Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy and quick – This recipe requires only a handful of ingredients and takes just 30 minutes.
- Super crispy texture – The corn tortillas fry up beautifully for the ultimate crunch.
- Customizable – Add toppings like salsa, guacamole, or pickled onions for extra flavor.
- Perfect for Meatless Mondays – A satisfying and protein-packed vegetarian option.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 12 corn tortillas
- 1 can (15 oz) refried beans
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt and cumin (optional, to season the beans)
Optional toppings:
- Salsa
- Sour cream
- Avocado slices
- Chopped cilantro
Directions
- Heat refried beans in a bowl and mix in a pinch of salt and cumin for extra flavor.
- Spread a thin layer of refried beans on one half of each tortilla and sprinkle with shredded cheese.
- Fold the tortillas in half to create taco shapes.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Place the tacos in the skillet, cooking in batches, and fry for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
- Transfer to a wire cooling rack or a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Serve hot with your favorite toppings!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12 tacos
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Version: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the refried beans.
- Protein Boost: Mix black beans or shredded chicken with the refried beans.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use plant-based cheese for a vegan-friendly version.
- Baked Alternative: Instead of frying, brush the tacos with oil and bake at 400°F for 10-12 minutes.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover tacos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in an air fryer or oven at 350°F for 5 minutes to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the tacos soggy.
FAQs
Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?
Yes, but corn tortillas give a crispier texture when fried.
How do I keep the tacos from opening while frying?
Press them lightly with a spatula or place a small weight on top, like another pan.
Can I make these tacos ahead of time?
It’s best to fry them fresh, but you can prepare and store them before frying.
What’s the best cheese for this recipe?
Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend works well.
Can I freeze these tacos?
Yes, freeze them in a single layer, then reheat in the oven or air fryer.
How do I make them less greasy?
Drain the tacos on a wire rack instead of paper towels to prevent them from sitting in excess oil.
Can I air-fry these instead of pan-frying?
Yes, air fry at 375°F for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through.
How do I make this dish spicier?
Add chili powder to the refried beans or top with hot sauce.
Can I use homemade refried beans?
Absolutely! Homemade beans add great flavor to the dish.
What toppings go well with these tacos?
Try avocado, pico de gallo, pickled onions, or sour cream for extra flavor.
Conclusion
Crispy Cheesy Refried Bean Tacos are an easy, delicious, and budget-friendly meal that everyone will love. Whether you’re making them for a quick dinner, game night, or a fun snack, their crispy texture and cheesy filling make them irresistible. Enjoy them with your favorite toppings and get creative with the flavors!
Crispy Cheesy Refried Bean Tacos
Crispy Cheesy Refried Bean Tacos are the ultimate quick and easy meal, offering the perfect balance of crunch, cheese, and flavor. With just four simple ingredients—corn tortillas, refried beans, cheese, and oil—these tacos are ready in just 30 minutes. Whether you’re craving a quick dinner or a vegetarian-friendly snack, these crispy tacos are customizable with your favorite toppings, such as salsa, avocado, and cilantro.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 tacos
- Category: Tacos, Mexican, Vegetarian
- Method: Pan-Frying (Alternative: Baking)
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 12 corn tortillas
- 1 can (15 oz) refried beans
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt and cumin (optional, to season the beans)
Optional Toppings:
- Salsa
- Sour cream
- Avocado slices
- Chopped cilantro
Instructions
-
Prepare the Beans: Heat the refried beans in a bowl and mix in a pinch of salt and cumin, if desired, for extra flavor.
-
Assemble the Tacos: Spread a thin layer of refried beans on one half of each tortilla. Sprinkle with shredded cheese and fold the tortillas in half to create taco shapes.
-
Fry the Tacos: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the tacos in batches for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
-
Drain Excess Oil: Transfer the tacos to a wire cooling rack or a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
-
Serve: Serve the tacos hot with your favorite toppings like salsa, sour cream, avocado, and chopped cilantro.
Notes
- Spicy Version: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the refried beans for a spicy kick.
- Protein Boost: Mix black beans or shredded chicken into the refried beans for added protein.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use plant-based cheese for a vegan-friendly alternative.
- Baked Alternative: Brush the tacos with oil and bake at 400°F for 10-12 minutes for a healthier option.
