Texas Trash Dip Is The Best Use For Canned Refried Beans

We get it, after a few cans of refried beans, you might get tired of their savory taste and mushy texture. That being said, you can easily liven up refried beans by using them in a fun recipe like Texas trash dip.

Also known as Mexican bean dip, it mixes together ingredients like cream cheese, sour cream, taco seasoning (as well as hot sauce or pepper flakes, if you want extra heat), chile peppers, shredded cheese, and of course, refried beans. Once your ingredients are mixed, you can pour it into a baking pan and top with more cheese. Bake until melted, and then garnish with your choice of olives, onions, more sour cream, chopped avocado, or tomato. Serve with sturdy tortilla chips, and you're good to go.

Just like that, your once-boring refried beans are caught up in a medley of salty and umami flavors, with hints of sour, sweet, and spicy, too. The sour cream and cream cheese add a whipped factor, while the shredded cheese brings a satisfying pull. Fresh toppings also add brightness to the dish, and tortilla chips offer the textural contrast to make it a truly delicious side.

Although Texas trash dip has a few traditional characteristics, there's no rule saying you can't adapt the recipe to your own personal style — and presentation preference. For instance, rather than mix all the ingredients together into a potentially unappealing amalgamation, you can create layers for fun contrast with colors and textures. You might try layering store-bought dips like canned queso, chunky pico de gallo, and guacamole with the bean dip — saving you steps during preparation without sacrificing flavor. Of course, if you're going to layer your dip, do so in a glass container so everyone can see your hard work!

Another easy change is to swap out the beans for (or pair them with) a seasoned ground meat of your choice. You can use your basic ground beef or leaner turkey, but you can also kick the dip's flavors up a notch with the addition of a spicy Mexican chorizo. Alternatively, you can use canned chili, which gives you both ground meat and beans. If you go this route, however, be sure to label your dish as containing meat if you're serving at a party since bean dip is often assumed to be vegetarian-friendly.

As a bean dip, Texas trash dip is usually served alongside tortilla chips, but you can easily pair it with other foods, too. For a lighter snack, try offering it with fresh veggies like celery and sliced bell peppers. In addition to adding brightness to the dish, veggies also provide a satisfying crunch that you might otherwise miss when eating refried beans.

On the other end of the spectrum, you can turn Texas trash dip into the base for a full meal. Use soft tortillas to make burritos, hard shells to make crunchy tacos, or even lettuce leaves for a multi-textured wrap. For the latter, be sure to use a sturdy lettuce for wrapping, like red or green leaf lettuce. In a pinch, you can also use romaine, as long as you choose the larger outer leaves to support the weight of the beans.

At the end of the day, Texas trash dip is still a traditional chip dip, so consider swapping out your usual tortilla chips for something more fun. Fritos can bring a salty crunch, while pita chips offer their own unique blend of seasonings. If you're feeling a little out-there, you can even try savory pork rinds or baked chicken skins. The possibilities are endless.