Refried beans are a staple in Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine. They make a delicious, protein-packed side dish or topping for tacos, burritos, nachos, and more. However, like any food, refried beans don’t last forever. Knowing when they’ve gone bad can help you avoid foodborne illness.
What are refried beans?
Refried beans start out as regular cooked pinto beans. The beans are mashed and fried, often with lard or vegetable oil, and seasoned with herbs and spices. This gives them their distinctive thick, creamy texture.
Store-bought canned refried beans have preservatives to prolong their shelf life. Homemade refried beans last only about 4-5 days refrigerated. Their high moisture content makes them prone to spoilage by mold and bacteria.
How to tell if opened canned refried beans are bad
Here are some signs opened canned refried beans have spoiled:
- Mold – Check the surface and underside of the beans. Mold spots may be fuzzy or slimy and appear in various colors like black, green, or white.
- Strange odor – Refried beans that have gone bad often smell sour, fermented, or unpleasant.
- Change in texture – Spoiled beans may be excessively soft or dry instead of their usual smooth, creamy texture.
- Change in color – The beans may darken or look more grey than their normal beige color.
If you notice any of these signs, discard the beans right away. Don’t taste them!
How to tell if homemade refried beans are bad
It can be trickier to spot spoilage in homemade refried beans. Here are some signs to look for:
- Mold – Check the entire surface and underside of the beans for furry mold spots.
- Strange odor – Refried beans that have gone bad often develop a sour, unpleasant smell.
- Bubbling – Bubbles on the surface can indicate fermentation and spoilage.
- Sliminess – A slippery, slimy texture or residue left on the container is a bad sign.
As with canned beans, discard homemade refried beans at the first sign of spoilage.
How to store refried beans properly
To maximize freshness and shelf life of refried beans:
- Store unopened canned refried beans in a cool, dry place. Avoid temperature extremes.
- Refrigerate opened canned beans. Use within 4-5 days.
- Store homemade beans in an airtight container in the fridge. Use within 4-5 days.
- Don’t mix new and old beans or double dip spoons as this introduces bacteria.
- Check refrigerated beans frequently for signs of spoilage like mold.
Proper storage helps refried beans stay fresher longer.
Can you save spoiled refried beans?
It’s risky to try to save refried beans that show signs of spoilage. The bacteria and toxins they produce can persist even after cooking. Your best bet is to discard the spoiled beans.
How long do refried beans last?
Here are some general guidelines on refried bean shelf life:
| Refried beans | Pantry | Refrigerator |
|---|---|---|
| Unopened canned | 1 year | N/A |
| Opened canned | N/A | 4-5 days |
| Homemade | N/A | 4-5 days |
For maximum freshness, use refried beans before the expiration or “best by” date on the can. Be sure to store and refrigerate them properly to extend their shelf life.
Can you freeze refried beans?
Yes, you can freeze refried beans for long-term storage. Here are some tips:
- Portion beans into airtight containers, plastic freezer bags, or ice cube trays before freezing.
- Leave 1/2 inch headspace in containers as beans expand during freezing.
- Seal and label containers with the date.
- Freeze for up to 6 months.
- Thaw overnight in the fridge before using.
- Use thawed beans within 5 days.
Freezing is a great way to preserve leftover homemade or canned refried beans.
Are expired refried beans safe to eat?
It’s not recommended to eat refried beans past their expiration date, even if they show no obvious signs of spoilage. Quality and flavor decline over time and food poisoning risks increase.
Canned beans may last longer unopened past their “best by” date. However, consume them right away once opened.
When in doubt, remember this rule: When expired or questionable, throw it out! Don’t risk getting sick from old refried beans.
Conclusion
Check refried beans for spoilage signs like mold, weird smells, changes in color or texture. Properly store and refrigerate them. Discard beans at the first sign of spoilage. While freezing extends their shelf life, don’t eat beans past the expiration date on the can or after 5 days refrigerated. Following basic food safety measures helps you enjoy refried beans while avoiding foodborne illness.