This post may contain affiliate links. By browsing this website, you agree to our privacy policy and terms of use.
Need ideas on how to use up leftover refried beans? We’ve got you covered. From tacos and tortas to crunchwrap supremes, Mexican pizza, enchiladas and more, save this post and you'll always have many ideas to choose from to use up refried beans.
Save this Post!
We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!
One of my favorite ways to save money on food is to reduce food waste. Feeding America states, “In the United States, people waste 92 billion pounds of food annually, equal to 145 billion meals. [We] throw away over $473 billion worth of food annually. Shockingly, [we] waste 38% of all the food in America.”
That's a LOT of wasted food and money!
My favorite way to minimize food waste is to meal plan carefully (learn exactly How to Meal Plan to Save Money) and incorporate at least one leftovers night into my weekly meal plan.
Every Thursday, I clean out the fridge, gather up all the leftovers, and put together an easy meal using leftovers. Think of it like your own personal, fun episode of Food Network's Chopped 😉
This simple habit has prevented food from getting pushed to the back of the fridge and has saved my family tons of money!
How to Use Leftover Refried Beans
So if you've cleaned out the fridge and found a Tupperware of leftover refried beans or refried black beans, you're in luck! I've rounded up 25 budget-friendly ways to use up those beans so you won't waste any food or money.
Now as you may know, an overwhelming majority of the recipes I share here are vegetarian and/or plant-based. This is because eating a plant-based diet is proven to be significantly cheaper than eating meat.
Some of the recipe ideas in this collection are made with ground beef. If you want to make the recipes with a cheaper swap, simply add additional refried beans, cooked lentils, or swap in my Homemade Vegan Ground Beef or Vegan Tempeh Walnut Taco Meat.
You can also make the vegetarian recipes 100% plant-based with these popular swaps:
- Cashew Sour Cream
- Avocado Crema (vegan)
- Vegan Cashew Mozzarella Cheese
- Tofu Mozzarella (no nuts, no oil)
- Best Vegan Nacho Cheese
Now without further ado, here are my favorite recipes to use up leftover refried beans!
1
Easy Vegan Tortas (Mexican Sandwich)
These Vegan Tortas are filled with juicyVegan Carne Asada,Refried Black Beans,Cilantro Lime Sauce, and tons of fresh veggies. It's the ultimate leftovers recipe and is one of my favorite recipes of all time.
Get The Recipe
2
Bean and Cheese Burritos
Classic bean and cheese burritos filled with flavorful and creamy refried beans, diced onions, and two types of shredded melty cheese!
Credit: isabeleats.com
3
Bean And Cheese Tamales
Bean and cheese tamales made with red masa, filled with refried beans and cheese, then steamed to tender perfection and served drizzled with your favorite salsa. These tamales are made with humble ingredients but are bursting with royal flavors!
Credit: mexicanmademeatless.com
4
Easy Bean Dip Recipe
Easy Bean Dip is a delicious party dip loaded with refried beans, cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and heaps of taco inspired seasoning!
Credit: spendwithpennies.com
5
Taco Pizza
Taco Pizza is a delicious Tex-Mex twist on the usual pizza night! Crust is topped with refried beans, salsa, ground beef, and cheese.
Credit: isabeleats.com
6
Crispy Refried Bean Tacos Recipe
Switch things up on Taco Tuesday with these Crispy Refried Bean Tacos! Creamy refried beans and cheese folded in a buttery flour tortilla, then pan-fried until ultra crispy. It's the perfect weeknight meal when you're short on time and fresh ingredients.
Get The Recipe
7
Vegan Huevos Rancheros with Tofu Scramble
Vegan huevos rancheros are bursting with flavor and make a fantastic vegan brunch. They're loaded with vegan cheese, tofu scramble, refried beans, and the best rancheros sauce you've ever had.
Credit: sweetsimplevegan.com
8
The Best Vegan Nachos
Wow the crowd (or your fam or yourself) with the best vegan nachos… ready in just 25 minutes! These awesome vegan nachos are loaded with refried beans, vegan queso, vegan taco meat, guacamole, and all your favorite toppings.
Credit: rainbowplantlife.com
9
Crispy Cauliflower Rice Tacos
Lighter and loaded with healthy goodies, these crispy cauliflower rice tacos are a great choice for Taco Tuesday! These awesome vegan tacos are loaded with chipotle walnut taco meat, refried beans, crispy shells, and vegan ranch sauce.
Credit: thissavoryvegan.com
10
Potato and Bean Quesadillas
You only need 5 ingredients to make these tasty potato and bean quesadillas. Picky eaters and those who cook for picky eaters will love this easy and delicious recipe.
Credit: sweetsimplevegan.com
11
Mexican pizza
This recipe is a homemade twist on the classic Taco Bell menu item. Swap the traditional pizza crust for tortillas and the pizza sauce for refried beans and enjoy the flavors of Mexican pizza!
Credit: dinnersdishesanddesserts.com
12
Mexican Twice Baked Potatoes
Warm baked potatoes meets tacos in this Mexican twice baked potatoes recipe that is the perfect twist on a Taco Tuesday! A new way to serve potatoes.
Credit: tastesoflizzyt.com
13
Easy Vegetarian Bean Enchiladas
The filling for these cheesy vegetarian enchiladas combines refried beans, blackbeans with my homemade red enchilada sauce. Ready within 40 minutes!
Credit: forkinthekitchen.com
14
25-Minute Vegetarian Skillet Fajitas
Weeknight dinners have never been easier than with stovetop skillet fajitas! Saucy, tender fajita veggies paired with refried beans for a satisfying meatless meal!
Credit: forkinthekitchen.com
15
Air Fryer Vegan Rolled Tacos
These Air Fryer Vegan Rolled Tacos are filled with beans and avocado before being layered with all of your favorite taco toppings. Simple and quick!
Credit: thissavoryvegan.com
16
Vegan Taco Casserole
This quick and easy Vegan Taco Casserole is packed with protein and delicious Tex-Mex flavors! Serve it as a fun party dip with tortilla chips or over fluffy rice for a hearty dinner.
Credit: frommybowl.com
17
Authentic Mexican Molletes
Mexico’s twist on bruschetta! This Mexican Molletes recipe uses seasoned refried beans and two cheeses on toasted bread with pico de gallo on top.
Credit: keviniscooking.com
18
7-Layer Dip Recipe
7 Layer Dip has seven distinct layers, each offering a delicious blend of Mexican-inspired flavors and textures. No cooking required—just layer and enjoy!
Credit: natashaskitchen.com
19
Breakfast Tacos
Quick and easy breakfast tacos with eggs, refried black beans and cheese. Add your favorite toppings for a satisfying breakfast or fast dinner!
Credit: wellplated.com
20
Carne Asada Fries
Carne Asada Fries are a San Diego staple and a fun way to serve grilled carne asada. Crispy fries loaded with meat, cheese, refried beans, and guac! I would make these with my cheaper, vegan carne asada!
Credit: somuchfoodblog.com
21
Street Corn Tacos
These street corn tacos are made with fresh sweet corn cooked a creamy chili lime sauce and stuffed into warm tortillas with refried beans.
Credit: connoisseurusveg.com
22
Vegan Quesadillas (Sheet Pan Recipe)
I don’t think you’re ready for this incredible vegan quesadillas recipe that can be made in a single sheet pan!
Credit: plantyou.com
23
Vegan Tamale Pie Recipe
Slow cooker vegan tamale pie is a comforting and flavorful dish that turns the traditional Mexican tamale into a convenient, delicious slow cooker meal It's packed with tender vegetables, vegan beef, and spices, and a soft and fluffy masa topping.
Get The Recipe
24
Totchos (Tater Tot Nachos!)
Impress everyone with this totchos recipe! Tater tot nachos are endless fun, crispy and loaded with all the best toppings, including refried beans!
Credit: acouplecooks.com
25
Black Bean Tostadas with Avocado Salsa
These Black Bean Tostadas with Avocado Salsa are layered with refried beans, seasoned black beans and chunky avocado corn salsa.
Credit: thissavoryvegan.com
How to Freeze Leftover Refried Beans
No time to cook one of these delicious recipes? No problem. Transfer the leftover refried beans to silicone Souper Cubes and freeze for up to 3 months.
I like to freeze my beans using their 2-Cup Souper Cubes. If you'd like to buy your own freezer cubes, use my code HOMECOOKEDROOTS10 for 10% off!
When ready to eat, reheat directly from frozen in the microwave for 7-8 minutes. Enjoy!
Free ebook
Plus get a free cookbook with 12 Dirt Cheap Dinner Ideas that’ll cost you $2 or less per serving.
