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    Gastronotherapy » Recipes » Main Course

    Cheesy Refried Bean Tacos (15 minutes)

    Published: Apr 15, 2021 · Modified: Aug 20, 2023 by MaryAnne · 12 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Easy, crispy, and cheesy refried bean tacos feature a smoky mashed black bean filling paired with crunchy red cabbage, creamy avocado, salty cheese, and fresh cilantro. The savory and slightly spicy bean and cheese mixture gets elevated with tomatoes, garlic, and warm spices. Serve any leftover filling as a creamy dip, or use it for burritos, nachos, or quesadillas. Ready in 15 minutes!

    Refried bean tacos arranged on a table with avocaco and cabbage.

    Summer weather always puts me in the mood for Mexican food, like veggie fajitas, salsa, and enchiladas.

    In this delicious and easy recipe for refried bean tacos, we make homemade (and much healthier than the store-bought stuff) refried beans using black beans. This way, we can control the amount of salt and oil that we use.

    Make this budget-friendly recipe when you want restaurant-worthy tacos in the comfort of your own home.

    Jump to:
    • ⭐️ Why These Bean and Cheese Tacos are the Best
    • 🤔 What is the Difference Between Refried Beans and Regular Beans?
    • 🌮 Ingredient Notes
    • 📝 Taco Variations & Substitutions
    • 🔪 How To Make Refried Bean Tacos
    • 👩🏼‍🍳 Expert Tips
    • 🥑 Taco Toppings
    • 🍽 How to Serve Refried Black Bean Tacos
    • 💬 Frequently Asked Questions
    • 🌯 Related Recipes
    • Refried Bean Tacos Recipe

    ⭐️ Why These Bean and Cheese Tacos are the Best

    • Mashed black bean tacos with a creamy and crunchy texture
    • Savory, smoky, and cheesy refried bean filling that can be used to make burritos, nachos, or served as a satisfying dip
    • Healthy vegetarian tacos that are nutrient-dense, high in protein and fiber, with dairy-free & gluten-free options available
    • Quick and easy refried bean taco recipe that's ready in 15 minutes
    • Budget-friendly taco recipe that uses pantry-friendly ingredients, so you can make a restaurant-worthy meal at home

    🤔 What is the Difference Between Refried Beans and Regular Beans?

    Contrary to popular belief, refried beans are NOT deep-fried or fried twice. Rather, they're beans that have been cooked, mashed, and then pan-fried with some oil, onions, and spices to create a seriously flavorful and creamy dish.

    In northern Mexico, pinto beans are typically used, but in other regions of Mexico, black beans or red kidney beans are used. I love black beans, so that's what I use in these tacos, but you can easily use your favorite type of bean.

    Making tacos with refried beans at home is not only cheaper than ordering them at a restaurant, but it's also much healthier, as you can control the amount of fat and salt in your cooking.

    🌮 Ingredient Notes

    taco ingredients arranged on a table.
    • Garlic - I highly recommend using fresh garlic for the best flavor here. You can use jarred garlic or garlic powder, but it won't taste as fresh.
    • Black beans - These nutrient-dense beans are high in protein and fiber, and budget-friendly. You can use canned beans or dried (fully cooked) beans.
    • Cumin, ancho chile powder, smoked paprika, and salt - Warm Tex-Mex spices add so much deep and complex flavor.
    • Corn tortillas - I prefer soft corn tortillas with my tacos, but flour tortillas or hard taco shells will work as well.
    • Tomato - You can use a fresh tomato or canned diced tomatoes.
    • Cheese - I like to use a salty Mexican-style cheese or pepper jack cheese for a slight kick, but they're also delicious made with cheddar cheese.
    • Red cabbage - Adds a beautiful pop of color and fresh crunchiness. For guidance, read my post on how to shred cabbage.

    📝 Taco Variations & Substitutions

    • Beans. Substitute pinto beans, red kidney beans, or garbanzo beans/chickpeas for a slightly different flavor.
    • Make dairy-free tacos: Use your favorite brand of dairy-free cheese. Depending on what you use, it might not melt as evenly, but it will taste great!
    • Make gluten-free tacos: Use 100% corn/certified gluten-free tortillas for a gluten-free meal.
    Three refried black bean tacos on a white plate garnished with cilantro.

    🔪 How To Make Refried Bean Tacos

    *See recipe card below for printable instructions.

    Heat a large frying pan over medium heat. Add olive oil and allow it to become translucent, about 1 minute.

    Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Adjust heat to medium-low and add black beans. Using a potato masher or fork, mash around ¾ of beans.

    Refried black beans and garlic being cooked in a large skillet.

    Add diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, and spices. Cook for several minutes or until cheese has become melted.

    Bean, cheese, and tomato mixture being cooked in a large skillet.

    Toast tortillas: over a medium flame, place tortillas directly over burner one at a time until nicely charred (flipping once using tongs), around 30 seconds per side.

    charred tortilla on a gas burner.

    Assemble tacos with black bean filling, smashed avocado, shredded cabbage, and cilantro. Serve immediately.

    five refried bean tacos arranged on a baking sheet with red cabbage, avocado, and cilantro.

    👩🏼‍🍳 Expert Tips

    • Storage: Store leftover taco filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Wrap tortillas in foil and store in the fridge.
    • How to reheat tacos: Place bean mixture in a skillet over medium-low heat for 5-7 minutes, until heated through. Tortillas can be wrapped in foil and warmed in a 350 degree F. oven for 10 minutes.
    • How to freeze: Place completely cooled bean mixture into a freezer-safe container and store in the freezer for up to 3 months (tortillas can be frozen separately). To thaw, place in refrigerator overnight and follow reheating instructions above.
    • Char tortillas over an open flame. If you have a gas stovetop or grill, I highly recommend giving your tortillas (you can use corn or flour tortillas) a good char for extra flavor. Just a few seconds on each side is all that's needed!
    • Serve any leftover filling as a creamy dip, or use it for burritos, nachos, or quesadillas.

    🥑 Taco Toppings

    When it comes to toppings for tacos, the sky's the limit! Here are several suggestions:

    • Sour cream
    • Pico de gallo
    • Black bean salsa
    • Guacamole
    • Pickled onions
    • Squeeze of lime juice
    • Cabbage slaw
    • Cilantro
    • Roasted jalapeños

    🍽 How to Serve Refried Black Bean Tacos

    Serve tacos accompanied with a summery appetizer, like cucumber soup, corn salsa, or guacamole.

    For a hearty meal, pair them with beans and rice, crispy sweet potatoes, or corn on the cob.

    Don't forget dessert! Serve a galette with cherries or double chocolate zucchini bread for the finale.

    Holding Mexican bean tacos over a table.

    💬 Frequently Asked Questions

    What makes refried beans refried?

    There is a misconception about refried beans being "fried twice". However, "refried" actually translates from "well-fried" in Spanish, which alludes to beans being cooked and mashed, with some form of fat added to help the process along. In northern Mexico, pinto beans are typically used, but in other regions of Mexico, black beans or red kidney beans are used.

    What can I eat refried beans with?

    Refried beans are so delicious on their own and can be served as a side accompaniment to fajitas, quesadillas, enchiladas, or your favorite Mexican dish. They can also be served with chips and salsa and eaten as a snack, or added to nachos and burritos.

    How do you make refried beans for tacos?

    Heat a large frying pan over medium heat. Add olive oil and allow it to become translucent, about 1 minute. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Adjust heat to medium-low and add black beans. Using a potato masher or fork, mash around ¾ of beans.

    🌯 Related Recipes

    • Veggie fajitas arranged on a wooden cutting board.
      Hearty Vegetarian Fajitas
    • black bean corn avocado salsa in a bowl garnished with cilantro.
      Black Bean Corn Avocado Salsa
    • two chipotle enchiladas on a gray plate with fresh cilantro and scallions.
      Creamy Chicken Chipotle Enchiladas
    • creamy avocado gazpacho in a white bowl.
      Avocado Cucumber Gazpacho

    Tried this recipe? Please leave a star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating below and/or a review in the comments section further down the page. You can also stay in touch with us through social media by following us on Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok, and Facebook.

    Subscribe to my email newsletter to get my FREE Guide on Money Saving Tips on Buying Groceries, and get new recipes delivered to your inbox!

    refried bean and cheese tacos arranged on a table with avocaco and cabbage.

    Refried Bean Tacos Recipe

    Author: MaryAnne
    Crispy and cheesy refried bean tacos feature a smoky black bean filling paired with crunchy red cabbage, creamy avocado, salty cheese, and fresh cilantro. Ready in 15 minutes, so they're great for weeknights and/or meal-prep!
    5 from 8 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 5 minutes mins
    Total Time 15 minutes mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine Mexican
    Servings 8 tacos
    Calories 183 kcal

    Equipment

    • 1 large frying pan
    • 1 potato masher or fork

    Ingredients
      

    Ingredients

    • 4 Tablespoons olive oil
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • 2 (16-ounce) cans black beans, drained and rinsed
    • 1 cup tomatoes, diced
    • ½ cup shredded cheese (pepper jack or Mexican-style cheese)
    • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
    • 1 teaspoon ancho chile powder
    • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
    • ¾ teaspoon salt
    • 8 soft corn or flour tortillas

    Garnish

    • 1 avocado, smashed
    • 1 cup shredded red cabbage
    • ¼ cup cilantro, roughly chopped

    Instructions
     

    • Heat a large frying pan over medium heat. Add olive oil and allow it to become translucent, about 1 minute.
    • Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Adjust heat to medium-low and add black beans. Using a potato masher or fork, mash around ¾ of beans.
    • Add diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, and spices. Cook for several minutes or until cheese has become melted.
    • Toast tortillas: over a medium flame, place tortillas directly over burner one at a time until nicely charred (flipping once using tongs), around 30 seconds per side.
    • Assemble tacos with black bean filling, smashed avocado, shredded cabbage, and cilantro. Serve immediately.

    Notes

    • Storage: Store leftover taco filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Wrap tortillas in foil and store in the fridge separately.
    • How to reheat: Place bean mixture in a skillet over medium-low heat for 5-7 minutes, until heated through. Tortillas can be wrapped in foil and warmed in a 350 degree F. oven for 10 minutes.
    • How to freeze: Place completely cooled bean mixture into a freezer-safe container and store in the freezer for up to 3 months (tortillas can be frozen separately). To thaw, place in refrigerator overnight and follow reheating instructions above.
    • Char tortillas over an open flame. If you have a gas stovetop or grill, I highly recommend giving your tortillas a good char for extra flavor. Just a few seconds on each side is all that's needed!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 183kcalCarbohydrates: 17gProtein: 4gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 6mgSodium: 287mgPotassium: 285mgFiber: 4gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 481IUVitamin C: 12mgCalcium: 82mgIron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Barb+Haner

      April 15, 2021 at 8:31 pm

      5 stars
      These sound delicious!

      Reply
      • Gastronotherapy

        April 16, 2021 at 11:49 am

        They are soooo good! 🙂

        Reply
    2. Andrea

      April 25, 2021 at 9:42 am

      5 stars
      It is a perfect combination of flavors that makes these tacos superb. Will be making these often.

      Reply
      • Gastronotherapy

        April 25, 2021 at 1:38 pm

        Thanks, Andrea!

        Reply
    3. Sonal

      April 25, 2021 at 11:53 am

      5 stars
      This looks so pretty with purple cabbage topping. Such a delicious recipe.

      Reply
      • Gastronotherapy

        April 25, 2021 at 1:39 pm

        Thanks, Sonal!

        Reply
    4. Tawnie Kroll

      April 25, 2021 at 12:00 pm

      5 stars
      These were easy to make and so so flavorful, thank you!

      Reply
      • Gastronotherapy

        April 25, 2021 at 1:41 pm

        Thanks so much, Tawnie!

        Reply
    5. Biana

      April 25, 2021 at 12:09 pm

      5 stars
      Tacos are such a delicious dinner. And I love cabbage added on top, for crunch.

      Reply
      • Gastronotherapy

        April 25, 2021 at 1:41 pm

        I agree, Biana!

        Reply
    6. Jacqueline Meldrum

      April 25, 2021 at 12:22 pm

      5 stars
      Looks so tasty and the gorgeous colour of that cabbage WOW!

      Reply
      • Gastronotherapy

        April 25, 2021 at 1:42 pm

        Thanks, Jacqueline!

        Reply

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