Eric - I've had success vacuum-sealing refried beans.  It's slick.  Heat them by putting them in boiling water.  After you're done, the clean-up is easy.  No messy pots to clean.  

I've been told any time you cook food in advance, especially meat, it will stay a lot longer.  For that reason, I precook then vacuum seal breakfast sausage and brats.  

prouboy