Tasty Family-Friendly Cheesy Refried Bean Tacos Recipe

Taco nights just got a delicious upgrade with these mouthwatering cheesy refried bean tacos that pack a serious flavor punch.

Sizzling tortillas cradle a hearty blend of creamy refried beans and melted cheese, creating a comfort food masterpiece.

The combination of simple ingredients transforms an ordinary meal into a fiesta of taste and texture.

Warm, crispy shells embrace a rich filling that speaks directly to your hunger.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of cheesy goodness and authentic Mexican-inspired flavors.

You’ll love how quickly these tacos come together, making them ideal for busy weeknights or spontaneous dinner cravings.

Let’s find out this easy recipe and let your taste buds dance with excitement.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 150 kcal

Servings: 13

Ingredients for Crispy Cheesy Refried Bean Tacos

• Refried Beans: Creamy, rich foundation that adds hearty texture and authentic Mexican flavor, choose smooth canned beans for consistent taste.
• Cumin: Warm, earthy spice that brings deep southwestern essence, opt for fresh ground cumin for maximum aroma.
• Salt: Essential flavor enhancer that balances and highlights all ingredients, use fine sea salt for even distribution.

• Corn Tortillas: Traditional taco base with authentic corn flavor, select fresh, pliable tortillas without cracks for perfect folding.
• Freshly Shredded Cheese: Melty binding agent that adds creamy richness, blend Mexican-style or sharp cheddar for maximum flavor complexity.

• Neutral Oil: Critical for achieving golden, crispy exterior, choose high smoke point oils like avocado or vegetable oil for even frying without burning.

Gear You’ll Need for Refried Bean Taco Night

• Large bowl: For mixing beans with spices.
• Skillet: To crisp and cook tacos to golden perfection.
• Spatula: For flipping tacos evenly in the skillet.
• Measuring spoons: To accurately add cumin and salt.
• Paper towels: For draining excess oil after cooking.
• Cutting board: Optional surface for preparing ingredients.

Making Crispy Cheesy Refried Bean Tacos in Minutes

• Bean Preparation

Blend refried beans with warm spices until silky smooth, creating a rich base for your taco adventure.

• Tortilla Assembly

Spread the seasoned bean mixture generously across soft tortillas, then shower with a blanket of melty cheese.

• Taco Transformation

Gently fold tortillas into classic half-moon shapes, transforming them into crispy vessels of deliciousness.

• Golden Crispiness

Sizzle tacos in a hot skillet, allowing each side to turn a beautiful golden brown and develop a satisfying crunch.

• Final Flourish

Rest tacos briefly on paper towels to remove excess oil, then crown with your favorite fresh toppings like zesty salsa, cool sour cream, or bright cilantro.

Pro Tips for Crispy Cheesy Refried Bean Taco Lovers

• Swap traditional refried beans with black beans or pinto beans for a different flavor profile and extra protein kick.
• Experiment with pepper jack, cotija, or queso fresco instead of regular cheese to add exciting taste dimensions to your crispy tacos.
• Mix in diced jalapeños, chipotle powder, or green chiles into the bean mixture for a zesty and warm heat that elevates the entire dish.
• Use whole wheat or corn tortillas, and replace frying with baking at 400°F for a lighter version that's still deliciously crispy and golden brown.

Serve Up These Refried Bean Tacos the Fun Way

• Zesty Fresh Topping Delight: Sprinkle diced tomatoes, crisp lettuce, and tangy cilantro over hot tacos for a burst of freshness that cuts through the rich, cheesy beans.
• Cool Creamy Sidekick: Add a dollop of sour cream or creamy Mexican crema to balance the crispy texture and provide a smooth, cooling contrast to the warm tacos.
• Spice Lover's Dream: Drizzle homemade salsa or hot sauce on top, or add sliced jalapeños for those craving an extra kick of heat that elevates the entire dish.
• Quick Meal Companion: Pair these tacos with a simple side of Mexican rice or a light avocado salad to create a complete, satisfying meal that's perfect for lunch or dinner.

Store and Reheat Your Refried Bean Tacos with Ease

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover tacos in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to maintain crispiness and prevent sticking for up to 3 days.
• Reheating Magic: Revive cold tacos by placing them in a preheated skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side, restoring their crispy texture and melting cheese perfectly.
• Prep-Ahead Convenience: Mix bean and cheese filling up to 2 days in advance, keeping ingredients sealed separately in the refrigerator to streamline taco assembly when hunger strikes.
• Freezer-Friendly Hack: Assemble uncooked tacos, wrap individually in plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in refrigerator overnight and cook fresh when ready to enjoy, maintaining optimal flavor and crunch.

Creamy Refried Bean Tacos Recipe

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4.8 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Spicy Refried Bean Tacos blend Mexican comfort with quick weeknight cooking magic. Crisp tortillas, creamy beans, and zesty toppings invite you to savor each delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 can (16 oz / 454 g) refried beans
• 2 cups freshly shredded cheese (Mexican-style or cheddar)
• 12 corn tortillas
• ¼ tsp (1.25 ml) cumin
• ½ tsp (2.5 ml) salt
• Neutral oil (like avocado oil) for frying

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Instructions

1. Bean Preparation: Blend refried beans with ground cumin and kosher salt in a mixing bowl until achieving a smooth, uniform texture.
2. Tortilla Warming: Gently heat corn tortillas to increase pliability and prevent potential splitting during assembly.
3. Filling Assembly: Layer seasoned bean mixture across one half of each tortilla, then generously cover with shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese, ensuring complete coverage.
4. Folding Technique: Carefully fold tortillas into half-moon shapes, securely enclosing the bean and cheese filling.
5. Oil Heating: Pour vegetable or canola oil into a large cast-iron skillet, bringing to medium-high heat at approximately 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
6. Frying Process: Carefully introduce filled tacos into hot oil, cooking 2-3 minutes per side until achieving a golden, crispy exterior with slightly darkened edges.
7. Draining and Finishing: Transfer fried tacos to a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil, then embellish with optional garnishes like sour cream, diced tomatoes, fresh cilantro, or sliced jalapeños before serving immediately while piping hot and crunchy.

Notes

• Tortilla Warming Tip: Briefly heat tortillas to improve flexibility and prevent splitting during folding, ensuring a perfect taco shape.
• Oil Temperature Precision: Maintain consistent medium-high heat around 350°F to achieve golden, crispy exterior without burning the tacos.
• Cheese Coverage Strategy: Spread cheese evenly across bean layer to create a melty, uniform filling that enhances overall flavor and texture.
• Draining Technique: Use paper towels to remove excess oil immediately after frying, preserving the tacos’ signature crunch and preventing sogginess.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 220 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg