in the microwave and heat them on high for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Once heated, enjoy your refried beans!
Is It Safe To Reheat Refried Beans In The Microwave?
It is generally safe to reheat refried beans in the microwave as long as they are stored and reheated properly.
Refried beans will last three to five days in the fridge if they’re kept in an airtight container. If you’re looking to extend their shelf life, you can freeze them for 3-6 months (or even up to a year if you have a deep freezer). Just be sure to thaw them completely before reheating.
Another thing to keep in mind is that it is not recommended to reheat refried beans more than once.
This is because the more times you reheat them, the more chances there are for bacteria to grow. Additionally, you’ll compromise the taste and texture of the beans the more you reheat them.
Lastly, make sure you don’t leave your refried beans on the counter for more than two hours. If they’re not refrigerated or frozen, bacteria will start to grow and they will become unsafe to eat.
How Long Should You Microwave Refried Beans?
How long you microwave your refried beans will depend on the power of your microwave and the amount of refried beans you’re reheating.
Generally speaking, you’ll want to cook them for 1 to 2 minutes. But if you’re cooking a larger quantity or your microwave is on the lower end of the wattage spectrum, you may need to cook them for a minute or two longer.
As always, it’s best to err on the side of caution and cook them for less time than you think you need, then add more time if necessary. You can always put them back in the microwave for a few seconds if they’re not heated through.
How To Reheat Refried Beans In The Microwave
Now that we’ve gone over the basics, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of reheating your refried beans.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
- If your refried beans are frozen, thaw them in the fridge overnight.
- Transfer the refried beans to a microwave-safe container.
- Cover the container with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel.
- Put the container in the microwave and heat on high for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Check to make sure the beans are heated through before removing them from the microwave.
- Add a tablespoon or two of water or stock to thin out the beans, if desired.
What Are The Other Ways To Reheat Refried Beans?
Other than the microwave, there are two other ways to heat up refried beans. One is to put it in the oven, and the other is to heat it up on the stove.
If you put it in the oven, preheat it to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spread the refried beans in an oven-safe dish and add a little water or stock to keep them from drying out. Cover the dish with foil and heat for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
If you’re reheating refried beans on the stove, put them in a pot on medium heat. You might need to add a little bit of water or stock to keep the beans stay moist. Butter also makes a good addition if you want to add some richness. Stir frequently, and heat until warmed throughout.
What To Serve With Refried Beans?
Once you have your refried beans all heated up, it’s time to start thinking about what to serve them with.
Here are some of the most popular options that go great with refried beans:
1. Enchilada Stuffed Shells
Enchilada stuffed shells are the perfect way to make a quick and easy weeknight meal. Simply stuff some shells with your favorite enchilada filling, top with cheese, and bake.
Serve with a side of refried beans, and you’ve got a delicious meal that everyone will love. The best part about this dish is that it’s so versatile.
You can use any type of enchilada filling you like, and the refried beans add a delicious touch of creaminess that takes the dish to the next level.
2. Burrito Bowls
If you’re looking for the perfect food pairing, look no further than the burrito and refried beans. The beans provide a delicious contrast to the tortilla, and the combination of flavors is simply unmatched.
Plus, refried beans are an excellent source of protein, making them the perfect choice for a quick and healthy meal. So next time you’re in the mood for a burrito, be sure to add a side of refried beans. Your taste buds will thank you!
3. Mexican Lasagna
If you’re in the mood for some Mexican-inspired comfort food, look no further than Mexican lasagna. This dish combines all of the best elements of traditional lasagna with a spicy twist.
The result is a hearty, flavor-packed meal that is sure to please. And what goes better with Mexican lasagna than a side of refried beans? The rich, creamy beans are the perfect complement to the cheesy, saucy lasagna.
4. Beef Casserole
A beef casserole is a perfect dish for a cozy night in. It’s warm, hearty, and best of all, it goes great with refried beans. There’s just something about the combination of tender beef, savory spices, and creamy beans that makes it irresistible.
Plus, it’s easy to make and can be easily reheated for leftovers. So next time you’re looking for a comforting meal, don’t forget the beef casserole – and don’t forget the refried beans!
5. Bean and Salsa Stuffed Pizza
There’s nothing quite like a good stuffed pizza. The combination of gooey cheese, savory meats, and fresh veggies is hard to resist. And when it comes to stuffed pizzas, the bean and salsa variety is one of the best.
The beans add a delicious richness to the filling, while the salsa adds a touch of sweetness and zest. Plus, the refried beans help to bind the ingredients together, making for a more cohesive pie.
Conclusion
So there you have it! You can reheat refried beans in the microwave in just a few minutes.
Whether you’re looking to heat them up for a quick snack or to add them to a dish, microwaving is a great option. Just be sure to add a little water or stock to keep them from drying out.
For a quick and easy meal, try serving refried beans with enchilada stuffed shells, burrito bowls, or Mexican lasagna. And for a heartier option, try them with a beef casserole or bean and salsa stuffed pizza.
No matter how you enjoy them, refried beans are a delicious and versatile food that is sure to please.
Thanks for reading!
If you’re interested in learning more about microwaving beans, be sure to check out our other articles on the subject including microwaving dried beans, and green beans.
