What's the best way to freeze homemade refried beans?

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Can you freeze homemade refried beans?

Yes, you can absolutely freeze homemade refried beans! Freezing is a great way to preserve the batch you just made so you can enjoy them again later. Refried beans freeze very well.

How long do homemade refried beans last in the freezer?

Properly stored refried beans will maintain best quality for about 3-4 months in the freezer, but will remain safe beyond that time. The texture may start to deteriorate after that point, but they will still be edible.

What’s the best way to freeze refried beans?

Here are some tips for freezing refried beans:

Make sure beans are completely cooled before freezing. Putting hot food directly into the freezer can raise the temperature of the freezer and compromise other frozen items.
Portion beans into freezer-safe containers or bags. Good options are ziplock bags, plastic containers, or freezer-safe jars. Leave about 1/2 inch of headspace to allow for expansion.

Exclude as much air as possible. You can use the water displacement method – submerging the bagged beans in a bowl of water to force out excess air before sealing.
Label bags or containers with contents and date. This makes it easy to identify later.
Lay bags flat in a single layer to freeze quickly. Once frozen, you can stack them.

For best quality, freeze beans within 2-3 days of making them.

Can you freeze refried beans in glass jars?

Yes, you can freeze refried beans in glass jars as long as they are freezer-safe. Be sure to leave ample headspace, at least 1 inch, as the beans will expand during freezing. Make sure jars are completely cool before putting in the freezer.

The glass helps protect the beans from freezer burn. Just be gentle when handling the frozen glass jars to prevent cracking. Let it thaw completely before opening.

How do you thaw frozen refried beans?

Here are some tips for thawing frozen refried beans:

Refrigerator: Place frozen beans in the fridge overnight or for 24 hours. Once thawed, use within 3-4 days.
Cold water: Submerge sealed bag or container in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes. Takes 2-3 hours.

Microwave: Microwave individual portions in 30 second intervals, stirring between sessions, until thawed and heated through. Take care not to heat too rapidly or unevenly.
Stovetop: Place frozen beans in pot on stove over low heat. Gently reheat, stirring occasionally, until thawed and warmed through.

Avoid thawing beans at room temperature as this allows bacteria to grow. Cook thawed beans immediately rather than refreezing.

Can you refreeze thawed refried beans?

It’s best not to refreeze thawed refried beans if they have been left at room temperature for more than 2 hours. At that point, too much bacterial growth may have occurred.

However, if thawed beans were kept chilled in the refrigerator the entire time, then they can safely be refrozen within 3-4 days. The quality may start to suffer after multiple freezes though.

For best quality, try to thaw only the amount of refried beans you plan to eat within a few days.

What’s the best way to reheat frozen refried beans?

Here are some good methods for reheating frozen refried beans:

Stovetop: Gently heat thawed or frozen beans in a saucepan over medium-low, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Microwave: Microwave individual portions in 30 second intervals, stirring between sessions, until hot.

Slow cooker: Add desired amount of frozen beans to a slow cooker with a small amount of liquid. Cook on low setting for 2-3 hours until heated through.
Oven: Place thawed or frozen beans in oven-safe dish. Bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until hot.

Bring beans just to a simmer or heat through without boiling to maintain the best texture. Add a little extra broth or water when reheating to keep beans from drying out.

How do you know if frozen refried beans are bad?

Signs that frozen refried beans have gone bad include:

Unusual changes in color or texture – beans look darker, dried out, stringy, mushy or crystallized.
Strong unpleasant or sour odors upon thawing.

Mold growth anywhere on the frozen beans.
Any signs of freezer burn – dry, shriveled appearance with icy crystals or yellowish areas.
Frozen beans have been stored for over 4 months.

As long as beans have been continuously frozen, they should stay fresh beyond the 4 month mark. But quality deteriorates over longer storage so it’s best to use within that time frame.

Discard beans at the first signs of spoilage. Do not taste or eat beans that display any odd changes in appearance, texture or smell.

Can you freeze homemade refried beans with onions and peppers?

Yes, it’s perfectly fine to freeze homemade refried beans that contain onions, peppers or other vegetables. Simply follow the same freezing guidelines outlined above.

The added ingredients don’t significantly change how the beans freeze. Take care to completely cool beans with vegetables before freezing for food safety.

Onions and peppers will soften more when thawed but can add nice flavor to reheated frozen beans. Make sure vegetables are chopped small so they incorporate well into the bean puree.

Can you freeze refried beans with cheese or sour cream added?

It’s best not to freeze refried beans that have cheese or sour cream added. Unlike onions and peppers, high-fat dairy products like cheese and sour cream don’t hold up as well to freezing.

The fat can separate and turn grainy or oily after thawing. The cheese may become dried out or rubbery as well.

For best results, freeze plain refried beans. Thaw and reheat them later, then add cheese, sour cream, or other toppings right before serving.

What are some good ways to use frozen refried beans?

Here are some easy ways to use thawed frozen refried beans:

Bean burritos – Spread on a flour tortilla with taco meat, cheese, lettuce, salsa, etc.
Nachos – Top corn tortilla chips with thawed beans, shredded cheese, tomatoes, avocado, jalapeños, etc.
Quesadillas – Fill tortillas with beans and cheese, then grill until toasty.

Burrito bowls – Add to rice bowls along with veggies, salsa, avocado, etc.
Enchiladas – Roll tortillas filled with beans and cheese, top with enchilada sauce and bake.
Chilaquiles – Combine leftover tortilla chips with beans and salsa, then bake until crispy.

Breakfast tacos – Serve beans in flour tortillas with eggs, cheese, and other favorite toppings.

Thawed, cooked beans can be used however you would use freshly made. Get creative with sandwiches, dips, soups and more!

What are some tips for making a big batch of refried beans for freezing?

Here are some tips for a making large batch of refried beans to freeze:

Soak and cook 2-3 pounds dried beans (pinto, black, etc) until very soft and creamy.
Drain and mash beans well with a potato masher or immersion blender.
In a wide skillet or pot, sauté onion, garlic, and spices in oil until fragrant.

Add mashed beans and up to 1 cup broth or water. Simmer, mashing occasionally, until thick and creamy.
Stir in any additional ingredients like peppers, cheese, cilantro.
Taste and season with salt, peppers, etc. Cook until heated through.

Let cool completely, then portion into bags or containers leaving 1/2 inch headspace.
Exclude air, label, and freeze flat for quick cooling.

Making a big pot of beans allows you to freeze multiple meals worth. Refrigerate what you’ll eat in the next 3-4 days and freeze the rest in ready to heat portions.

Conclusion

Freezing homemade refried beans is a great way to save time and have a tasty Mexican staple on hand anytime. Allow beans to fully cool before portioning into bags or containers, excluding excess air. Label bags and freeze for up to 4 months. Thaw in the refrigerator or with cold water before gently reheating on the stovetop or in the oven or microwave. Add cheese, sour cream, and other toppings after reheating for best results. With a little planning, you can enjoy quick and easy refried beans for burritos, nachos, tacos, and more using your frozen pre-made stash.