Easy Mexican-Inspired Refried Beans Recipes

December 24, 2025
a spread of mexican food including tacos, chilli, beans & fresh ingredients like tomatoes, garlic on a rustic black background

Refried beans are central to many Mexican-inspired recipes and are perfect for storing in your kitchen cupboard for quick and easy meals. Wondering what delicious recipes you could cook up with refried beans? Whether you’re planning a simple lunch or elaborate dinner, there’s plenty of ways these flavour-filled legumes can bring Full Volume Flavour to your table.

Read on to explore exciting, flavoursome, Mexican-inspired ways you can enjoy refried beans, whether in an oozy cheese-filled quesadilla or lunchbox made roll-ups.

Our Best Easy Lunch  Recipes With Refried Beans

When it comes to lunches, our refried bean recipes offer a delicious twist to boost your midday break. These recipes are perfect for packed lunches so you can enjoy them on the go, whether it be on a family trip, picnic with friends or simply as a tasty workday treat.

Bean roll up

Refried Bean Roll Ups

This refried bean roll ups recipe is one kids will love! Simply mix refried beans, salsa, and chilli powder, heat gently, and spread over tortillas. Then add lettuce, cheese and roll everything up for an exciting on-the-go snack. If at home, this recipe is also great served with salsa on the side for dipping!
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How to Make Burritos card

Easy Chicken Burrito

This no-fuss chicken burrito recipe requires no cooking and minimal clean-up. Great for using up any pre-cooked chicken - it offers a quick and easy lunch option. Made with chicken, refried beans, rice, avocado, salsa, and cheese, it’s inspired by San Francisco’s Misson-style Burritos. Perfect for a quick meal when you’re short on time.
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Our Best Refried Bean Dinner Recipes

Dinner is the time to Make Some Noise with bold flavours and hearty dishes. These refried bean recipes are sure to make an impact and be a hit with all the family.

Cheesy Chicken and Bean Quesadillas

Chicken and Refried Bean Quesadillas

Packed with spiced refried beans, cooked chicken, and melting mozzarella, these quesadillas make a perfect quick and easy supper. Making them couldn’t be simpler; spread refried beans and seasoning mix over tortillas, add chicken, cheese, and coriander, cook until golden, then enjoy!

Recipe Name

Chicken and Refried Bean Quesadillas

Total Time

30 minutes

Spice Level

Mild

Servings

4

Ingredients

  • 1 x 435g tin Old El Paso™ Refried Beans
  • 1 tablespoon Old El Paso™ Seasoning Mix for Fajitas (any flavour)
  • 1 pack Old El Paso™ Regular Flour Tortillas (8 tortillas)
  • 200g cooked chicken, skin removed and thinly sliced
  • 250g ready-grated mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tablespoons freshly chopped coriander, plus extra to garnish

To Serve

  • 125g Old El Paso™ Thick 'N Chunky Salsa
  • Lime wedges

Preparation

  1. Combine the refried beans and seasoning mix in a medium bowl. Spread 1/4 of the mixture over each of 4 of the tortillas, leaving a 1cm border around the edges.
  2. Arrange the sliced chicken, cheese and coriander evenly over the refried bean mixture. Top with the remaining 4 tortillas, pressing down gently.
  3. Heat a large non-stick frying pan over a low heat. Cook one quesadilla at a time, for 2-3 minutes each side, or until golden and the cheese is melted.
  4. Cut each quesadilla into wedges. Serve garnished with the extra coriander and with the salsa and lime wedges.

Expert Tips

  • Replace the mozzarella with fuller-flavoured grated mature Cheddar, Emmental or Gruyère, if you like.
  • You can prepare the quesadillas up to 1 hour before cooking. Stack between baking paper on a plate, cover with cling film and place in the fridge until required.

Made With...

smoky refried bean burgers

Smoky Refried Bean Burgers

These chunky bean and veggie burgers are full of Mexican-inspired flavours and are perfect for your next barbeque or garden party! Mix refried beans, black beans, sweetcorn, and seasoning, shape into patties, and cook until crisp. Serve in buns with lettuce and guacamole for a delicious dinner.
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Side Recipes with Refried Beans

Enhance your meals with these delightful sides that complement any main dish. These refried bean side dishes offer plenty of tasty options for pairing with dinner or enjoying as a standalone snack.

fiesta bean

Fiesta Refried Beans

Spicy salsa, grated cheese, and chopped onion pair perfectly with refried beans in this tasty dip that’s perfect for serving with our Nachips™. The ideal crunchy snack for your next movie night. 
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Bean Dip

Cheesy Bean Dip

With hot green jalapeños, cheese, refried beans, and coriander, this quick cheesy bean dip is perfect for your next gathering. Combine beans and jalapeños, top with cheese and peppers, and bake until melted.
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Easy Refried Beans Recipes For Any Mealtime

These refried beans recipes offer a delightful way to create quick and easy meals. Whether you're enjoying a quick lunch or a hearty dinner, it’s easy to Dine Loud and Proud with these flavour filled dishes.

Explore all of our recipes here and don’t forget to share your photos with us on social media.