These Crispy Cheesy Refried Bean Tacos are a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that combines crispy corn tortillas, creamy refried beans, and melted cheese for the perfect taco experience. Made with refried beans, cheddar cheese, and a dash of cumin, these tacos are a quick and satisfying meal for lunch, dinner, or a fun taco night. Whether you’re looking for a meatless taco recipe or just craving a comforting, cheesy dish, these tacos deliver on flavor and crunch. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prepping, or a tasty snack, these tacos are sure to please everyone!

Ingredients:
- 1 (16-ounce) can refried beans (or homemade refried beans)
- ¼ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 12 corn tortillas
- Neutral oil (such as avocado oil, for frying)
- 2 cups freshly shredded cheese (Mexican-style or cheddar)
Instructions:
- In a medium bowl, combine the refried beans, cumin, and salt. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Place about 2 tablespoons of the bean mixture in the center of each corn tortilla. Flatten the mixture to fill the tortilla, then sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese on top. Fold the tortilla in half to form a taco. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
- Heat a thin layer of neutral oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Once the oil is hot, gently add the folded tacos to the skillet, placing them in a single layer. Cook for about 3 minutes, or until the bottom is golden brown and crispy. You may need to press down on the tacos to help them stay closed.
- Carefully flip the tacos using tongs or a spatula, and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the second side is crispy and golden brown.
- Remove the tacos from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels or a wire rack over paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Serve the tacos once they are drained, adding your desired toppings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Crispy Cheesy Refried Bean Tacos are a perfect combination of crunchy, cheesy, and flavorful. The creamy refried beans mixed with cumin and salt provide a satisfying filling, while the crispy fried tortilla and melted cheese make each bite irresistible. They are easy to make, budget-friendly, and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a tasty snack. Whether you’re craving a meatless option or just want something comforting, these tacos deliver a satisfying crunch and cheesy goodness in every bite.

Tips
- Oil Temperature: Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the tacos, but not too hot that it burns the tortillas. A medium heat works best.
- Pressing the Tacos: Press down on the tacos gently with a spatula while they cook to ensure they seal properly and stay crispy.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Fry the tacos in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet, which could cause them to cook unevenly.
- Cheese Variations: For extra flavor, mix in some pepper jack cheese or use a blend of cheeses to add depth to the filling.
Variations and Substitutions
- Tortilla Type: If you prefer flour tortillas, you can easily swap them for corn tortillas in this recipe.
- Bean Options: If you’re looking for more flavor, try using black beans or pinto beans instead of traditional refried beans.
- Vegan Option: For a vegan version, use plant-based cheese and ensure the refried beans are vegan-friendly (check for lard or other non-vegan ingredients).
- Add Vegetables: Add sautéed onions, bell peppers, or spinach to the filling for a veggie boost.
FAQs
Can I make these tacos in advance?
While these tacos are best enjoyed fresh and crispy, you can prepare the bean and cheese mixture ahead of time and assemble the tacos. Just fry them right before serving.
How can I make these tacos spicier?
To add heat, you can sprinkle jalapeño slices inside the tacos before folding or add some hot sauce on top after frying.
Can I bake these instead of frying them?
Yes, for a healthier option, bake the tacos in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes or until crispy. Make sure to spray the tortillas with a bit of oil before baking.
Serving Suggestions
These Crispy Cheesy Refried Bean Tacos are delicious on their own, but you can top them with various garnishes like sour cream, salsa, guacamole, fresh cilantro, or shredded lettuce. Serve with a side of Mexican rice, refried beans, or a side salad for a complete meal. These tacos are also great for taco night with friends and family!
Crispy Cheesy Refried Bean Tacos
12
servings15
minutes15
minutesIngredients
1 (16-ounce) can refried beans (or homemade refried beans)
¼ teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon salt
12 corn tortillas
Neutral oil (such as avocado oil, for frying)
2 cups freshly shredded cheese (Mexican-style or cheddar)
Directions
- In a medium bowl, combine the refried beans, cumin, and salt. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Place about 2 tablespoons of the bean mixture in the center of each corn tortilla. Flatten the mixture to fill the tortilla, then sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese on top. Fold the tortilla in half to form a taco. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
- Heat a thin layer of neutral oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Once the oil is hot, gently add the folded tacos to the skillet, placing them in a single layer. Cook for about 3 minutes, or until the bottom is golden brown and crispy. You may need to press down on the tacos to help them stay closed.
- Carefully flip the tacos using tongs or a spatula, and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the second side is crispy and golden brown.
- Remove the tacos from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels or a wire rack over paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Serve the tacos once they are drained, adding your desired toppings.

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