Beans are a staple in countless recipes—soups, stews, chili, and more. But sometimes they turn out too thin or watery, leaving you wondering how to thicken beans without ruining the flavor. The good news: there are several easy, kitchen-tested ways to get perfectly thick, hearty beans. Here’s a complete guide with step-by-step methods, pro tips, and tools that make the job easier.
Quick Answer
You can thicken beans by mashing some beans, simmering longer, adding a thickener (flour, cornstarch, or roux), stirring in vegetables, or blending part of the pot. The method you choose depends on the recipe and your preferred texture.
Best Methods for Thickening Beans
1. Mash Some of the Beans
Use a spoon, potato masher, or immersion blender to mash a portion of the beans. The natural starches will thicken the broth.
- Best for: Soups, chili, baked beans.
- How-to: Remove 1 cup of beans, mash, then stir back in.
2. Simmer to Reduce Liquid
Remove the lid and let your beans cook uncovered. The extra liquid will evaporate, leaving a thicker consistency.
- Best for: Chili, stews, slow cooker beans.
- Tip: Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
3. Add a Thickening Agent
If you need results fast, use a common thickener.
- Cornstarch Slurry: Mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp cold water, stir into beans.
- Flour Slurry: Mix 2 tbsp flour with water, stir in, simmer until thickened.
- Roux: Cook equal parts flour and butter, then stir into beans for rich thickness.
4. Blend a Portion
Use an immersion blender or transfer some beans to a blender. Blend until smooth and stir back in.
- Best for: Creamy bean soups, refried beans.
- Tool: Immersion blenders make this quick and mess-free.
5. Add Vegetables
Stirring in diced potatoes, carrots, or squash will add natural starches that thicken the beans as they cook down.
Comparison: Thickening Methods
| Method | How It Works | Best For | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mash Beans | Starch released from beans | Chili, soups | Natural, flavorful | Can change texture |
| Simmer | Evaporation reduces liquid | Stews, baked beans | No added ingredients | Takes longer |
| Cornstarch/Flour | Added starch thickens liquid | Quick fix | Fast results | Can dull flavor if overused |
| Blending | Pureed beans thicken naturally | Soups, creamy dishes | Very smooth texture | May lose chunky consistency |
| Add Veggies | Starchy vegetables cook down | Rustic stews | Boosts nutrition & flavor | Changes recipe slightly |
Pro Tips for Perfectly Thick Beans
- Start with less liquid—you can always add more later.
- If beans are too watery, uncover the pot and simmer.
- A potato masher is your best friend for quick thickening.
- For chili, add a tablespoon of tomato paste—it thickens and adds depth of flavor.
Quick Picks: Best Tools for Thickening Beans
- Best Overall: KitchenAid Immersion Blender — Perfect for blending beans directly in the pot.
- Best Budget: OXO Good Grips Potato Masher — Inexpensive and easy for mashing beans.
- Best Premium: All-Clad Stainless Steel Dutch Oven — Ideal for slow-simmering beans and soups.
Buyer’s Guide: Choosing Tools for Beans
- Immersion Blenders: Best for creamy soups or refried beans.
- Potato Mashers: Quick and simple way to release starch from beans.
- Dutch Ovens: Retain steady heat for reducing liquid naturally.
FAQ
Can I thicken beans without flour or cornstarch?
Yes—mash some beans, simmer longer, or blend a portion for natural thickening.
How do restaurants get creamy beans?
They often mash or blend a portion of beans, use roux for depth, or reduce liquid slowly for flavor concentration.
Can I use instant mashed potatoes to thicken beans?
Yes, adding a tablespoon or two of instant potato flakes will quickly thicken beans while keeping flavor neutral.
Will beans thicken as they cool?
Yes, beans naturally thicken a bit as they rest and cool, since starches set up in the liquid.
Conclusion
Thickening beans is simple and can be done in several ways. Whether you mash, simmer, blend, or add a thickener, you can control the consistency without compromising flavor.
For everyday cooking, a KitchenAid Immersion Blender and a sturdy Dutch oven are game-changing tools that make thickening beans effortless.
Shop the best bean-cooking tools today and enjoy hearty, perfectly thick beans every time.