Refried Bean Tacos

Name: Refried Bean Tacos
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 1/2-3/4 cup refried beans; 1/2-3/4 teaspoon taco seasoning; 1-2 tablespoons shredded cheddar cheese; 2-3 taco sized tortillas (corn or flour); 1/4-1/2 cup salsa; 3/4-1 cup sliced cabbage; 1 tablespoon cilantro leaves; 1 whole lime (quartered)

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These refried bean tacos are hands down the easiest and most delicious 10 minute dinner. All you need to do is scour your fridge and pantry for a few essentials like refried beans, taco seasoning, veggies, cheese and salsa.

two tacos with red cabbage and cilantro on a plate

[This recipe was originally posted in February 2017. It has been updated with new cooking instructions, expert tips, FAQ, related recipes, video and ways to repurpose/use up ingredients]

How will these bean tacos make your life easier?
What makes this dish so good?
How do I make these tacos with refried beans?
Substitutions/Tips
FAQ
What can I make with leftover ingredients?

How will these bean tacos make your life easier?

Tacos, just like these refried bean tacos (can) make a super easy dinner. Use up leftover protein, veggies, and whatever else you have on hand. Buy pre chopped veggies, and precooked meat OR canned beans for super speedy assembly.

For example, make up this Instant Pot pulled pork to throw in a taco + so many other dishes, make easy & freezable breakfast tacos, or switch up your taco game with these easy fish tacos with white sauce & orange salsa. You're welcome.

What makes this dish so good?

ingredients for black bean tacos on a table

How do I make these tacos with refried beans?

bowl of refried beans with cheese on top

The first step to make refried bean tacos is to mix together refried beans and taco seasoning in a bowl. Then top your refried bean mixture with shredded cheese. Place the bowl in the microwave and cook, 30 seconds at a time, until cheese is melted.

Spread out about ¼ cup of bean and cheese mixture per tortilla. 2-3 tortillas should be good for one serving. Top with salsa, cabbage/vegetables, and top with fresh cilantro if you have some. This is just the base for your tacos.

flour tortilla with refried beans, cabbage, and cilantro on top

You can add any other toppings that you have on hand like rice, sliced peppers, tomatoes, pickled onions, avocado or guacamole, or another sauce. The topping options for delicious refried bean tacos are endless, just use what you have on hand.

Substitutions/Tips

Use flour or corn tortillas, whichever you have/like.
Add leftover beans from this Pinto Bean and Rice Bowl. You can smash them with a fork before adding so they don't fall out.
Use whatever vegetables you have on hand, cabbage, onions, bell peppers, tomatoes, zucchini, romaine lettuce, radishes are a few examples.
You don't need to use the exact amounts of each ingredient in this recipe, just add spoonfuls to your taco.
Swap the cheese for vegan cheese, or omit for vegan tacos.
Other great add-ins: rice, sliced peppers, tomatoes, pickled onions, sour cream, avocado or guacamole.
Serve with chips and salsa or a salad if you'd like more food.

FAQ

Do refried beans go in tacos?

Refried beans are easier to eat than regular beans in tacos. They don't fall out, that's what makes these tacos so easy to make and eat!

What is a good idea for veggie tacos?

I recommend including beans in your veggie tacos, and then add whatever vegetables you have on hand, cabbage, onions, bell peppers, tomatoes, zucchini, radishes are a few examples.

close up of refried beans, red cabbage, and cilantro taco

What can I make with leftover ingredients?

Refried Beans: Quesadilla or a Burrito Bowl.
Salsa: Breakfast Tacos, Sausage and Egg Casserole, or Microwave Egg Bowl.
Cabbage: Red Wine Vinegar Coleslaw, Instant Pot Corned Beef and Cabbage, Vegan Soy Sauce Coleslaw Dressing.

Did you make these refried bean tacos? Leave me a comment & rating to share how they turned out!

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5 from 5 votes