Refried Bean Dip Recipe (2024)

This recipe is: dairy freeegg freegluten freenut freevegan

This healthy refried bean dip recipe is super easy to make. It’s served warm and layered with fresh cilantro and pico de gallo. There’s no cream cheese, so it’s already dairy free, but you can make it vegan by swapping the refried beans. Makes 16 servings.

Jump to Recipe

Refried Bean Dip Recipe (1)

Why I love this refried bean dip recipe

I love a good dip, especially when it’s the tortilla chip kind. I can always get behind a good taco dip or salsa, and refried bean dip is no exception. There never seems to be enough to go around.

What is bean dip made of?Normally, warm bean dip is made with heavy cream cheese and topped with cheddar, but I wanted to make something that was a little bit lighter this time around. Plus, cheese in my dip is not really an option anymore.

That’s why I love this recipe. It’s flavorful and creamy, and it’s so much healthier than traditional bean dip because there’s no dairy. You can top it with whatever extras you want (extra cilantro, please), or you can serve it as is.

Refried Bean Dip Recipe (2)

Here’s what you’ll need to make it

Simply Whisked is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Refried Bean Dip Recipe (3)

How to make refried bean dip

Simmer the seasonings.Heat a large skillet to medium-high. Add some olive oil, a bit of garlic, some taco seasoning and a can of diced green chilies. Let it simmer until it smells really good, about 1 minute.

Add the beans and broth.Slowly whisk the refried beans and the broth into the pan to combine with the seasonings. The beans will loosen up as they warm, so you don’t have to force it. Just keep everything moving the seasonings don’t burn your dip.

Refried Bean Dip Recipe (4)

If you need extra simmering time, go ahead and add more broth. This way the dip won’t get too thick, and you can keep adding as needed if you’re not ready to serve.

Garnish with toppings.Let everything get good and hot in the pan, and just before serving, top it with whatever garnish you want. You can also serve the garnish on the side (this is especially great for larger parties).

Refried Bean Dip Recipe (5)

FAQs and Tips for making refried bean dip

What chips are good with bean dip?I serve this recipe with tortilla chips, but corn chips (like Fritos) would also be great.

How long does bean dip last? You’ll want to reheat it before serving, but you can store this dip for up to one week in the refrigerator.

Refried Bean Dip Recipe (6)

Can I make this ahead of time?You can definitely make this ahead to time. Be sure to add a little extra broth when reheating, and hold off on the toppings/garnishes until just before serving.

To make this bean dip recipe vegan, simply swap the refried beans for a vegetarian version (that doesn’t include lard in the ingredients) and use vegetable broth.

If you want this recipe to be gluten free, be sure to check your labels and use a gluten free taco seasoning (we use the spice island brand from Costco).

What goes good with bean dip?

  • Pineapple margaritas
  • Jalapeño margaritas
  • Fajita marinade
  • Instant pot carnitas
  • Slow cooker beef tacos
  • Mexican quinoa
Refried Bean Dip Recipe (7)

More bean recipes:

  • Instant pot baked beans
  • Refried black beans
  • Green bean casserole
  • Black eyed pea salad
  • Mediterranean chickpea salad

More dairy free dip recipes:

  • Caramelized onion dip
  • Chili con queso or vegan queso if you’re looking for something meat-free
  • Chipotle salsa
  • Vegan spinach artichoke dip
  • Homemade ranch dip

Print

Refried Bean Dip Recipe (8)

Refried Bean Dip Recipe

5 Stars4 Stars3 Stars2 Stars1 Star

4.7 from 6 reviews

Print Recipe

This healthy, refried bean dip recipe is super easy to make. It’s served warm and layered with fresh cilantro and with salsa (optional). There’s no cheese, so it’s already dairy free, but you can make it vegan by swapping the refried beans. #beandip #dairyfree

  • Author: Melissa Belanger
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 16 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced (11 1/2 teaspoons)
  • 1 4-ounce can diced green chiles
  • 4 teaspoons taco seasoning*
  • 2 15-ounce cans refried beans*
  • 1/4 cup chicken, vegetable or beef broth
  • 1 teaspoon lime juice

Instructions

  1. Heat a skillet to medium-high. Add olive oil, garlic, chiles and taco seasoning. Sauté until fragrant.
  2. Add refried beans, broth and lime juice to the skillet. Gently whisk until smooth.
  3. Simmer until ready to serve. If needed, add additional broth to thin the dip.
  4. Garnish with desired toppings before serving.
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: about 1/4 cup
  • Calories: 60
  • Sugar: 0.6 g
  • Sodium: 256 mg
  • Fat: 2 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 8.3 g
  • Fiber: 2.3 g
  • Protein: 2.8 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg

Published: June 6, 2019. Updated: January 23, 2024.

This post contains affiliate links. I may earn commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. I will never recommend a product I don’t use or trust.

Refried Bean Dip Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Is bean dip just refried beans? ›

While refried beans usually resemble a chunky, mashed mixture perfect for spreading on tortillas or serving alongside warm rice, bean dip can be made with whole beans with a fresh appeal similar to classic pico de gallo or puréed into a smooth consistency with several different ingredients.

Why are restaurant refried beans so good? ›

Why Do Restaurant Refried Beans Taste So Good? Most authentic Mexican restaurants use lard in their refried bean recipes which adds another layer of flavor and helps achieve the ideal creamy texture.

What can you add to canned refried beans? ›

I like to sprinkle in some taco seasoning, but you could add whatever spices you like — garlic powder, cumin, and chili powder are all good calls. Then, you mash the beans up directly in the pan and add just a little bit of vinegar at the end to really make the beans sing.

What is Mexican bean dip made of? ›

Mix refried beans, cream cheese, sour cream, and taco seasoning together in a large bowl; fold in jalapeño pepper. Spread mixture into a 9x13-inch baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Top with shredded cheese and continue cooking until the cheese has melted, about 5 more minutes.

Why is refried beans unhealthy? ›

Yet, since refried beans often contain added fat and salt, they may be higher in calories, saturated fat, and sodium than other beans. These factors may impair your weight loss goals, raise your risk of heart disease, and increase your blood pressure levels.

What is Frito lay bean dip made of? ›

Ingredients. Water, Pinto Beans, Vinegar, Corn Oil, Salt, Maltodextrin (Made from Corn), Dried Onion, Sugar, Jalapeño Peppers, Spice, Chili Pepper, Dried Garlic and Natural Flavors.

How do Mexicans eat refried beans? ›

Stewed over a few hours, pinto beans can be served whole and fried (frijoles chinos) or mashed and refried (frijoles refritos). Frijoles are eaten with almost every main course alongside arroz. In many Mexican restaurants in America, refried beans are served with a layer of melty, gooey, shredded cheese on top.

What kind of cheese do you put on top of refried beans? ›

If you're looking for a restaurant-quality refried beans recipe, you trust us when you say you have found it. We love to serve the beans right out of the skillet, garnish with crumbled Cojita cheese, or shredded mozzarella.

Why are they called refried beans if they're not fried? ›

"Refried" doesn't mean the beans have been fried twice. The word comes from the Spanish name for the dish—frijoles refritos. In Spanish "refritos" means "well fried". To make the beans you have to cook them in water first to soften them.

How do you jazz up canned refried? ›

14 Ways To Add Flavor To Canned Refried Beans
  1. Include a dollop or two of sour cream. Alena_Kos/Shutterstock. ...
  2. Squeeze in some lime juice. ...
  3. Sautee onion and garlic. ...
  4. Experiment with warming spices. ...
  5. Start with flavored refried beans. ...
  6. Pack on the heat with fresh chiles. ...
  7. Mix in canned adobo sauce. ...
  8. Cook with broth for deeper flavor.
Oct 29, 2023

Why do people add milk to refried beans? ›

Milk makes refried beans creamy

Lard or vegetable oil would work well for this dish, but few recipes ever mention milk, which is a missed opportunity. This liquid can help make your beans smoother and taste richer.

Can you eat refried beans out of the can? ›

Refried beans are a safe and convenient food item pre-cooked during the canning process. While it is safe to eat the beans directly from the can, it is advisable to transfer them to a different container to avoid any potential health risks from the can's lining.

Why are Mexican restaurant refried beans so good? ›

While canned refried beans are convenient, they're no match for the creamy and flavorful refried beans served at your local Mexican restaurant. If you're wondering what is the secret ingredient for restaurant-quality refried beans, the answer is fat.

What is the slang bean dip? ›

What the heck does 'bean dip' mean? Urban Dictionary defines "bean dip" as "(flicking) a woman's (or man's) breast with the index finger." It's "dubbed 'bean dip' because the move is similar to that of scooping up bean dip," the website reads.

What is 7 layer bean dip made of? ›

As the name implies, there are 7 layers to this bean dip that are each spread over a large plater. First the refried beans are spread in an even layer, then the mashed avocados, sour cream, salsa, shredded cheese, olives, and green onion. Feel free to add any other desired toppings..

Why is bean dip called bean dip? ›

Urban Dictionary defines "bean dip" as "(flicking) a woman's (or man's) breast with the index finger." It's "dubbed 'bean dip' because the move is similar to that of scooping up bean dip," the website reads.

What's the difference between beans and refried beans? ›

Meanwhile, we include whole pinto beans as an ingredient in our Bueno Bowls and offer them as a side. Refried beans are pinto beans that have been mashed and pan-fried, and they are typically seasoned with a little chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Was bean dip recalled? ›

On February 7, 2024, Simply Fresh LLC issued a voluntary recall of their product Rojo's Black Bean 6 Layer Dip 2-20oz Club Pack produced for Costco.

What kind of beans are Taco Bell refried beans? ›

From the Package

WATER, PINTO BEANS, SALT, SOYBEAN OIL, PINK BEANS, NATURAL FLAVOR, SOY LECITHIN.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Francesca Jacobs Ret

Last Updated:

Views: 5820

Rating: 4.8 / 5 (48 voted)

Reviews: 95% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Francesca Jacobs Ret

Birthday: 1996-12-09

Address: Apt. 141 1406 Mitch Summit, New Teganshire, UT 82655-0699

Phone: +2296092334654

Job: Technology Architect

Hobby: Snowboarding, Scouting, Foreign language learning, Dowsing, Baton twirling, Sculpting, Cabaret

Introduction: My name is Francesca Jacobs Ret, I am a innocent, super, beautiful, charming, lucky, gentle, clever person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.