Have you ever spent hours cooking beans only to find they turned out bland and watery? Beans can be absolutely delicious when prepared properly. But sometimes you want them — or even need them — to be thicker.

So what’s the best way to achieve that perfect consistency?

There are multiple ways to thicken beans. Continue reading, and we’ll go over my favorites. A simple slurry of cornstarch and water works well when cooked into the mixture. Adding tomato paste, ketchup (this method’s a winner if you’re cooking for kids), or instant potato flakes can also help thicken and reduce the liquid.

If you prefer to avoid additives, you can puree some of the beans themselves to create a thicker texture.

You can use different techniques depending on what you have on hand and the flavor profile you’re aiming for. Some methods require additional ingredients, while others just need a bit of tweaking without adding more components. If runny beans aren’t your thing (and honestly, whose are they?), check out these proven methods for thickening beans.

Cook the Liquid Down to Thicken Beans

When your beans are cooked but your soup or stew is too runny, strain the beans — and any other vegetables — and simmer the sauce over medium heat, stirring frequently, until it reduces and thickens.

If you don’t want to strain the ingredients, simply simmer the entire soup or stew over low heat, stirring often, until enough liquid evaporates and the sauce thickens.

This method is straightforward but may take time since you need to maintain a low heat to prevent burning. It’s perfect when you’re not in a rush and want to preserve the original flavor of your beans without adding anything else.

Mash Some Beans to Thicken the Sauce

Pureeing a portion of the beans is an excellent way to thicken bean soup or stew. This method doesn’t change the dish’s flavor since you’re using the beans themselves as the thickening agent — it’s brilliantly simple!

Remove about 1/4 to 1 cup of beans, depending on your batch size and desired thickness. Mash them using a blender, potato masher, or fork until smooth and uniform. Return the mashed beans to your pot, stir well, and simmer for at least 10-15 minutes to bind everything together.

Make a Slurry to Thicken Beans

Creating a slurry is one of the most common methods for thickening foods, including beans. You can use all-purpose flour or other flours you have available. Cornstarch also works particularly well.

Mix about one tablespoon of flour or cornstarch with twice as much water or broth and whisk until smooth. Add this mixture to your simmering beans while stirring quickly. The sauce will begin to thicken within a few minutes.

Adjust the measurements based on how much liquid you’re working with and your desired thickness. This method won’t significantly change the flavor, though it might slightly dilute your seasonings, so be prepared to adjust salt and spices as needed.

Add Instant Mashed Potatoes to Thicken Beans

Instant mashed potatoes are a fantastic ingredient for thickening bean sauce. Unflavored varieties still add their own subtle taste and can enhance your dish’s heartiness.

Keep in mind this will subtly alter the flavor profile by adding a potato undertone. Mix 1-2 tablespoons with a little water or broth, add it to your beans, and stir well. You’ll notice the sauce beginning to thicken almost immediately.

Add Instant Soup Mix to Thicken Beans

Instant soup powder effectively thickens and flavors beans. Mix about a tablespoon or two with water or broth, add to your beans, and stir thoroughly. The sauce will thicken quickly.

Remember that instant soup mixes are typically salty. If you’ve already seasoned your beans, you might want to consider a different method from this list.

Use Tomato Paste to Thicken Beans

Tomato paste is an excellent ingredient when cooking beans. While fresh tomatoes add flavor, they don’t provide the same thickening power as tomato paste.

Add a couple tablespoons of tomato paste during cooking or toward the end if you notice the sauce is too thin. Let it simmer for a few minutes to incorporate fully. The concentrated paste will give your sauce a rich thickness and depth of flavor.

Add Ketchup to Thicken Beans

For slight thickening, try adding a few tablespoons of ketchup. Its thick consistency can help make beans less watery.

If your beans are very runny and you want to use ketchup, consider reducing the liquid first, then adding the ketchup. Unless you use a substantial amount, ketchup won’t dramatically thicken your sauce.

This method works best for those who enjoy ketchup’s distinctive sweet-tangy flavor profile.

Use Less Water for Thicker Beans

Using less water might seem obvious, but it’s worth mentioning as a preventative measure. Once beans are already cooked and too watery, this tip won’t help much.

To prevent runny beans from the start, be conservative with water. Start with half the amount your recipe calls for — you can always add more later. It’s much easier to add liquid than to reduce it.

Add Pureed Vegetables to Thicken Beans

Pureed vegetables can thicken any sauce effectively. Carrots, celery, and potatoes create good neutral-flavored purees, though they will subtly change your beans’ taste.

Puree one medium-sized carrot or potato and add it to your beans. Stir thoroughly and simmer for a few minutes to blend the flavors. The sauce will thicken almost immediately while adding extra nutrition.

Add Chopped Vegetables to Thicken Beans

Another excellent approach is adding chopped vegetables directly to your beans. This creates a heartier, more nutritious meal while naturally absorbing excess liquid.

Add your preferred vegetables — carrots, potatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, etc. — chopped into bite-sized pieces. They’ll cook alongside the beans, absorbing liquid while contributing flavor. You might even need to add water to prevent the mixture from becoming too dry.

Conclusion

Next time your beans turn out too watery, try one of these foolproof methods to achieve your desired consistency. Choose based on convenience, available ingredients, and the flavor profile you’re aiming for. With these techniques in your culinary arsenal, you’ll never suffer through watery beans again.