Friday, March 27, 2015

Leftover Refried Beans & Rice Burgers

I don't think there has ever been a time in the history of making homemade Mexican that there hasn't been leftovers! I have to munch on chips, salsa and guacamole as the entree is getting ready. By the time I'm ready to eat dinner, I'm full. I always have leftovers!

Last week was no different, we had a little Mexican fiesta with some friends and as always, there was leftover refried beans and spanish rice. The next day, I used a little bit to make quesadillas for lunch, but it didn't even make a dent in what we still had in the fridge. I was full just thinking of eating another taco too!

So, I decided to do what I do with most leftovers ... make them into burgers. I was going to make some black bean burgers, but I realized I was out of oats. A little bummed, I stood in the kitchen eating the spanish rice trying to think of what I was going to make for dinner now. Then, the lightbulb moment hit and I practically threw the rice out of my hands hoping I still had enough to use for the burgers! I don't need oats, I've got perfectly good rice already made and ready to go!!

Leftover Refried Beans & Rice Burgers

This would be a true leftover burger. I looked at the other things I still had in the fridge from Mexican night and it was perfect to make a burger with. Beans, rice, peppers, onion ...burgers were back in business!

The best part about making these, is it just took one pan to put them together! Most things were cut and prepped already so in a matter of ten minutes the burgers were in the oven! Repurposing leftovers is the best!!


Leftover Refried Beans & Rice Burgers

Leftover Refried Beans & Rice Burgers

Makes 6 burgers

1 cup refried beans
3/4 c spanish rice
1/2 c shredded cheese (if doing vegan, daiya cheese works best)
1/2 c red and orange bell peppers, chopped
1/2 onion, chopped
1 medium carrot, shredded
juice of half lime
1 1/2 c breadcrumbs or rice chips
Salt and Pepper to taste
... I usually always give an amount but with this recipe it all depends on your rice and beans if they need more salt and pepper. I usually just add a sprinkle of each.

In a pan, saute your onion and red pepper in a little oil. Once onions are becoming translucent add in carrots and saute for another 3 minutes. Add in remaining ingredients and mix until everything is well incorporated.

Taste a little bit to see if it needs more salt and pepper and add some if you think it needs it.

Divide mixture into 6 burgers and place on a sprayed sheet tray.

Bake at 350ยบ for 15 minutes. Flip and bake for 5 more. Top with some of your leftover salsa or guacamole, fresh greens and serve!

Leftover Refried Beans & Rice Burgers

Leftover Refried Beans & Rice Burgers

1 comment :

  1. Wow!! These are amazing! So glad I found your recipe, thanks so much!

    ReplyDelete