Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy, Crunchy Shells: The lightly fried tortillas give these tacos a satisfying crunch that sets them apart from traditional soft tacos.
- Vegetarian-Friendly: With refried beans as the main filling, these tacos are a great option for vegetarians. You can even make them vegan with a simple garnish swap.
- Quick & Easy: With only 10 minutes of prep time, these tacos come together in just 40 minutes, making them perfect for a fast meal.
Ingredients
- Avocado oil (or olive oil or vegetable oil)
- Onion (white or yellow)
- Garlic (fresh or pre-minced)
- Pinto beans (or black beans, or canned refried beans)
- Water
- Cumin
- Paprika
- Lime juice
- Cilantro (or parsley)
- Corn tortillas (white or yellow)
- Salt and pepper
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Sauté aromatics: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
- Cook the beans: Add pinto beans, water, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Mix well and cook until the beans are heated through, about 5 minutes.
- Mash the beans: Reduce the heat to low and mash the beans with a potato masher or fork. Adjust the consistency with water if needed. You can leave it chunky or blend it smooth.
- Finish the refried beans: Stir in lime juice and cilantro, then set aside.
- Fry the tortillas: Heat oil in a separate skillet over medium-high heat. Fry each tortilla for 1-2 minutes on each side, until golden and crispy.
- Assemble the tacos: Fill each crispy tortilla with the seasoned refried beans and top with your favorite garnishes like lettuce, cheese, salsa, or avocado.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes 6-8 tacos
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 30 minutes
- Total time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Make it Vegan: Skip the cheese and sour cream, and top with guacamole or avocado slices.
- Bean Variations: Use black beans or even refried lentils for a unique twist.
- Add Protein: Add grilled chicken, beef, or sautéed tofu to make it heartier.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover refried beans in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also store fried tortillas separately for best results.
- Reheating: Reheat the beans on the stove over low heat, adding a bit of water to adjust consistency. Crisp the tortillas again in a hot skillet for 1 minute on each side before serving.
FAQs
1. Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?
Yes, flour tortillas can be used, but corn tortillas give these tacos a crunchier texture.
2. How do I make these tacos spicier?
Add chopped jalapeños or use spicy salsa as a topping to kick up the heat.
3. Can I use store-bought refried beans?
Yes, store-bought refried beans can be used as a time-saver, but homemade beans are always more flavorful.
4. Can I freeze the refried beans?
Yes, you can freeze the refried beans in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
5. What are some good toppings for these tacos?
Try adding shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheese, salsa, or guacamole for extra flavor.
6. Can I make these tacos ahead of time?
While the refried beans can be made ahead, it’s best to fry the tortillas and assemble the tacos just before serving to keep them crispy.
7. Can I use other types of beans?
Yes, black beans or even lentils can be used in place of pinto beans.
8. How can I make these tacos gluten-free?
Use gluten-free corn tortillas to keep these tacos gluten-free.
9. Can I use canned beans instead of dried?
Yes, canned pinto beans work just fine in this recipe. Just rinse and drain them before using.
10. Can I add cheese to these tacos?
Absolutely! Cheese like cheddar or Monterey Jack works wonderfully as a topping.
Conclusion
Crispy Refried Bean Tacos are a quick, delicious, and customizable dish that’s perfect for a busy weeknight or a casual dinner with friends. With their crispy shells and flavorful bean filling, they are sure to become a family favorite. Whether you keep them simple or load them up with toppings, these tacos are always a hit!
Print
Crispy Refried Bean Tacos
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Crispy Refried Bean Tacos are a quick, flavorful, and vegetarian-friendly meal featuring golden-brown crispy tortillas filled with perfectly seasoned refried beans and topped with your favorite garnishes. A delicious and easy weeknight dinner, ready in just 40 minutes!
Ingredients
2 tablespoons avocado oil (or olive oil or vegetable oil)
1 small onion (white or yellow), diced
2 cloves garlic, minced (or pre-minced)
2 cans pinto beans (or black beans, or homemade refried beans)
1/4 cup water
1 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 tablespoon lime juice
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro (or parsley), chopped
6–8 corn tortillas (white or yellow)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
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Sauté aromatics: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic, cooking until fragrant (about 2 minutes).
-
Cook the beans: Add pinto beans, water, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well and cook until heated through (about 5 minutes).
-
Mash the beans: Reduce heat to low. Mash beans with a potato masher or fork. Adjust consistency with more water, if needed. Leave chunky or smooth, as preferred.
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Finish the refried beans: Stir in lime juice and cilantro. Set aside.
-
Fry the tortillas: Heat oil in a separate skillet. Fry tortillas for 1-2 minutes per side, until golden and crispy.
-
Assemble the tacos: Fill each crispy tortilla with refried beans and top with desired garnishes (e.g., lettuce, cheese, salsa, or avocado).
Notes
For a vegan option, skip cheese and sour cream, and use guacamole or avocado slices instead.
Use black beans or lentils for a different twist on the filling.
You can add grilled chicken, beef, or tofu for a protein boost.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
