How to dehydrate refried beans: Step by step

Refried beans are a versatile food. You can use them for taco night, nachos, as a salsa, or for many other purposes. You can even make your own refried beans at home.

If you’re a fan of Mexican food or Tex-Mex cuisine, you’re probably already familiar with refried beans and what they are.

Do you know how to make them? Did you know that you can dehydrate refried beans? Dehydrating refried beans is easy. If you have a dehydrator, this is the preferred method, but you can also dehydrate them in the oven. Rehydrating the beans after they have been dehydrated is also quite easy. 

In this guide we will cover all the pertinent details, from making your own refried beans to dehydrating, preserving and storing them.

Also, we will share some tips and information about the dehydration process in general.

We encourage you to keep reading and soak up all the important information about refried beans and drying beans, plus much more.

Refried Beans - A Guide to Dehydration and Much More

Lets start by the beginning. The first thing you need are refried beans. We recommend that you make your own refried beans.

It is not that difficult and the best thing is that you can flavor them to your liking or even add other ingredients if you want.

It is true that you can buy a cheap can of refried beans at the local supermarket, but they have been processed and canned and are often excessively watery.

Anything made at home has something special, especially refried beans.

Make your own refried beans

There are extensive processes for some refried bean recipes. You can search the internet and find any number of options.

What we will share with you is the basic concept of making refried beans, which can be adjusted in many ways.

You can use freshly cooked pinto beans or buy canned pinto beans. You can also add and change the seasonings to suit your own tastes and preferences. What follows is just a general guideline of how refried beans are typically made.

Here is a list of what you will need:

• Canola oil
• Garlic cloves, minced garlic, or garlic powder
• Prepared pinto beans (you can prepare them yourself or buy canned)
• Cumin
• chili powder
• Salt
• Lime juice (we recommend ½ fresh lime)

Very few ingredients are needed to make refried beans. It is mainly pinto beans and seasonings to taste. It is not an overly complicated process.

Here are the typical steps for making refried beans:

1. Heat the oil in a skillet.
2. If you use fresh garlic, sauté it over medium heat and then crush it.
3. Add the pinto beans.
4. Add seasoning to taste.
5. Cook until beans are heated through, stirring occasionally.
6. Crush the bean mixture. This is fairly easy to do with a potato masher.
7. Squeeze the ½ lime over the bean mixture and stir well.
8. There you have it, easy refried beans!

It only takes a total of 10-20 minutes to make the refried beans from start to finish. It is very simple and easy. Making refried beans does not require a lot of extra time and requires very few steps for the final product.

Now, what do you do with your refried beans from here? We recommend that you eat them, but of course you need options if you’ve made a large batch or have a significant amount left over when you’re done with them.

dehydration explained

Dehydration has long been a common method of preserving food. It is through dehydration that we enjoy many common things such as jerky or dried fruits.

Before technology and continuous advances in products and knowledge, including the freezer , dehydration was the usual method of preserving food.

Dehydrated foods take up less space and keep for a long time.

The dehydration process dries out all the moisture in the food and is usually done by a method that also uses heat.

In decades or even centuries past, dehydration was often done in the sun, using natural heat to complete the process.

Now, there are dehydrators and vacuum tools that do most of the work for you in a matter of a few hours.

You can even freeze-dry some foods for the dehydration process.

The simplest dehydration process is now done with a dehydrator. However, you can also dehydrate your beans in the oven and it’s quick and easy. We’ll instruct you on both in the next section.

How to dehydrate refried beans

Here are the pros and cons of dehydrating refried beans, so you know exactly what you’re getting into.

Advantages of dehydrating refried beans

• Make it in advance and save it
• Prepare travel packs of refried beans
• They are easy to dehydrate
• Works well for hiking or survival kits

Cons of rehydrating refried beans

• You have to rehydrate the beans to use them
• Rehydration can alter the taste
• It may be necessary to add grated cheese or additional seasonings

Whatever the reason you decide to dehydrate your beans, it is a relative option that can preserve the beans and make them easier to transport.

Dried refried beans are very popular with the hiking and camping community because they make a good versatile meal and are easy to prepare.

Now let’s talk about the dehydration process:

Dehydration of refried beans in the oven

• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Arrange the refried beans on the tray or spread them out in a thin layer
• Bake at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes, or until dry.
• Use a food processor, rolling pin, or other tool to crush and crush the dry refried beans.
• Store it airtight: vacuum seal, storage bags, airtight containers

Dehydration of refried beans in the dehydrator

• Cover dehydrator trays with plastic wrap for easy cleanup
• Spread the refried beans on the tray
• Run the dehydrator for 2-4 hours, checking the beans regularly
• When the beans are dry, remove them from the trays and mash them
• Store them airtight: vacuum seal, storage bags, airtight containers

Rehydrate dried beans

If you’re going to dehydrate your refried beans, you should also know how to rehydrate them so you can use them when they’re ready.

They are easy to rehydrate, but you will need to have water and a heat source to do this effectively.

This is the recommended process:

1. Put water to boil in a saucepan
2. When the water is boiling, add the dehydrated refried beans and whisk to mix.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes.
4. Stir while reheating
5. Add grated cheese and more seasonings to taste

If you are going to use the beans while hiking or camping, you can pour the refried beans into a bottle of water at the beginning of the day and store it in the package.

This will allow the water to soak and rehydrate the beans. They won’t get hot, but they will become edible.

Dehydrating and rehydrating refried beans is very simple. This process provides you with suitable options for any type of need.

Whether you’re planning to head out or just want to prepare and plan ahead, this is a great option for storing and preserving refried beans without using up freezer space.

Be sure to label and date packages for storage. Dried refried beans will keep well for several years without worrying about quality or spoilage.

Related questions

We hope this guide was informative and useful for your needs and that we have provided you with valuable information on dehydrating refried beans as well as the surrounding processes.

We invite you to review the question and answer section provided. There may be additional information that you find pertinent in the section.

Are refried beans bad for you?

Canned refried beans are high in sodium. Homemade refried beans can control the sodium they contain a bit. Aside from the sodium factor, refried beans aren’t really unhealthy.

Refried beans are high in protein, dietary fiber, and potassium. Additionally, they may contain magnesium, manganese, and vitamin C, all of which are nutrients your body needs and craves for optimal functionality.

In short, the refried beans are a good option.

Can refried beans be made tastier?

Refried beans are really versatile. You can use them as a sauce or as an added substance to multiple types of food.

You can also eat them alone. If you think the refried beans don’t have enough flavor, you can change them to suit your tastes.

Try adding finely chopped bell peppers, onions, or even pepper flakes for added spice and flavor. Also, you can mix any seasoning that you like with the refried beans and give them the flavor that you like best.

We recommend not to abuse salt, but do not be afraid to try other spices.