Creative Ways to Use Up Leftover Refried Beans

Leftover refried beans can be quite versatile in the kitchen! Here are several ideas for using them up, ensuring you make the most of your ingredients and add flavor to your meals.

Burritos or Tacos

Spread refried beans on a tortilla and add your choice of fillings like cheese, rice, veggies, or meat. Roll them up for a delicious burrito or fill taco shells. These are perfect for quick, satisfying meals.

Bean Dip

Mix refried beans with salsa, cheese, and spices to create a quick bean dip. Serve it with tortilla chips or veggies for dipping. This dip is not only tasty but also a great way to incorporate leftover beans into your meal planning.

Enchiladas

Use refried beans as a filling for enchiladas. Roll them up in tortillas, top with enchilada sauce and cheese, then bake until bubbly. This dish is a favorite for special occasions or dinner parties.

Quesadillas

Spread refried beans on a tortilla, add cheese and any other desired ingredients, then cook on a skillet until the tortilla is crispy and the cheese melts. These quesadillas are a quick and easy option for a midday snack or meal.

Chili

Incorporate refried beans into a pot of chili for added creaminess and flavor. They can help thicken the chili as well. This is a fantastic way to add depth to your favorite chili recipe.

Breakfast Scramble

Add refried beans to scrambled eggs along with vegetables and cheese for a hearty breakfast. This option can be a nice change from traditional breakfasts and provides a nutritious start to the day.

Stuffed Peppers

Mix refried beans with rice, corn, and spices, then stuff the mixture into halved bell peppers and bake. This dish is perfect for a vegetarian main course or side dish.

Soup

Blend refried beans into a soup for added creaminess and protein. They work well in vegetable soups or tortilla soup. This method can elevate simple soups into something more substantial and flavorful.

Casserole

Layer refried beans in a casserole with tortillas, meat, cheese, and other ingredients, then bake until hot and bubbly. This is a comforting and filling main course that can be prepared ahead of time.

Pizza

Use refried beans as a base sauce on a pizza crust, then top with cheese, veggies, and any other toppings you like. This pizza variation is a fun and unconventional twist on the classic dish.

Additional Repurposing Tips for Plain Refried Beans

If your leftover refried beans are plain, no cheese or spices added, you can put them into a small saucepan. Use a potato masher to make sure any whole beans are well mashed, and thin the beans with milk, broth, or even water. This becomes a sauce base which you can season any way you like.

For example, I usually stir in a couple spoons of curry powder and fold in cooked cauliflower or other vegetables, even tofu or cooked meat. This transforms the beans into an instant curry, which I can serve with rice or naan. Another idea is to mash and thin the beans and add to a quick bread recipe like banana or pumpkin bread for a flavorful twist.

You could also spread the beans onto a burrito-sized tortilla, add cheese, and warm it up in the microwave or toaster oven to create a bean and cheese burrito. This method is simple and satisfying, as it combines the creaminess of beans with the comforting texture of cheese.

These ideas should help you make the most of your leftover refried beans while adding flavor and nutrition to your meals! Experiment with different fillings, seasonings, and cooking methods to create your own unique variations.