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What to Serve With Refried Beans: 15 Best Side Dishes

Refried beans are a delightful companion to many dishes, adding a rich and satisfying element to your meals. Pair them with a Chicken Burrito Bowl for a hearty option, or enjoy the savory goodness of Birria Tacos. Tostadas offer a crunchy delight topped with beans, while Steak Fajitas provide a sizzling array of flavors. For a vegetarian twist, Mushroom Tacos are perfect with their umami richness. Tamales, Taco Casserole, Taquitos, and Mexican Rice also pair excellently with refried beans. These options create a delicious and balanced meal experience that you'll love exploring further.

Chicken Burrito Bowl

tasty mexican inspired lunch option

A Chicken Burrito Bowl is a versatile and flavorful dish that pairs excellently with refried beans. This Mexican-inspired meal features seasoned chicken, rice, black beans, corn, salsa, guacamole, and cheese, complementing the creamy texture of refried beans perfectly.

As a side, the beans add a rich, satisfying element to the bowl, making it a popular choice for a quick, delicious meal.

Birria Tacos

delicious beef filled tortillas

Moving from the hearty Chicken Burrito Bowl, Birria Tacos offer a rich and savory option, featuring tender shredded meat slow-cooked with aromatic spices.

As a staple of traditional Mexican food, these tacos bring the essence of Mexico to your table. Topped with onions, cilantro, and lime, they are often served with a side of consomé, making them a delightful pairing with refried beans.

Tostadas

crispy tortilla with toppings

Tostadas, a quintessential Mexican dish, feature a fried or toasted tortilla as the base, generously topped with creamy refried beans. This delightful combination offers a crunchy texture that beautifully complements the smooth, creamy consistency of the beans.

Easy to assemble and highly customizable, tostadas can be adorned with toppings like lettuce, cheese, salsa, and avocado, making them a versatile and tasty option.

Steak Fajitas

flavorful sizzling peppers onions

Complementing the delightful crunch of tostadas, steak fajitas bring a sizzling array of flavors with tender strips of marinated steak and vibrant sautéed vegetables. This Tex-Mex favorite features bell peppers and onions, wrapped in warm tortillas.

Served with side dishes like sour cream, guacamole, and salsa, steak fajitas offer a customizable, flavorful experience perfect for gatherings or weeknight meals.

Mushroom Tacos

vegan taco recipe featuring mushrooms

Mushroom tacos offer a delectable vegetarian twist, delivering a satisfying umami flavor and a meaty texture that rivals traditional meat-based tacos.

This versatile recipe can feature mushrooms like portobello or shiitake, and can be customized with toppings such as avocado, salsa, and cheese.

As side dishes to serve, consider refried beans, making it an ideal option for those seeking delicious vegetarian meals.

Guacamole

avocado based dip with herbs

Guacamole, with its creamy texture and vibrant flavors, serves as an ideal companion to refried beans, enhancing the overall dining experience with its invigorating and nutritious profile.

Made from creamy avocado and lime juice, it's both invigorating and rich. Pair it with tortilla chips for a delightful crunch.

This classic Mexican side dish is not only delicious but also packed with healthy fats and vitamins.

Carne Asada

grilled beef street tacos

Carne Asada, a beloved Mexican dish, features grilled and marinated beef that pairs perfectly with refried beans for a flavorful and satisfying meal.

Served with warm tortillas, Carne Asada's smoky, charred flavor complements the creamy texture of refried beans. The combination creates a delightful balance of taste and texture, making it a popular choice for gatherings and celebrations.

Enjoy it hot off the grill!

Sweet Potato Fries

crispy seasoned orange delight

Sweet potato fries, with their crispy exterior and tender interior, serve as a delightful and nutritious complement to refried beans. This healthy side dish is rich in vitamins and fiber, making it a superior alternative to regular fries.

Easy to prepare at home, sweet potato fries can be seasoned with spices like paprika or garlic powder, enhancing their natural flavors.

Stuffed Shells

delicious pasta dish recipe

Stuffed shells, a beloved Italian-American comfort food, offer a rich and flavorful pairing with refried beans. These jumbo pasta shells are typically filled with a savory mix of ricotta cheese, herbs, and sometimes ground meat.

Topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese, they bake to perfection. Their comforting taste and texture make them an excellent complement to the creamy richness of refried beans.

Lazy Enchiladas

quick and easy recipe

For a quicker and equally delightful option, Lazy Enchiladas offer a simple yet flavorful way to enjoy refried beans. This easy dish combines tortillas, refried beans, and cheese, creating a satisfying meal with minimal preparation.

Perfect for busy weeknights, Lazy Enchiladas capture the essence of Mexican side dishes, allowing for customization with salsa or diced veggies, making it both versatile and delicious.

Tostilocos

spicy chamoy snack mix

Tostilocos, a vibrant and eclectic Mexican street snack, captivates the senses with its blend of crunchy, tangy, and spicy elements.

This popular street snack features Tostitos chips topped with a savory mix including cucumber, jicama, peanuts, hot sauce, lime juice, and chamoy sauce.

Reminiscent of Mexican Street Corn, Tostilocos offer an adventurous eating experience that pairs delightfully with refried beans.

Tamales

traditional mexican holiday dish

Moving from the vibrant flavors of Tostilocos, tamales stand as a quintessential Mexican dish, offering a comforting and hearty option to pair with refried beans.

These savory treats, often filled with black bean, pinto beans, or Mexican rice, are wrapped in corn husks and steamed to perfection. Their rich flavors and textures harmonize beautifully with the creamy smoothness of refried beans.

Taco Casserole

delicious family dinner option

Taco Casserole offers a delightful and convenient way to enjoy the classic flavors of tacos in a baked, layered dish. It features seasoned ground beef, tortillas, and cheese, making it a crowd-pleaser.

Adding the best refried beans as a side that pairs perfectly elevates the meal. Top with queso fresco for an authentic touch, creating a comforting and hearty dining experience.

Taquitos

delicious crunchy savory snack

Among the myriad of Mexican culinary delights, taquitos stand out as crispy, rolled tortillas filled with savory ingredients such as shredded chicken, beef, or cheese. These crunchy treats are typically deep-fried until golden brown and often served with guacamole, making them an excellent side dish.

Whether enjoyed as an appetizer or snack, taquitos pair perfectly with refried beans for a delightful Mexican meal.

Are the Best Side Dishes for Baked Beans Also Appropriate for Refried Beans?

When it comes to serving up a delicious meal with refried beans, the best side dishes for baked beans are also appropriate choices. Classic options like coleslaw, cornbread, and potato salad pair perfectly with both baked and refried beans, providing a satisfying and well-rounded meal for any occasion.

Mexican Rice

spicy tomato rice dish

Mexican rice, with its rich blend of tomatoes and spices, serves as an ideal complement to refried beans in a traditional Mexican meal. This flavorful side dish enhances burrito bowls and taco dinners with its fluffy texture and savory profile.

Easy to customize and perfect for meal prep, Mexican rice can be made in large batches and reheated, making it a versatile addition to any meal.