Refried Bean Dip Recipe (without Cream Cheese)
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One of my most requested recipes and a party favorite, this easy refried bean dip is made on the stove top with refried beans, sour cream, cheese, salsa and spices. It’s the perfect addition to taco night or game day snack.
Making a creamy bean dip from scratch is super easy, and since it comes together in minutes, you’ll be snacking in no time! This delicious dip skips the slow cooker and food processor, using only a small pot to create a cheesy bean dip on your stovetop.
Hot bean dip contains lots of your favorite toppings like pinto beans, cheese, and sour cream. I use a can of good quality refried beans – refried black beans would also be delicious – in this simple recipe along with spices I always keep on hand. The sour cream gives it a tanginess that can’t be found in a cream cheese bean dip.
This refried bean dip has been compared to a 7 layer bean dip, but I think those are actually very separate dishes. The absence of ground beef, shredded lettuce, fresh tomatoes, jalapeño peppers, and black olives being a start. I also serve my bean dip warm – it’s too thick at room temperature – unlike layered dip that’s designed to be served at room temp.
Bean dip recipes are one of my favorite to make, and not just for game day. (Though I do make it often during football season!) I love this refried bean dip as an easy appetizer anytime guests come over – especially with some homemade tortilla chips – or a delicious addition to a taco bar.
Ingredients
- Refried beans – Choose your favorite brand of refried beans. A can of refried black beans would be a delicious substitute for traditional refried pinto beans to turn this into an easy black bean dip recipe.
- Sour cream – Regular, low fat or fat free all work in this recipe.
- Cheddar cheese – Regular or low fat cheese both work for this dish. Skip the fat free cheese as it doesn’t always melt smoothly.
- Salsa – Choose store bought or homemade salsa. The spice level of the salsa will be the spice level of your bean dip.
- Garlic powder, Onion powder, Cumin, Chili powder – Four pantry-staple spices that give this bean dip big flavor.
How to Make Refried Bean Dip (Step by Step)
Warm the refried beans in a small pot over medium heat.
Stir in the sour cream, cheddar cheese, salsa, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin and chili powder.
Reduce heat to low and let the bean dip simmer on the stove. Serve warm with a big pile of homemade tortilla chips.
Refried Bean Dip Recipe (Without Cream Cheese)
Ingredients
- 15 oz can refried beans
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup salsa
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp chili powder
Instructions
- Warm the refried beans in a small pot over medium heat.15 oz can refried beans
- Stir in the sour cream, shredded cheese, salsa, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin and chili powder.½ cup sour cream, ½ cup cheddar cheese, ¼ cup salsa, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, ½ tsp chili powder, ½ tsp cumin
- Reduce heat to low and let the dip simmer on the stove for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve warm with fresh tortilla chips.
Recipe Tips
- Spice it up! As written, this is a super mild refried bean dip made with mild spices. Add a small can of drained, diced green chiles to this easy bean dip recipe to take it to the next level. You can also use hot salsa instead of mild salsa when making this recipe.
- Add fresh toppings for serving – like fresh cilantro or diced green onions – to your dip for a pretty presentation. Just scoop your bean dip into a serving bowl and sprinkle on your choice of garnish.
- Make this dip even faster by swapping out the garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and chili powder for 2-3 teaspoons of spices from a packet of taco seasoning.
Easy Cocktails to Serve with Refried Bean Dip
Enjoy your creamy bean dip with a classic tequila cocktail for a delicious happy hour. Grapefruit Palomas and classic lime Margaritas are my favorite sips with this dip.
Want a non-alcoholic drink? Try my zero-proof Grapefruit Paloma Mocktails or these alcohol-free Margarita Mocktails.
Using Leftover Refried Bean Dip
Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Use leftover bean dip as filling in a burrito. I like to combine it with my tomato rice and beans and some extra cheese for an easy vegetarian burrito dinner. You can also use leftover dip on nachos or tostadas, or as a dip for quesadillas.
Make This Bean Dip Recipe Ahead of Time
This recipe is an awesome make ahead dip for parties. You can make refried bean dip up to 48 hours before you’re planning to eat it. Just reheat it in a pot over low heat on the stove or in 20 second increments the microwave. Be sure to stir it often as you reheat the dip.
If you accidentally over heat it and it thickens up too much for your liking, stir a little bit of milk to it (1 tablespoon at a time) until it reaches your preferred consistency.
Serve this Refried Bean Dip with Homemade Tortilla Chips
Nothing elevates a dip like fresh chips! Make these quick, 3 ingredient homemade tortilla chips to go along with your easy refried bean dip.
other recipes have lots of cheese & barely taste the bean; with this one u can & has right amount of tomato flavor; EXACTLY WHAT I WANTED
Yay! I’m so happy to hear that!!