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 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
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
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
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
Bacon, chorizo, and melty cheese combine to create the perfect bean dip.
Get the Recipe: Frijoles Puercos Sinaloa Refried Beans
Vegan Refried Beans
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, 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
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
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
Creamy, easy homemade refried beans that require no soaking.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Refried Beans
Leftover Turkey Tacos Recipe
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
