What To Serve With Refried Beans? 16 BEST Side Dishes

Refried beans, a comforting and flavorful staple of Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine, are deliciously versatile. Their creamy texture and savory flavor make them an excellent complement to a variety of dishes.

Whether as a side or a key ingredient, they bring a delightful heartiness to any meal. Here are 16 delicious sides that pair beautifully with refried beans.

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The best side dishes to serve with refried beans are a chicken burrito bowl, birria tacos, tostadas, steak fajitas, mushroom tacos, stuffed shells, carne asada, sweet potato fries, taquitos, Mexican rice, chicken enchiladas, grilled corn on the cob, guacamole, chiles rellenos, quesadillas, and pico de gallo.

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1. Chicken Burrito Bowl

A chicken burrito bowl, with its savory, seasoned chicken, rice, and a variety of fresh and flavorful toppings, pairs wonderfully with refried beans. The beans add a creamy, comforting note to the bowl, enhancing its heartiness. This combination provides a satisfying, protein-packed meal.

2. Birria Tacos

Birria tacos, filled with tender, flavorful meat, are a fantastic partner for refried beans. The rich, savory birria meat complements the creamy, savory refried beans, resulting in a hearty, flavor-packed meal that is sure to satisfy your taste buds.

3. Tostadas

Tostadas, crispy fried tortillas topped with a variety of ingredients like shredded meat, lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese, provide a wonderful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creaminess of refried beans. The beans can either serve as a base layer on the tostada or as a delightful side.

4. Steak Fajitas

Steak fajitas, with their tender, seasoned steak, colorful bell peppers, and onions, offer a sizzling side that pairs perfectly with refried beans. The beans' creaminess balances the charred, savory elements of the fajitas, rounding out the meal and adding a comforting touch.

5. Mushroom Tacos

Mushroom tacos, filled with savory, sautéed mushrooms, offer a vegetarian side dish that goes well with refried beans. The umami-packed mushrooms and creamy beans make for a satisfying combination, delivering a wonderful blend of textures and flavors.

6. Stuffed Shells

Stuffed shells, typically filled with a creamy mixture of ricotta cheese and other ingredients, might be an unconventional pairing with refried beans, but they can provide an interesting and delicious contrast. The pasta's tender texture and the filling's creaminess pair well with the hearty refried beans, creating a fusion of Italian and Mexican cuisines.

7. Carne Asada

Carne asada, marinated and grilled beef, is a flavorful, meaty dish that complements refried beans. The tender, savory meat and the creamy, comforting beans make for a hearty, protein-rich meal that is full of flavor.

8. Sweet Potato Fries

Sweet potato fries, with their natural sweetness and crispy edges, make a delightful side dish to refried beans. Their sweet flavor and crunchy texture provide a contrast to the creamy, savory refried beans. Plus, they add a splash of vibrant color to your plate, making the meal not just tasty, but visually appealing too.

9. Taquitos

Taquitos, crispy rolled tacos filled with meat or cheese, offer a delicious crunch that complements the creamy texture of refried beans. The beans can serve as a perfect dip for the taquitos, enhancing their flavor. This pairing combines two Mexican-inspired dishes for a satisfying, texture-rich meal.

10. Mexican Rice

Mexican rice, with its vibrant color and savory flavor, pairs beautifully with refried beans. Its fluffy texture contrasts with the creamy beans, and the tomato-based flavor complements the savory beans. Together, they make for a hearty, comforting side dish.

11. Chicken Enchiladas

Chicken enchiladas, filled with seasoned chicken and topped with a flavorful sauce and melted cheese, provide a hearty, satisfying side that pairs well with refried beans. The spicy, savory enchiladas and the creamy, mild beans make for a balanced, flavor-packed meal.

12. Grilled Corn on the Cob

Grilled corn on the cob, with its smoky flavor and juicy kernels, adds a fresh, vibrant element to a meal featuring refried beans. The sweet, smoky corn and the creamy, savory beans offer a delightful contrast in both flavor and texture.

13. Guacamole

Guacamole, with its creamy texture and fresh, tangy flavor, is a great side dish for refried beans. The rich, creamy avocado and the tart lime in the guacamole provide a refreshing contrast to the savory, hearty refried beans. Plus, it adds a pop of bright green color to your meal.

14. Pico de Gallo

Pico de gallo, a fresh tomato salsa, adds a bright, refreshing element to a meal with refried beans. The ripe tomatoes, crisp onions, spicy jalapeños, and tangy lime juice provide a nice contrast to the rich, creamy beans.

15. Chiles Rellenos

Chiles Rellenos, large chili peppers stuffed with cheese or meat, then battered and fried, offer a flavorful, spicy side dish that complements refried beans. The heat from the chili peppers and the melty filling provide a wonderful contrast to the creamy, mild beans.

16. Quesadillas

Quesadillas, filled with melted cheese and a variety of other fillings like sautéed onions, peppers, or chicken, make for a tasty side that pairs well with refried beans. The crispy tortilla and melty cheese inside the quesadilla go wonderfully with the soft, creamy texture of the beans.

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