Cheesy Refried Bean Tacos Recipe for Families

Refried bean tacos bring an unexpected culinary adventure right to your plate.

crispy shells cradle rich, velvety legumes that dance with robust seasonings and tantalizing textures.

Mexican-inspired comfort food gets a delightful upgrade through these handheld delights that redefine humble ingredients into something extraordinary.

Layers of warmth and spice create a symphony of flavors that simultaneously comfort and excite your taste buds.

Cheese melts provocatively, adding a creamy dimension that elevates the entire experience.

Vegetarians and meat-lovers alike will find these tacos irresistibly appealing and deeply satisfying.

Prepare to embark on a mouthwatering journey that promises pure culinary bliss.

Crispy Cheesy Refried Bean Tacos: A Quick and Tasty Meal

• Crunch into Flavor Explosion: These tacos deliver an incredibly satisfying crispy exterior with a cheesy, creamy interior that creates a perfect texture contrast in every single bite.
• Whip Up in a Flash: With just five simple steps and minimal ingredients, this recipe offers a quick 15-minute meal solution that's ideal for busy weeknights or spontaneous dinner cravings.
• Protein-Packed Comfort Food: Loaded with 12g of protein and a balanced nutritional profile, these tacos provide a hearty, filling meal that satisfies hunger while delivering delicious Mexican-inspired comfort.
• Customize Your Culinary Canvas: The basic recipe serves as an excellent foundation for personal creativity, allowing you to experiment with different toppings, cheese varieties, and additional seasonings to match your taste preferences.

Key Ingredients for Crispy Cheesy Refried Bean Tacos

Main Ingredients:

Tortillas: Soft corn or flour tortillas that provide the base for crispy tacos with a flexible and authentic texture.

Refried Beans: Creamy and seasoned beans that form the hearty filling with a smooth, rich flavor profile.

Cheese: Shredded melting cheese like cheddar or Mexican blend for extra richness and golden crispy texture.

Supporting Ingredients:

Cumin: Warm spice that adds depth and traditional Mexican-style seasoning to the bean mixture.

Salt: Essential seasoning to enhance the overall flavor of the beans and tacos.

Cooking Oil: Neutral oil like vegetable or canola for achieving a crispy, golden exterior when frying tacos.

Toppings (Optional):

Sour Cream, Salsa, Cilantro, Diced Onions: Fresh garnishes that add brightness, tang, and additional layers of flavor to the crispy tacos.

Creating the Perfect Crispy Cheesy Refried Bean Tacos

Step 1: Prepare Bean Mixture

Mix refried beans with cumin and salt in a bowl until thoroughly combined and smooth.

Step 2: Assemble Taco Base

• Spread bean mixture onto tortillas
• Sprinkle cheese over the bean layer

Step 3: Fold Tortillas

Carefully fold tortillas into classic taco shape, creating a half-moon pocket.

Step 4: Crisp Up Tacos

Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat until shimmering.

Carefully place folded tacos in the skillet and cook for 3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Remove tacos from skillet and drain excess oil on paper towels.

• Sour cream
• Chopped cilantro
• Salsa
• Sliced avocado

Serve immediately while tacos are hot and crispy.

Pro Tips for Crispy and Cheesy Refried Bean Tacos

• Warm Tortillas Gently: Softly heat tortillas before filling to prevent cracking and make folding easier.
• Balance Bean Thickness: Ensure refried beans are spreadable but not too runny for optimal taco structure.
• Control Oil Temperature: Maintain medium heat to achieve golden, crispy edges without burning the tortilla.
• Cheese Selection Matters: Use melting cheeses like cheddar or Monterey Jack for maximum gooey goodness.
• Drain Thoroughly: Let tacos rest on paper towels to remove excess oil and maintain crispy texture.

How to Store Leftover Crispy Cheesy Refried Bean Tacos

• Refrigerate: Store leftover tacos in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Wrap each taco individually in aluminum foil to prevent moisture and maintain crispiness. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheat: Warm tacos in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side to restore their crispy texture. Avoid using a microwave, which can make the tortillas soggy and soft. Alternatively, use an air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to revive the original crunch.
• Quality Tip: For best results, add fresh toppings after reheating to ensure maximum flavor and texture. Cheese and beans can be reheated together, but crisp vegetables like lettuce or fresh salsa should be added just before serving.

Pair Crispy Cheesy Refried Bean Tacos with These Dishes

• Pair with Zesty Margarita: The tangy lime and tequila perfectly cut through the rich, cheesy beans, creating a balanced flavor explosion that refreshes your palate.
• Complement with Fresh Pico de Gallo: Bright, chopped tomatoes, onions, and cilantro add a crisp, cool contrast to the warm, crunchy tacos, bringing vibrant freshness to each bite.
• Match with Mexican Lager: A cold, light beer like Corona or Modelo neutralizes the taco's heaviness, providing a clean, crisp backdrop that enhances the dish's savory notes.
• Cool Down with Creamy Guacamole: Smooth, buttery avocado dip provides a rich, cooling element that balances the tacos' crispy texture and spiced bean filling.

Add Variety to Your Crispy Cheesy Refried Bean Tacos

• Spicy Fiesta Tacos: Add diced jalapeños and cayenne pepper to the bean mixture for a hot kick. Sprinkle extra pepper jack cheese on top for more heat.
• Green Chile Bean Crunch: Mix in roasted green chiles and use pepper jack cheese. Top with fresh cilantro and a drizzle of salsa verde for a southwestern flavor profile.
• Black Bean Southwest Style: Replace refried beans with mashed black beans, add corn kernels and chili powder. Use a blend of cheddar and monterey jack cheese for extra creaminess.
• Veggie Protein Boost: Incorporate finely chopped spinach or kale into the bean mixture. Sprinkle nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor and added protein, making it more nutrient-dense.

Cheesy Refried Bean Tacos Recipe

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4.5 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Mexican street-style crispy cheesy refried bean tacos deliver an irresistible crunch with melted cheese and rich, savory beans. Folded corn tortillas create golden, crispy edges that invite you to savor each delicious, authentic bite of this quick and satisfying meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein and Cheese:

• 1 can (16 ounces / 454 grams) refried beans
• 2 cups freshly shredded cheese (Mexican-style or cheddar)

Tortillas and Spices:

• 12 corn tortillas
• ¼ teaspoon (1.25 milliliters) cumin
• ½ teaspoon (2.5 milliliters) salt

Cooking Ingredient:

• Neutral oil (like avocado oil) for frying

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Instructions

1. Combine mashed refried beans with ground cumin and kosher salt in a mixing bowl, stirring until the mixture reaches a uniform, creamy consistency.
2. Warm soft corn tortillas slightly to enhance their flexibility and prevent cracking during folding.
3. Spread approximately of seasoned bean mixture evenly across one half of each tortilla, ensuring a thin, consistent layer.
4. Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese over the bean layer, covering the surface completely.
5. Carefully fold the tortillas in half, creating a half-moon shaped pocket that encases the beans and cheese.
6. Pour vegetable or canola oil into a large cast-iron skillet, heating to medium-high temperature (around 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius).
7. Gently place the prepared tacos into the hot oil, cooking for approximately 2-3 minutes on each side until the exterior turns golden brown and becomes crispy with slightly darkened edges.
8. Transfer the fried tacos to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil and maintain their crispiness.
9. Garnish with optional toppings such as sour cream, diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, or sliced jalapeños before serving immediately while hot and crunchy.

Notes

• Master this recipe by prepping all ingredients before starting the cooking process.
• Grate fresh cheese for maximum melting and flavor integration into the bean mixture.
• Select corn tortillas for authentic crunch and traditional taco texture.
• Use medium-high heat to achieve golden, crispy exterior without burning the tortilla.
• Keep paper towels ready nearby to drain excess oil immediately after frying.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack or sharp cheddar for unique flavor profiles.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 360 kcal
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 6g
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: 30mg