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 20 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, nachos, 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. 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.

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. 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.

10. Lazy Enchiladas

There's something incredibly comforting about Lazy Enchiladas. This dish is perfect for those days when you want something delicious but don't have the time for elaborate cooking. Made with layers of tortillas, cheese, and your choice of filling, all smothered in a savory enchilada sauce, it's like a hug in a casserole dish. Serve it alongside refried beans, and you’ve got a meal that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.

11. Tostilocos

Tostilocos are a fun and unconventional side dish that brings a playful twist to any meal with refried beans. This popular Mexican street food consists of Tostitos chips topped with a mix of ingredients like cucumber, jicama, peanuts, and chili sauce. The blend of crunchy, spicy, and tangy flavors makes Tostilocos an exciting addition to the creamy texture of refried beans.

12. Tamales

Tamales and refried beans are like the dynamic duo of traditional Mexican cuisine. The steamed bundles of masa, filled with meats, cheeses, or vegetables, provide a delightful contrast to the smooth texture of the beans. Whether you choose chicken, pork, or vegetarian tamales, they complement the beans' earthiness, creating a well-rounded and deeply satisfying meal.

13. Taco Casserole

Imagine taking all the beloved elements of a taco and transforming them into a warm, baked casserole. That's Taco Casserole for you – a layer of crunchy tortilla chips, followed by seasoned meat, beans, and cheese, all baked to melty perfection. When served with a side of refried beans, it creates a comforting, hearty meal that's perfect for any family dinner or casual gathering.

14. 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.

15. 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.

16. 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.

17. 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.

18. 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.

19. Nachos

Nachos are more than just a snack; they're a versatile dish that pairs wonderfully with refried beans. Start with a base of crispy tortilla chips, then layer on melted cheese, jalapeños, olives, and a dollop of sour cream. The crunch of the nachos combined with the creamy refried beans creates a delightful contrast in textures. It's a side dish that's not only tasty but also brings a fun, communal aspect to mealtime.

20. 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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