What to Serve with Refried Beans – 7 Incredible Side Dishes

As a Mexican, I grew up eating refried beans as a side dish. It’s a very common component of our cuisine. However, I’ve realized that not everyone is familiar with this dish. In fact, some people have never even heard of it! This is why I decided to write this article.

I know how challenging it can be to find good ideas for what to serve with refried beans. That’s why I’ve gathered a list of my favorite sides that pair well with this dish. Whether you’re looking for something savory or sweet, I’ve got you covered!

So, without further ado, let’s explore some of the best options for what to serve with refried beans!

List of Side Dishes for Refried Beans

1. Bean and Salsa Stuffed Pizza
2. Vegan Tacos
3. Beef Casserole
4. Refried Beans Tostadas
5. Mexican Lasagna
6. Burrito Bake
7. Enchilada Stuffed Shells

Bean and Salsa Stuffed Pizza

If you’re looking for a delicious way to change up your side dishes, then look no further than bean and salsa stuffed pizza. This hearty dish is packed with flavor and nutrients, and it’s easy to make using just a few simple ingredients.

Refried beans are the perfect base for this dish, and they provide a filling and satisfying texture. The salsa adds a fresh and zesty flavor, while the cheese provides a rich and creamy finish.

Best of all, this dish can be made in just minutes, so it’s perfect for busy weeknights. So go ahead and give bean and salsa stuffed pizza a try – your taste buds will thank you!

Quick Recipe: Bean and Salsa Stuffed Pizza

Ingredients:

• 1 pre-made pizza crust
• 1 cup refried beans
• 1 cup salsa
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
• 1/2 cup diced onions
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Average Cook Time:

20 minutes

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven as per pizza crust instructions.
2. Spread refried beans evenly over the pizza crust.
3. Spoon salsa over the beans.
4. Sprinkle diced bell peppers and onions.
5. Add cumin and paprika.
6. Top with shredded mozzarella.
7. Bake as per crust instructions or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Vegan Tacos

Vegan tacos make the perfect side dish for refried beans. Not only are they delicious, but they’re also packed with nutrients and fiber. Plus, they’re easy to make and can be customized to your liking. Simply add your favorite toppings, such as salsa, guacamole, or sour cream. And if you’re looking for a healthier option, you can swap out the tortillas for lettuce wraps.

However, there are a few things to keep in mind when making vegan tacos. First, be sure to use fresh ingredients. This will help to ensure that your tacos are full of flavor. Second, cook the vegetables thoroughly. This will help to prevent them from becoming mushy.

And finally, be sure to use high-quality vegan cheese. This will help to give your tacos the cheesy flavor that you crave without all the unhealthy ingredients.

Quick Recipe: Vegan Tacos

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked black beans
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 1/2 cup vegan cheese
• 1/2 cup vegan sour cream
• 4 corn tortillas
• 1 teaspoon taco seasoning
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Average Cook Time:

15 minutes

Instructions:

1. Warm the corn tortillas in a pan.
2. In a separate pan, heat the black beans and add taco seasoning.
3. Assemble tacos by layering beans, diced tomatoes, avocado slices, vegan cheese, and vegan sour cream.
4. Garnish with fresh cilantro.

Beef Casserole

A beef casserole is a hearty and tasty side dish that can take your refried beans up a notch.

This casserole is packed with nutrients, including protein, iron, and fiber, making it a great option if you’re looking for a healthier alternative to traditional sides like rice or potatoes. Plus, the rich flavor of the beef pairs perfectly with the creamy texture of refried beans.

However, be sure to cook the beef thoroughly to avoid any foodborne illness. Also, use lean ground beef to reduce the fat content. And finally, watch your portion size – a little goes a long way! If you follow these tips, you’ll be sure to enjoy a delicious and nutritious beef casserole that will complement your refried beans perfectly.

Quick Recipe: Beef Casserole

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Average Cook Time:

30 minutes

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Brown ground beef in a pan, draining excess fat.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine beef, cream of mushroom soup, cooked rice, and mixed vegetables.
4. Add garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
5. Transfer to a casserole dish and top with shredded cheddar.
6. Bake for 20 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Refried Beans Tostadas

Refried beans tostadas are a delicious and healthy side dish that can be enjoyed with a variety of different meals. The beans are high in fiber and protein, and they are a good source of vitamins and minerals. They are also low in fat and calories, making them an excellent choice for those who are trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight.

There are a few things to keep in mind when preparing refried beans tostadas. Be sure to use fresh beans and cook them until they are soft and easy to mash. Add plenty of spices and flavorings to taste. Be sure to use a high-quality tortilla shell. With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to enjoy a delicious and healthy meal that is packed with nutrients and flavor.

Quick Recipe: Refried Beans Tostadas

Ingredients:

• 4 tostada shells
• 1 can refried beans
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/4 cup diced onions
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon chili powder

Average Cook Time:

10 minutes

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Warm tostada shells in the oven for 3-5 minutes.
3. Heat refried beans in a pan, adding chili powder for flavor.
4. Spread a layer of refried beans on each tostada shell.
5. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and onions.
6. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese.
7. Add a dollop of sour cream on top before serving.

Mexican Lasagna

Mexican lasagna is a delicious and healthy side dish that can be enjoyed with refried beans. It is made with whole wheat tortillas, layered with salsa, refried beans, and cheese. The tortillas are then baked in the oven until they are crispy.

It is a good source of fiber and protein and it is low in fat and calories. Also, it can be served with a variety of toppings, such as sour cream, guacamole, or salsa. It is important to note that it can be high in sodium if it is made with processed cheese and store-bought salsa.

However, there are many ways to make this dish healthier by using low-fat cheese and homemade salsa. Overall, it is a nutritious and tasty side dish that can be enjoyed by all.

Quick Recipe: Mexican Lasagna

Ingredients:

• 8 corn tortillas
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 can enchilada sauce
• 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
• 1 cup diced bell peppers
• 1 cup diced onions
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika

Average Cook Time:

30 minutes

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Brown ground beef in a pan, draining excess fat.
3. Add cumin, paprika, diced bell peppers, and onions to the beef. Cook until vegetables are tender.
4. In a casserole dish, layer corn tortillas, beef mixture, and enchilada sauce.
5. Repeat layers, ending with a layer of tortillas.
6. Top with shredded Mexican cheese blend.
7. Bake for 20 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Burrito Bake

Looking for a delicious and healthy side dish to accompany your refried beans? Look no further than burrito bake! This simple dish is made by layering tortillas, beans, and cheese in a baking dish, then baking until hot and bubbly.

Not only is it delicious, but it’s also packed with nutrients. The tortillas provide fiber, while the beans are a good source of protein and iron. The cheese adds calcium and vitamins.

Plus, it’s easy to customize burrito bake to your liking.

For example, you can add diced tomatoes, onions, or peppers for extra flavor. And if you’re looking to lighten things up, you can use low-fat cheese or swap out the tortillas for whole wheat ones.

Best of all, it can be made ahead of time and reheated when you’re ready to eat. So next time you’re looking for a healthy and tasty side dish, give burrito bake a try!

Quick Recipe: Burrito Bake

Ingredients:

• 4 large flour tortillas
• 1 can refried beans
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 cup shredded chicken
• 1 cup salsa
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup diced jalapeños
• 1 teaspoon taco seasoning

Average Cook Time:

25 minutes

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine refried beans, cooked rice, shredded chicken, and taco seasoning.
3. Lay out each tortilla and evenly distribute the mixture among them.
4. Roll up each tortilla into a burrito shape.
5. Place the burritos seam-side down in a baking dish.
6. Top with salsa, diced jalapeños, and shredded cheddar cheese.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Enchilada Stuffed Shells

Enchilada stuffed shells make a great side dish for refried beans. They are packed with flavor and have a nice, hearty texture. Plus, they are a good source of fiber and protein.

These stuffed shells can be made ahead of time and reheated, so they are perfect for busy weeknights. However, they can also be a bit messy to eat. Here are some tips for enjoying them:

• Use a fork to help keep the filling inside the shell.
• Pair with a light salad or sautéed vegetables to balance out the richness of the dish.
• Add extra hot sauce or salsa on top for extra flavor.

Enchilada stuffed shells are a delicious and satisfying side dish. With a little planning, they can be easy to enjoy without making a big mess.

Quick Recipe: Enchilada Stuffed Shells

Ingredients:

• 12 jumbo pasta shells
• 1 can enchilada sauce
• 1 cup shredded chicken
• 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
• 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
• 1/2 cup diced onions
• 1 teaspoon cumin

Average Cook Time:

35 minutes

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, diced bell peppers, diced onions, and cumin.
4. Stuff each cooked pasta shell with the chicken mixture.
5. Pour a layer of enchilada sauce in a baking dish.
6. Place stuffed shells on top of the sauce.
7. Pour remaining enchilada sauce over the shells.
8. Top with shredded Mexican cheese blend.
9. Bake for 20 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to reheat refried beans?

The best way to reheat refried beans is by heating them in a microwave-safe dish. You can also reheat them in a skillet on the stovetop.

How long do refried beans last?

Refried beans can last for up to five days in the fridge or up to six months in the freezer.

Are refried beans keto-friendly?

Yes, refried beans are keto friendly. They’re low in carbs and contain a good amount of protein. They’re also a great source of fiber.

Can you freeze refried beans?

Yes, you can freeze refried beans. They will last for up to six months in the freezer.

What is a good side dish for Mexican food?

Some great side dishes to accompany Mexican food include rice, beans, tortillas, and salsa.

Conclusion

Refried beans are a versatile side dish that can be paired with many different entrées. In this article, we explored some of the best options for what to serve with refried beans.

We also offered suggestions for preparing each side dish, as well as what it will taste like when combined with refried beans.

So, whether you were looking for something savory or sweet, I included all options, so you have no difficulty in choosing the one that suits your palate the best!