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Easy Refried Black Beans Two Ways: Dip and Tostadas

By Marisa Leave a Comment

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Easy refried black beans two ways! Two quick and easy weeknight meals or appetizers that are guaranteed to please everyone. 

Close up of refried black beans spread on tortilla with salsa, green onions, greek yogurt, avocado and hot sauce

Listen up friends! Are you ready to whip up a quick recipe that you can stretch over multiple meals this week? If so, keep reading….it all starts with a can of refried black beans.

I love black beans! I could eat them every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Black beans are great on their own or in salads, wraps, bowls, and soups. The possibilities are endless, but today I am focusing on stretching one can of black beans two different ways.

Layered Bean Dip

The classic layered bean dip is a staple at many parties and potlucks, however I often cannot eat the dip due to the classic recipe’s use of traditional refried beans. Did you know traditional  beans are not vegetarian? Some well-intentioned people may think they are serving a vegetarian dip, but classic refried beans are typically made with pork fat.

easy refried black beans in layered dip with chips and sweet peppers to dip

My version of the layered bean dip uses vegetarian refried black beans, which you can find in most grocery stores on the Latin American aisle. The refried black beans I’ve bought are often chunkier than regular refried beans, which affects both taste and preparation. I prefer a creamier bean spread for my recipes.

The key to a creamy spread is to thin the beans with liquid. Water, lime juice, beans and a food processor are all you need for creamy refried black beans. You could also use a hand mixer if you don’t have a food processor.

Batch or Single Servings

The great thing about a layered dip is you can serve it in one big dish for a large gathering or individually in tortilla cups as a bite-sized option. An advantage to individual servings is the ability to leave out certain ingredients due to allergies, restrictions or preferences.

For example, I love to place a layer of Greek yogurt and cheese on my dip, but you could make some individual servings without these ingredients for your vegan or lactose-intolerant friends.

Amp up the Veggies

I serve the dip with both chips and sliced mini peppers to increase the veggies. I love the color and taste of mini peppers with this dip!

My kids still reach for the chips first, but just like anything else, I keep presenting the less preferred foods because I know they will eventually try it.

Black Bean Tostadas

plated overhead view of refried black beans spread on tortilla with cheese, tomatoes, lettuce, Greek yogurt, green onions, avocado and hot sauce

Our other favorite recipe using refried black beans is tostadas. This is such an easy weeknight meal, especially if you have saved any extra black bean spread from a previous meal or have prepped it earlier in the day.

Simply crank up the broiler, spread the beans, and add cheese if you like! Top with desired toppings and bam…dinner is served in less than 10 minutes!

I mentioned in yesterday’s post that black beans are a new food for my daughter. I think the texture of this spread, along with the addition of lime juice, is what won her over to black beans.

Adaptations for Meat Lovers

I used to substitute shredded chicken for the beans before my daughter liked beans.

Adaptations for Vegans and Lactose Intolerant

Omit Greek yogurt and cheese. If you would like to add an extra flavor, substitute a thin layer of tomato paste in place of these ingredients. It is a very tasty alternative!

Alright, that’s it….enjoy your easy peas-y (actually beans-y), delicious and veggie-loaded weeknight meal (or snack, or lunch……)!

Please rate and review these recipes below and tag @restandrelish on social media with your creations. Thanks so much!

easy refried black beans in layered dip with chips and sweet peppers to dip

Easy Refried Black Bean Layer Dip

Easy, vegetarian refried black layer dip is perfect for parties, weekday meals or snacks!
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: Easy Refried Black Bean Layer Dip
Servings: 12 people
Calories: 49kcal
Author: Marisa

Ingredients

  • 16 oz. refried black beans vegetarian
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 4 t. lime juice
  • 5.3 oz. plain Greek yogurt, nonfat
  • 1/4 t. garlic powder
  • 1/4 t. ground cumin
  • 1/4 t. ground cayenne pepper
  • 1/4 t. coarse sea salt
  • 1/4 - 1/2 cup low-fat Mexican style cheese, shredded
  • 1/4 cup tomatoes, seeded and chopped
  • 1/8 cup green onions, chopped ~ 1 green onion
  • 2 oz. black olives, sliced
  • 1 small avocado, diced

Instructions

  • Add black beans, water and 3 tsp. of lime juice to food processor bowl and process until smooth. Mix Greek yogurt and spices in a separate bowl. Drain canned black olives and set aside. Chop remaining vegetables and set aside. Toss diced avocado with remaining teaspoon of lime juice and sea salt to taste. Spread bean dip across the bottom of 9 x 16 dish. Using a spatula, spread spicy yogurt carefully across the layer of bean dip. Sprinkle cheese on top of yogurt layer until thoroughly covered. Top with layer of tomatoes, then green onions, avocado and olives. Serve in or alongside of tortilla scoop chips or sliced mini peppers.  

Notes

Spice level of this recipe is mild-medium. Spices may be adjusted to individual taste. 

Nutrition

Calories: 49kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 3g | Sodium: 231mg | Potassium: 137mg | Fiber: 2g | Vitamin A: 50IU | Vitamin C: 1.5mg | Calcium: 29mg | Iron: 0.8mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @restandrelish or tag #restandrelish!
Close up of Refried Black Bean Tostada with Salsa, Green Onions, Greek Yogurt, Avocado and Hot Sauce

Easy Refried Black Bean Tostadas

Easy, vegetarian refried black bean tostadas are ready in 10 minutes or less for a quick, weekday meal!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate Recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: Easy Refried Black Bean Tostadas
Servings: 12 small tostadas
Calories: 208kcal
Author: Marisa

Ingredients

  • 16 oz. refried black beans vegetarian
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 4 t. lime juice
  • 5.3 oz. plain, nonfat Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 t. garlic powder
  • 1/4 t. ground cumin
  • 1/4 t. ground cayenne pepper
  • 1/4 t. coarse sea salt
  • 3/4 cup lowfat Mexican style cheese, shredded divided among tostadas
  • 3/4 cup salsa divided among tostadas
  • 2 cups Romaine lettuce, finely chopped divided among tostadas
  • 6 T. green onions, chopped divided among tostadas
  • 1 avocado, diced divided among tostadas
  • chipotle hot sauce to taste
  • 12 whole wheat tortillas small

Instructions

  • Add black beans, water and three teaspoons of lime juice to food processor bowl and process until smooth. Mix Greek yogurt with spices and set aside. Chop onions and lettuce. Dice avocado; toss with remaining teaspoon of lime juice and salt to taste. 

    Set oven to broil. Place tortillas on baking sheet. Spread ~ 1/4 cup of black bean spread on tortilla and sprinkle with 1/8 cup of shredded cheese. Broil in oven until cheese is melted. Remove each tostada to a plate and top with 1/8 cup salsa, 1/2 cup lettuce, 1 T. green onions, and 1-2 T. spicy yogurt. Sprinkle tostada with avocado and hot sauce to taste. 

Notes

Spice level is mild - medium, but may be adjusted for taste. 

Nutrition

Calories: 208kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 560mg | Potassium: 280mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 800IU | Vitamin C: 3.5mg | Calcium: 118mg | Iron: 2.1mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @restandrelish or tag #restandrelish!

Filed Under: Appetizers, Vegetarian Dishes

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