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.

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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)

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Here’s what you’ll need to make it

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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 (5)

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 (6)

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 (7)

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 (8)

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

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Refried Bean Dip Recipe (9)

Refried Bean Dip Recipe

★★★★★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

Keywords: dairy free, vegan, gluten free, summer, easy, healthy

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 a can of refried beans the same as bean dip? ›

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? ›

If you're wondering what is the secret ingredient for restaurant-quality refried beans, the answer is fat. Restaurant-made refried beans honor traditional Mexican culinary practices by adding a hearty helping of lard or bacon fat drippings to their recipe.

What is 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.

Are refried beans less healthy than beans? ›

As mentioned, while beans can be a great source of protein, fiber, and other nutrients, refried beans also contain lard and salt. If you're watching your diet, you may want to keep this in mind before ordering a burrito or a side of refried beans.

What is the red stuff in Fritos hot bean dip? ›

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

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.

How do Mexicans eat refried beans? ›

They are served as a side dish with most Tex-Mex restaurant meals. They also have become very popular as a dip for corn tortilla chips. Refried beans are also a primary ingredient in many tostada, chimichanga, and pupusa recipes.

Are Mexican refried beans unhealthy? ›

What are the risks of eating refried beans? While refried beans can be a decent weight-loss option, they pose a few risks. Many people fry refried beans in butter, bacon fat, or lard. These foods can contain high amounts of trans fat, which increases your risk of developing heart disease.

How do you pimp canned refried beans? ›

Try bacon grease, chili powder, cayenne pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, chicken broth, chili pepper, lime juice, cream cheese, taco seasoning, and more to make the best refried beans to serve with your next Mexican meal.

Why do people add milk to refried beans? ›

Milk makes refried beans creamy

This liquid can help make your beans smoother and taste richer. Once the beans are tender, it's time to fry them. Garlic is cooked in the oil and then the beans are added. The beans are mashed, and this is where the milk comes in.

How do you plus up canned refried beans? ›

You can amp up the spice by adding more hot sauce, or tone it down by adding less — whatever your family prefers! Dice onion and add to the refried beans for more flavor. Add a dash of cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt. Garnish with cilantro to improve refried beans taste.

What is slang for bean dip? ›

Urban Dictionary defines "bean dip" as "(flicking) a woman's (or man's) breast with the index finger." ADVERTIsem*nT. Advertisem*nt. 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? ›

This easy 7 Layer Dip recipe has seasoned refried beans, guacamole, sour cream, salsa, cheese, olives, and green onion. It is a total classic that everyone is always excited about!

Do you eat bean dip hot or cold? ›

How do you make bean dip? Add the Monterey Jack and Spicy Pepper Cheese Dip, sour cream and refried beans to a large bowl and mix until well combined. You can serve your dip hot or cold – its delicious either way. To serve hot, simply microwave then stir until warmed through.

Is it safe to 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.

Are refried beans healthy canned? ›

Overall, refried beans can be healthier than you think, since they are a good source of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

Do refried beans have another name? ›

Their still growing popularity is from use in American Tex-Mex cuisine that originated as unique refried bean recipes specific to individual border town restaurants of Mexico and Texas. The English term 'refried beans' is a colloquial adaptation of the Spanish frijoles refritos.

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