Diversify the way you use refried beans with one of these flavorful recipes.
The Best Ways to Use Refried Beans
Updated on Feb. 15, 2024
Burrito Bake
Back when I was in college, my roommate would frequently make this economical baked burrito casserole. It’s so easy to put together, and one serving goes a long way. —Cindee Ness, Horace, North Dakota
1/15
2/15
Chipotle Carnitas
Total Time
10 hours 28 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a terrific recipe for your next weeknight dinner. Set out various toppings and garnishes so your family members can customize their own tostadas with the lime-kissed shredded pork. —Jan Valdez, Chicago, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 tostada: 269 calories, 15g fat (5g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 279mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 medium-fat meat, 1/2 starch.
3/15
Chicken Tostadas
Total Time
3 hours 10 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These flavorful tostadas are super easy and family friendly. You won't believe how tender and juicy the chicken comes out. Just load up the tostadas with your favorite fresh toppings, and you have one simple, sensational meal. —Lisa Kenny, Houston, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
2 tostadas: 378 calories, 17g fat (7g saturated fat), 103mg cholesterol, 858mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 36g protein.
4/15
Enchilada Stuffed Shells
Total Time
50 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I served this entree to my husband, my sister and my brother-in-law, who is a hard-to-please eater. He said he liked it and even took leftovers for lunch the next day—I was thrilled! —Rebecca Stout, Conroe, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
3 stuffed shells: 345 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 79mg cholesterol, 622mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 31g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 3 lean meat, 1 fat.
5/15
Mexican Lasagna
Total Time
1 hour 25 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I collect cookbooks and recipes (this one is from my son's mother-in-law). My husband teases me that I won't live long enough to try half of the recipes in my files! He loves this easy Mexican lasagna. —Rose Ann Buhle, Minooka, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 520 calories, 29g fat (16g saturated fat), 108mg cholesterol, 929mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 29g protein.
6/15
Refried Bean Tostadas
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 tostadas
From the Recipe Creator:
For a change of pace, you can substitute purchased tostada shells for tortillas or add more lettuce and use taco salad shells. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 tostada: 588 calories, 31g fat (10g saturated fat), 40mg cholesterol, 1250mg sodium, 60g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 12g fiber), 19g protein.
7/15
Deep-Dish Beef 'n' Bean Taco Pizza
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My whole family enjoys this dish that tastes like a taco and looks like a deep-dish pizza. The thick tasty crust can handle lots of toppings, so load it up for a bright, fun meal. —Nancy Circle, Perkins, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 469 calories, 16g fat (9g saturated fat), 60mg cholesterol, 1050mg sodium, 55g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 23g protein.
8/15
9/15
Refried Bean Dip
Total Time
2 hours 10 min
Servings
4-1/2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
My friends and neighbors expect me to bring this irresistible dip to every gathering. When I arrive, they ask, "You brought your bean dip, didn't you?" If there are any leftovers, we use them to make bean and cheese burritos the next day. —Wendi Wavrin Law, Omaha, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 55 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 151mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
10/15
Bean & Salsa Stuffed Pizza
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Get the party started with this out-of-the-box appetizer pizza. It has all the Mexican flavors you love packed into convenient slices! —Elizabeth Wright, Las Vegas, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 527 calories, 26g fat (11g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 1427mg sodium, 59g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 5g fiber), 12g protein.
11/15
Zippy Chicken Enchiladas
Total Time
50 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Leftover chicken gets an awesome makeover in this rich and creamy casserole. This colorful dish is loaded with flavor. It's a nice change of pace from beef enchiladas. —Julie Moutray, Wichita, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 487 calories, 23g fat (12g saturated fat), 95mg cholesterol, 1001mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 29g protein.
12/15
Brisket ‘n’ Bean Burritos
Total Time
4 hours 50 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This easy recipe is stuffed with not one, but two kinds of meat: smoky bacon and tender beef brisket. —Ruth Weatherford, Huntington Beach, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 burrito: 483 calories, 17g fat (7g saturated fat), 62mg cholesterol, 963mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 9g fiber), 33g protein.
13/15
Pan Burritos
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Our family loves Mexican food, so this flavorful, satisfying casserole is a favorite. It’s nice to be able to get the taste of burritos and to cut any serving size you want. —Joyce Kent, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 646 calories, 32g fat (15g saturated fat), 101mg cholesterol, 1379mg sodium, 52g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 5g fiber), 36g protein.
14/15
Black Bean and Beef Tostadas
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
You only need a handful of ingredients to make one of our family’s favorites. It's also easy to double for company! —Susan Brown, Kansas City, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
2 tostadas: 392 calories, 14g fat (4g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 1011mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 10g fiber), 23g protein.
15/15
Fast Refried Bean Soup
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe combines the ease of canned ingredients with the heartiness of chili. It will fill you up on cold afternoons or make a wonderful last-minute lunch. If you like it spicier, use medium or hot green chiles instead of mild.. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 117 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 720mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 5g protein.
