16 Recipes Using Refried Beans You Probably Haven’t Tried Yet

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If you’re like most of us, there’s probably a can or two of refried beans sitting in your pantry, waiting for their chance to shine. Refried beans, or “frijoles refritos,” are a staple in Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine, but their potential goes far beyond the usual sides and tacos. While the name might make you think the beans are fried twice, it’s really about them being “well fried” to perfection.

Here are 16 creative ways to use refried beans in dishes you may not have considered before.

Air Fryer Mexican Pizza

Air Fryer Mexican Pizza
Image Credit: The Food Hussy

Air Fryer Mexican Pizza is loaded with seasoned ground beef, refried beans, cheese, sauce, and tomatoes, which are then cooked in the air fryer! Once your taco meat is cooked, this takes only a few minutes to put together.

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Mexican Pizza

Carnitas Nachos

Carnitas Nachos
Image Credit: Cup Of Zest

Want to know how to make nachos even better? Add juicy, moist, and tender pork carnitas on top! These Carnitas Nachos are loaded with pulled pork carnitas, refried beans, melted cheese, salsa verde, and other toppings.

Get the Recipe: Carnitas Nachos

Chorizo Refried Beans

Chorizo Refried Beans
Image Credit: Smells Like Delish

Mexican-style chorizo beans (frijoles con chorizo) are a simple one-pot side dish or meal packed with rich flavor from hearty chorizo and spices.

Get the Recipe: Chorizo Refried Beans

Bean Tostadas

Easy Bean Tostadas
Image Credit: Bites of Wellness

These easy bean tostadas are a 15-minute dinner recipe! Crispy tortillas topped with homemade refried beans and corn salsa.

Get the Recipe: Easy Bean Tostadas

Frijoles Puercos Sinaloa Refried Beans

Frijoles Puercos Sinaloa Refried Beans
Image Credit: 24Bite Recipes

Bacon, chorizo, and melty cheese combine to create the perfect bean dip.

Get the Recipe: Frijoles Puercos Sinaloa Refried Beans

Vegan Refried Beans

Vegan Refried Beans
Image Credit: Keeping the Peas

Easy, creamy, homemade vegan refried beans are a protein-rich dip used in many Mexican-inspired recipes. They’re a handy recipe to keep on hand!

Get the Recipe: Vegan Refried Beans

Carne Picada

Carne Picada
Image Credit: Foodie and Wine

Carne picada, which directly translates from Spanish to “minced meat,” is a Latin American culinary term for finely chopped or ground meat. This recipe includes tender beef, tomatoes, peppers, onions, garlic, and bold spices. Enjoy the beef carne picada with rice and beans.

Get the Recipe: Carne Picada

Healthy Shrimp Fajita Bowls

Healthy Shrimp Fajita Bowls
Image Credit: One Wholesome Life

These quick and delicious Shrimp Fajita Bowls are great for busy weeknights or dinner parties, and they’re a hit with everyone!

Get the Recipe: Healthy Shrimp Fajita Bowls

Instant Pot Loaded Refried Beans

Instant Pot Loaded Refried Beans
Image Credit: Pressure Cook Recipes

Make Creamy, Rich Mexican Instant Pot Loaded Refried Beans (Pressure Cooker) with This Simple No-Soak, No-Canned Beans Method. Delicious fiesta bean dip! Enhance your classic Mexican Refried Beans recipe with this deliciously loaded Instant Pot Refried Beans!

Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Loaded Refried Beans

Instant Pot Refried Beans

Instant Pot Refried Beans
Image Credit: Pressure Cook Recipes

Creamy, easy homemade refried beans that require no soaking.

Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Refried Beans

Leftover Turkey Tacos Recipe

Leftover Turkey Tacos Recipe
Image Credit: Hey Mom! What’s Cooking?

This delicious and quick recipe for leftover turkey tacos with homemade seasoning is ready in 15 minutes. It’s a great way to use up leftovers.

Get the Recipe: Leftover Turkey Tacos Recipe

Plant Based Vegan Refried Beans

Plant Based Vegan Refried Beans
Image Credit: Traditional Plant-Based Cooking

This is the best Vegan Refried Beans recipe because it takes only 25 minutes to prepare, requires no oil, is ridiculously simple, and tastes incredible!

Get the Recipe: Plant Based Vegan Refried Beans

Sheet Pan Chicken Black Bean Quesadilla

Sheet Pan Chicken Black Bean Quesadilla
Image Credit: Kim Schob

Looking for a quesadilla that will feed the entire family? This sheet pan quesadilla is packed with chicken, black beans, sautéed vegetables, and Mexican spices.

It pairs well with avocado salad, rice, or even chips and salsa.

Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken Black Bean Quesadilla

Smoky Vegan Refried Beans Slow Cooker

Smoky Vegan Refried Beans Slow Cooker
Image Credit: Happy Veggie Kitchen

These vegan refried beans are simple to make in the slow cooker and are jam-packed with spices and flavor, including a delicious smoky edge.

Get the Recipe: Smoky Vegan Refried Beans Slow Cooker

Taco Lasagna Recipe

Taco Lasagna Recipe
Image Credit: A Food Lover’s Kitchen

This taco lasagna recipe combines layers of tortillas with refried beans, ground beef, corn, cheese, and traditional taco toppings.

Get the Recipe: Taco Lasagna Recipe

Vegan Tortas With Bbq Seitan Ribs

Vegan Tortas With Bbq Seitan Ribs
Image Credit: Yum Vegan Blog

Try these delicious vegan tortas for a burst of flavor and texture. You won’t be able to put them down! They’re stuffed with seitan, avocado, salsa, and more!

Get the Recipe: Vegan Tortas With Bbq Seitan Ribs

20 Tasty Bruschetta Recipes That Are Super Easy to Make

roasted grape crostini
Image Credit: Homestead How-To

With 20 recipes, you’ll find plenty of inspiration to impress your guests without requiring much time in the kitchen.

20 Tasty Bruschetta Recipes That Are Super Easy to Make

35 Delicious Dinner Recipes You Can Whip Up in 30 Minutes or Less

Peanut Butter Noodles 2800 011 edited scaled
Image Credit: Homestead How-To

We’ve put together this collection of recipes that you can have on the table in 30 minutes or less. These dishes are simple to make and incredibly tasty. We guarantee you’ll love them and won’t be disappointed!

35 Delicious Dinner Recipes You Can Whip Up in 30 Minutes or Less

23 Bell Pepper Dishes That Taste Incredible

Chicken stuffed peppers
Image Credit: Homestead How-To

From easy to healthy, these dishes highlight the beautiful colors and flavors of yellow, green, and red peppers, proving that nothing beats the sweetness and crispness of a freshly picked pepper. Here are 23 recipes to try.

23 Bell Pepper Dishes That Taste Incredible

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