5 Minute Refried Bean Dip (5 Ingredients)

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This Refried Bean Dip is an easy, 5-minute, healthier party appetizer made with pantry staples. It's creamy, spicy to your preference, and packed with bright, zesty flavors, making it perfect for your next gatherings, watch parties, and when you're craving a delicious snack!

I love to serve multiple dips at parties, this Hot Caprese Dip and Black Eyed Peas Dip are also favorites!

Side view of Bean Dip Recipe in a bowl with cherry tomatoes and cilantro

Recipe Overview

  • Time: 5 Minutes
  • Ingredients: 5 pantry-friendly or common ingredients
  • Best for: Taco Tuesdays, Super Bowl, Game Days, Snacks

What I Love About This Recipe

Here are a few reasons I'm in love with this easy refried bean dip:

  • Smooth, creamy texture that almost melts in your mouth
  • Packed with zesty, bright flavor
  • Easiest dip ever in 5 minutes!

This refried bean dip is the perfect party food, is a top favorite with our readers, and perfect for game-day snacks, Friday night movie, or a Taco Tuesday favorite.

And the best part? It's quick and simple with only a handful of ingredients! It's one of the easiest dips you can make. Which makes it even more of a "win" in my book!

If you're making a classic 7 Layer Dip, this recipe is a delicious layer in that stunning dish!

Jump to:
A bowl of refried beans topped with sliced cherry tomatoes, cilantro, and shredded cheese makes a classic bean dip recipe, served with tortilla chips and fresh cilantro in the background.

Ingredients

Here are the simple, pantry ingredients you'll need to make this dip. The exact measurements are in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

  • Canned Refried Beans: The base of this dip and what makes it so quick. Refried beans warm up smoothly and create a creamy, scoopable texture with very little effort.
  • Canned Green Chiles (Mild or Spicy): These add gentle heat and savory depth without overpowering the dip. Choose mild for a crowd-friendly version or spicy if you want more kick.
  • Fresh Lime Juice: A squeeze of lime brightens the entire dip and balances the richness of the beans. It's a small addition that makes a big difference.
  • Salsa (Mild or Spicy): Most of the flavor comes from the salsa, so choose one you love. Mild keeps things approachable, while a spicy salsa turns up the heat instantly.
  • Hot Sauce (Optional): Perfect for customizing the spice level. Add a few dashes for subtle heat or more if you like your dip bold and spicy.

This refried bean dip is intentionally simple, made with mostly pantry ingredients and ready in just five minutes. The flavor comes from ready-made staples like salsa and canned green chiles, while fresh lime juice adds brightness and balance.

How to Make This Refried Bean Dip

This dip comes together quickly on the stovetop and requires just one pan.

Top view of Bean Dip warming in a small red Dutch oven
  1. Warm the refried beans
    Add the refried beans to a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently until warmed through and smooth.
  2. Stir in the flavorings
    Add the green chiles, lime juice, salsa, and hot sauce (if using). Stir until fully combined and heated through.
  3. Taste and adjust
    Taste the dip and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve warm.

Bean Dip Recipe Serving Ideas

When the bean dip is ready (heated through) and you're ready to serve, spread the refried bean dip on a platter. Then comes the fun part: load it up with toppings!

For this recipe, I used shredded Mexican-flavored cheese, halved cherry tomatoes, thin slices of jalapenos, and fresh cilantro. Here are some more topping ideas that are also delicious:

  • Diced avocados
  • Peppers (like serrano)
  • Green onions
  • Cotija cheese
  • Pico de gallo
  • Green or red onions

And then pass the tortilla chips!

Top view of Bean Dip with fresh cilantro

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Yes. This dip can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring until smooth.

Is this dip spicy?

It can be. The spice level depends on the salsa, green chiles, and whether you add hot sauce. Use mild ingredients for a family-friendly version or spicy ones for more heat.

Can I make this dip in the microwave?

Absolutely. Warm the refried beans in a microwave-safe bowl, then stir in the remaining ingredients and heat in short intervals, stirring after each interval.

What should I serve with refried bean dip?

Tortilla chips are classic, but they're also great with pita chips, sliced bell peppers, or as a spread for nachos and quesadillas.

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A bowl of refried beans topped with sliced cherry tomatoes, cheese, and cilantro makes this the perfect Bean Dip Recipe, served with crispy tortilla chips and fresh cilantro in the background.

5 Minute Refried Bean Dip

This ultra-simple refried bean dip is ready in about 5 minutes with just a handful of ingredients you probably already have on hand. Warm refried beans are mixed with green chiles, lime juice, salsa, and optional hot sauce for a quick, creamy, and customizable dip that's perfect with chips, veggies, or as a topping for nachos.
4.7 from 14 votes
Print Pin Rate
Prep: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 (15-oz) cans refried beans
  • 1 (4-oz) can can green chilis mild or spicy
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice 1 lime
  • ½ cup salsa mild or spicy
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce
  • salt to taste

Topping Ideas

  • Shredded Mexican Cheese
  • ½ cup halved cherry tomatoes
  • Fresh cilantro chopped
  • Lime wedges
  • Choped jalapeno

Instructions

  • Warm refried beans on the stovetop and stir until creamy.
  • Stir in the green chilis, lime juice, salsa, and hot sauce, if using. Heat through and taste for seasoning and add salt and pepper if needed.
  • For the topping, half the cherry tomatoes while the refried beans are warming.
  • To serve, place the dip into a shallow dish (I like pasta plates), top with cheese while the refried beans are warm, and add tomatoes, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges on the side. Serve with tortilla chips.

Notes

  1. Make it mild or spicy: Swap mild salsa and green chiles for spicy versions to add heat. A few dashes of your favorite hot sauce amps it up even more.
  2. Serving ideas: Serve with tortilla chips, pita chips, sliced vegetables, or warm flour tortillas. It also makes a great layer in nachos or taco bowls.
  3. Make ahead: This dip can be made up to 24 hours ahead. Cover and chill, then reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
  4. Add cheese: Stir in shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack at the end, or sprinkle on top and melt under a broiler for a gooey finish.
  5. Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 79kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 0.1g | Saturated Fat: 0.01g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.03g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 793mg | Potassium: 60mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 185IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 45mg | Iron: 1mg
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Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.

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4.65 from 14 votes (14 ratings without comment)

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