How should I store these cooked beans?

Question

I just cooked some kidney beans. I cooked 2 cups worth of dry beans and now I have too much. How long would they last in the fridge? Can I freeze em?

Answer 1

I would only recommend a few days in the fridge. You could also try refried beans out of them? Just take the beans that are cooked and mush them up like you are mashing potatos and put a small amount of oil in a pan and fry them until there is no liquid left in the pan. Good for Nachos,Fajitas,Quesadillas,etc. Or use them for chili before you mash them up. :)

Answer 2

I agree with everyone and would add puree them into a mash and place the mash in Ziplok bags and freeze, then when you make a pot of chili or soup and need a thickener or protein element, then add a defrosted or partly frozen bag to the dish, even defrost add some chili powder and other spices, and use a  burrito filling or veggie enchiladas, even a bean dip for a movie night.

Answer 3

The best way to freeze them is on a baking sheet lined with parchment or wax paper and try not to have them touching too much. A chest freezer might be the best for this but if you can keep the cookie sheet flat in your fridge freezer then go for it! After completely frozen throw in a Ziploc bag and use whenever you like : )

Answer 4

Absolutely.

I cook 6 cups of beans at the time.

It’s a better to undercook them.  Like 30 minutes less than the suggested cooking times.  Undercooking will help the beans maintain their shape and texture as they thaw and reheat.

  Freeze them in 2 portions so they’ll be easy to thaw and use. Freezer containers should be airtight and moisture proof.  Leave enough space at the top of the container for expansion of the beans.  Fill the container to 1 to 1½ inches from the top, making sure the beans are covered with liquid so they won't dry out.

Cooked beans will keep in the freezer 2 to 3 months.  After that time their flavor and texture will begin to deteriorate.