22 Tested and Trusted Refried Beans Recipes You Should Add To Your Menu!

Refried beans are a traditional Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine staple. A dish of cooked beans mashed into a thick consistency with flavorings like jalapeno, chipotle, garlic, etc. They are (sometimes) further cooked in a frying pan with pork lard (depending on the region) or vegetable oil.

Although it could be eaten as a dish with sides or by itself, there are many ways you can repurpose or use refried beans to create tasty and amazing dishes, which is what I will be sharing today!

1. Refried Bean Tacos

Let’s start with these refried bean tacos, filled with flavor and delicious. This easy recipe with refried beans makes a simple, healthy, and filling meal.

For these refried bean tacos, extra ingredients such as sauteed onions, diced tomatoes, and spices were added for that extra flavor profile that makes all the difference. So, when recreating this recipe, please don’t fail to take the spare time to add the ingredients to the beans because they have a better consistency and taste heavenly.

If you recreate this recipe successfully, you will never look back again, and you can also add it to your tostadas, Mexican pizza, or vegan quesadillas!

2. Refried Bean Soup

If you are a soup lover with an affinity for Tex-Mex food, then you will enjoy this recipe!

This is one of those refried beans recipes that will win over even those who normally wouldn’t care for them because they are incorporated into the broth base of the soup. So, even if you don’t like refried beans because of their texture, you can still enjoy their amazing flavor without the texture!

This easy-to-make soup recipe can also be modified to suit the taste of either the cook or their family. You can go higher or lower on the heat level, add some sour cream for a creamier soup, etc.  

3. Huevos Rancheros

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/896357132062165428/

You can never go wrong with Mexican-inspired dishes when it comes to breakfast, especially if you are hungry, which is why this breakfast classic with a twist is perfect!

It is hearty, delicious, perfectly filling, and easy to make. For this refried beans recipe, you can alter it in many ways to suit your taste, either by using different toppings and accompaniments or cooking your eggs differently.

So, the only question left to answer is if you are in the mood for a hearty breakfast because this easy huevos rancheros recipe with refried beans is what you need.

4. Smothered Beef & Bean Burrito Bake

One thing you will love about these refried bean recipes is how easy they are to make; I also love that you can play around with the recipe and ingredients, adjust as you like, add where you want, and reduce where you feel.

This smothered beef and bean burrito is one such dish that allows you to play around a bit. It is an easy Mexican-inspired casserole recipe (I love those) made from flour tortillas and stuffed with ground cheese and refried beans, then smothered in sauce.

If you have picky eaters at home who steer clear of veggies, this recipe is perfect because you will find it easy to incorporate veggies without their knowledge, LOL!

5. Mexican Lasagna

For this refried beans recipe, I am bringing you a delicious twist on lasagna as you know it, with corn tortillas, refried beans, ground beef, cheese, and taco sauce! It is an easy recipe that is great for a family setting and can also be made beforehand.

If you love Mexican food, this recipe is no different because instead of noodles, we have tortillas and a Mexican beef mixture instead of the spaghetti sauce normally used in a traditional lasagna dish.

There are many things to love about this dish, especially how it is a great pantry meal and how you can swap different ingredients to suit your taste and style!

6. Chicken & Refried Bean Enchiladas Recipe

If you love enchiladas, you will enjoy this refried bean enchiladas recipe. I mean, who doesn’t love Mexican-inspired dishes?

This recipe is quite easy to make, requires just 8 ingredients, and makes for a very hearty and filling lunch or early dinner; it is also a nice change from regular enchiladas.

You can also use any leftover chicken, which will turn out great. And if you have any enchiladas left, you can keep them in the fridge and heat them in the microwave whenever you want to have them again!

7. Vegan Quesadilla Recipe with Avocado

Are you looking for a vegan, flavor-packed, nutritious, and easy-to-make dinner? Then look no further than this quesadilla recipe with refried beans, avocado, and lots of vegetables!

You don’t have to miss out on a delicious and balanced meal because you are making cheeseless quesadillas for dinner!

Although this recipe calls for baking your quesadillas in the oven (because it is easier), you can easily pan-fry them.

Because quesadillas primarily use cheese and meat, this recipe replaces them with refried beans as the protein source, and avocado is used instead of cheese for a flavorful and satisfying vegan quesadilla!

8. Mexican Pizza

If you think Mexican pizzas are great, wait until you taste this copycat Mexican pizza. They are better tasting and healthier than the Taco Bell ones you love.

They are made with ground beef, refried beans, and cheesecake baked inside corn tortillas, and they are every bit delicious (nothing beats homemade).

What I love the most about this recipe is that it’s easy and pantry-friendly; it tastes warm from the oven. Also, if you have any leftovers, you can store them in the refrigerator covered for up to a week, then reheat them in an air-fryer, microwave, or on the stove in a skillet. 

9. Chicken Nachos with Refried Beans

Who doesn’t love nachos? I know I do, and this basic nacho recipe with refried beans is even better because it can be modified to use anything you have in your fridge and pantry, including leftovers!

You can also use any meat you like (have), including taco meat, fajitas, crawfish, etc., because they are all wonderful combinations, and your nachos will come out great.

This recipe takes 20 minutes to assemble and can be devoured in minutes. It can also be adapted to individual servings that can be done in the microwave (optional).

10. Refried Bean Enchiladas with Jalapeno Cheese Sauce

I will start by saying that this refried bean recipe is not super novel or groundbreaking. It is all the more reason to love it because it is flipping delicious and easy to put together!

These refried enchiladas are stuffed with veggies, beans (basically anything you like) and topped with jalapeno cheese sauce. No trendy ingredient is needed, just the regular stuff!

Since this recipe is very adaptable, this would be a good (delicious) opportunity to clear your fridge and stuff your enchiladas with all the veggies you can find, along with some spices and your favorite refried beans!

11. Tostadas (With Chorizo and Beans)

It takes just a few ingredients to make tostadas at home, and for this recipe, store-bought tostada shells and canned refried beans are perfect.

Tostadas are simple to make, crunchy, and filling, and will always make the perfect meal because everyone makes theirs the way they want. You can do just that if you wish to add extra guac or a bucket load of hot sauce!

For this tostadas recipe, chorizo is the start of the dish and brings it all together nicely, so be sure to go for the best chorizo on the shelf! 

12. Epic Beef Nachos Supreme

Make these epic beef nachos supreme at your next family event, and rest assured, they will be an instant hit. Still, you don’t need a special occasion to recreate this delicious refried beans recipe!

For this recipe, seasoned ground beef, refried beans, cheese, tomatoes, and green onions make a delightful flavor combination. You are welcome to go as heavy or light on the toppings as you like, so long as your tortilla chip can handle the weight.

So, you want to start with a sturdy chip, not the thin and crispy ones, so your epic toppings will have a good base. Also, you can use any seasoning you like to season your ground beef!

13. Crisp Bean Burritos

Here is one of the refried bean recipes that are quick and easy to make and makes for a delicious meal.

Crisp bean burritos are Taco Time, a copycat recipe filled with flavor and cheesy goodness popularly known as “Flautas” to most people.

These crisp bean burritos are filled with cheesy refried beans wrapped inside a flour tortilla. You may deep fry or bake them if you like; they will still be delicious either way!

The best part of this recipe is that it requires only three ingredients that you most definitely have around to make. But they are very delicious and make for super quick lunches and dinners!

14. Spinach & Refried Bean Quesadilla

This spinach and refried bean quesadilla is yet another refried bean recipe that is adaptable to individual tastes and styles. It is packed with texture and flavor and comes together in less than fifteen minutes. And it can be had as an appetizer or main dish!

Although this recipe is vegan and gluten-free, you can quickly adjust it and swap out the ingredients you don’t particularly care for with non-vegan and gluten-present ingredients.

Spicy refried beans used in this recipe make cooking the quesadilla even faster because the refried beans already have all the spices you need.

15. Vegetarian Refried Bean Taquitos

Here is yet another Mexican-inspired refried bean recipe that I thoroughly enjoy making, and you will, too.

This vegetarian refried bean taquito is so good that even non-vegetarians will enjoy it with no qualms because, honestly, who doesn’t love refried beans?

Besides how good the dish is, the best part of this recipe is that it is super pocket-friendly and requires mostly shelf-stable ingredients.

So, instead of the good ole’ Taco Tuesday (that we still love), why not do a taquito Tuesday and make this delicious, refried bean taquito instead?

16. Mexican Casserole

At this point, you can tell that Mexican-inspired dishes are my favorites, and I accept that with all my heart, especially considering how good this Mexican casserole is.

This dish has extra cheesy layers of chicken (goody!) and refried beans with corn tortillas and veggies. I guarantee you it will be an instant hit at home.

Also,  you can assemble your Mexican casserole before dinner and pop it right into the oven when it comes. You will have a warm, filling, and delicious dinner in about 20 – 25 minutes!

17. Refried Beans & Rice Skillet

You know how you immediately stir a plate of rice and beans together before you start eating it? That is what this recipe imitates but a lot better!

Refried beans and rice skillet is a speedy yet delicious meal that comes together in minutes, literally!

If you have a skillet at home (who doesn’t?), then you are halfway through making dinner, combine all the good stuff and top your skillet (or servings) with shredded cheese, chopped-up cilantro, or anything that makes sense for you!

18. Oven-Baked Ground Beef Chimichanga

If you are looking for the perfect meal for any busy weeknight, why not try this oven-baked ground beef chimichanga recipe with refried beans?

This recipe is not only delicious and simple to put together, but it is much healthier than the classic deep-fried chimichanga.

For this recipe, flour tortillas are filled with refried beans, salsa, cheese, and ground beef and baked to the perfect crispy finish. And in less than 40 minutes, your baked chimichanga will be on the table, ready to be devoured! 

19. Cheesy Bean & Rice Burritos

There is a lot to love when it comes to this cheesy bean and rice burrito, especially how easy it is to put together and how every bite is filled with refried beans, salsa rice, and melted cheese!

They are so filling and tasty; the recipe requires simple ingredients that make every bite flavorful. It also requires the least effort to assemble and can be stored in the freezer to be eaten later.

Did I mention that they are also meatless? So, if you want a great meatless recipe to add to your menu, this cheesy bean and rice burrito is the perfect addition! 

20. Refried Bean and Cheese Enchiladas

This refried bean and cheese recipe is perfect for any occasion, from an intimate and cozy dinner party to a family dinner!

What I love about them (and I am sure you too will) is that you can make them ahead of time; they are easy to make, all age groups can enjoy them, and they are packed with plant-based protein!

You can also make variations of this recipe to fit your taste because it is adaptable and will be as delicious as this! 

21. Mexican Bean Dip

This Mexican restaurant-style dip is one way to turn a simple can of refried beans into a delightful and savory dip for tortilla chips.

Refried beans are commonly used as a dip, but this recipe spices them up, and it is such a welcome upgrade to the plain, boring dip you’ve always had.

How? By adding ingredients like sour cream, cream cheese, hot sauce, etc., then stirring in melted Mexican cheeses, and voila, you have a homemade refried bean dip that is so delicious and tastier than the regular stuff! 

22. Refried Bean Quesadillas

If you have a can of refried beans and have no idea what to make with them, this refried bean quesadilla recipe is one you will love. It is easy to make (probably the easiest quesadilla you’ll ever make), super tasty, and requires just 5 ingredients!

You can either use store-bought salsa or make yours at home, just be sure to get fresh ones from the store because they are usually less watery than the ones in jars. I have also found that flour tortillas work best for this quesadilla recipe because corn tortillas tend to tear more easily when folded.