DinnerCountRefried Beans
This recipe makes canned refried beans taste closer to homemade. You soften a little onion in oil, then stir in the beans with cumin and a splash of water until they are hot and smooth. Scatter cheese over the top, cover the skillet, and let the cheese melt off the heat. It goes well with tacos or quesadillas.
Ingredients (serves 4)
- Refried beans (canned)2 cans (16 oz)
- Yellow onion½ each
- Cumin½ tsp
- Shredded cheese (Mexican blend)½ cup
- Vegetable oil1 tbsp
How Much to Make for 2, 4, 6, or 8
For 2 people, you’ll need 1 can (16 oz) of refried beans and ¼ cup shredded cheese.
For 4 people, you’ll need 2 cans (16 oz) of refried beans and ½ cup shredded cheese.
For 6 people, you’ll need 3 cans (16 oz) of refried beans and ¾ cup shredded cheese.
For 8 people, you’ll need 4 cans (16 oz) of refried beans and 1 cup shredded cheese.
| Ingredient | For 2 | For 4 | For 6 | For 8 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Refried beans (canned) | 1 can (16 oz) | 2 cans (16 oz) | 3 cans (16 oz) | 4 cans (16 oz) |
| Yellow onion | ¼ each | ½ each | ¾ each | 1 each |
| Cumin | ¼ tsp | ½ tsp | ¾ tsp | 1 tsp |
| Shredded cheese (Mexican blend) | ¼ cup | ½ cup | ¾ cup | 1 cup |
| Vegetable oil | 1½ tsp | 1 tbsp | 1½ tbsp | 2 tbsp |
The amounts are rounded to what you can measure at home. Pounds are rounded to the nearest quarter or third, cups to the marks on a measuring cup, and spoons to real measuring spoons. An egg stays whole. Because of the rounding, some amounts are the same at two sizes.
- For 2: This recipe is written for 4 adult-size portions. You are cooking about 2 adult portions, which is roughly 0.5 times the recipe. This is less than the recipe assumes. Use the same 10-inch skillet. It heats through sooner, so stir and check early.
- For 6: This recipe is written for 4 adult-size portions. You are cooking about 6 adult portions, which is roughly 1.5 times the recipe. This calls for a 10-inch skillet. At about 1.5× the recipe use a 12-inch skillet or a 6-quart pot. It takes a few minutes longer to heat through, so stir to keep the bottom from sticking.
- For 8: This recipe is written for 4 adult-size portions. You are cooking about 8 adult portions, which is roughly 2 times the recipe. This calls for a 10-inch skillet. At about 2× the recipe use a 12-inch skillet or a 6-quart pot. It takes a few minutes longer to heat through, so stir to keep the bottom from sticking.
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Steps
- Chop the onion into small pieces. Heat the vegetable oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring once or twice. The onion is done when it is soft and just starting to brown.
- Stir in the refried beans, the cumin, and a splash of water. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring and mashing with the back of a spoon. The beans are done when they are steaming hot and smooth. Add another splash of water if they look too thick.
- Scatter the shredded cheese over the top, cover the skillet, and turn off the heat. Let it sit for 2 minutes. The beans are ready when the cheese has melted. Serve them warm.
Good to Know
- Contains Milk. This comes from the ingredient names, so it is not a complete list. The ingredient names do not show what is inside a jar, a mix, or a sauce, and formulas change. For an allergy or intolerance, read the package every time, and never decide from this line.
