Bean & cheese taquitos are the ultimate easy, crispy, and crave-worthy snack or meal. Rolled in tortillas and baked or fried until golden and crunchy, these taquitos are filled with creamy refried beans and melted cheese for a simple yet satisfying bite. Whether served with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream, they’re a perfect go-to for game day, weeknight dinners, or anytime you need something quick and delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These taquitos are incredibly easy to make and use just a handful of pantry staples. They’re freezer-friendly, budget-friendly, and customizable. Baked or fried, they come out crispy and golden every time. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, bean & cheese taquitos are a guaranteed hit that comes together in under 30 minutes.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Corn tortillas
- Refried beans (canned or homemade)
- Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend)
- Olive oil or cooking spray (for baking) or vegetable oil (for frying)
- Optional: spices like cumin, garlic powder, or chili powder
- Dipping sauces: salsa, sour cream, guacamole, or hot sauce
directions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) if baking, or heat about ½ inch of oil in a skillet if frying.
- Warm tortillas in the microwave (wrapped in a damp towel) or on a skillet until pliable.
- Spread a spoonful of refried beans down the center of each tortilla, then sprinkle with shredded cheese.
- Roll the tortillas tightly into cylinders and place seam-side down on a baking sheet (or hold closed with toothpicks if frying).
- To bake: Lightly brush or spray the taquitos with oil. Bake for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- To fry: Fry taquitos in hot oil, a few at a time, for 2–3 minutes per side until crisp and browned. Drain on paper towels.
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces.
Servings and timing
Makes about 12 taquitos
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15–20 minutes
Total time: About 30 minutes
Variations
- Add protein: Mix in shredded chicken or beef with the beans.
- Use flour tortillas: For larger, softer taquitos with a different texture.
- Make vegan: Use dairy-free cheese and vegan refried beans.
- Add jalapeños or green chiles: For a spicy kick.
- Top with garnishes: Like chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, or crumbled queso fresco.
storage/reheating
Store leftover taquitos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake at 375°F for 10–12 minutes or air-fry for a few minutes until crispy again. You can also freeze unbaked or baked taquitos for up to 2 months — just bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought refried beans?
Yes, they work great. You can also season them to taste before using.
How do I keep the taquitos from unrolling?
Place them seam-side down when baking or secure with toothpicks when frying.
What’s the best cheese for these?
Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend melt well and have great flavor.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, roll them up and refrigerate or freeze before baking or frying.
Are these spicy?
Not unless you add spicy ingredients — you control the heat.
Can I bake them instead of frying?
Yes, baking gives a great crispy result with less oil.
How do I make them extra crispy?
Use a hot oven, brush them lightly with oil, and flip halfway through baking.
Can I make these in an air fryer?
Absolutely. Air fry at 400°F for 7–10 minutes, turning once.
Can I use flour tortillas?
Yes, though they’ll be softer and may need longer to crisp up.
What dips go best with these taquitos?
Salsa, sour cream, guacamole, queso, or a drizzle of hot sauce are all great options.
Conclusion
Bean & cheese taquitos are everything you want in a quick and comforting bite — crispy on the outside, melty and savory inside. Whether you’re baking, frying, or air-frying them, they’re endlessly customizable and always satisfying. Keep a batch in the freezer for easy meals, snacks, or party appetizers anytime the craving strikes.
Print
Bean & Cheese Taquitos
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 taquitos 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Bean & Cheese Taquitos are crispy on the outside and full of gooey, cheesy goodness on the inside. Baked or air-fried for a healthier twist, they make a perfect appetizer, snack, or quick dinner. Great for meal prep and freezer-friendly, too!
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups refried beans (homemade or canned)
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/4 teaspoon chili powder (optional for a kick)
10–12 small corn or flour tortillas
Cooking spray or a little oil (for baking or air frying)
Optional toppings:
Sour cream
Salsa or hot sauce
Guacamole
Chopped cilantro
Lime wedges
Instructions
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) or preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
Warm the tortillas in a microwave or on a skillet until soft and flexible (about 20 seconds). This prevents cracking when rolling.
Mix the filling:
In a bowl, combine refried beans, shredded cheese, garlic powder, cumin, and chili powder (if using).
Assemble taquitos:
Spoon 2–3 tablespoons of the bean and cheese mixture along the lower third of each tortilla. Roll tightly and place seam-side down on a baking sheet or in your air fryer basket.
Bake or air fry:
Oven: Lightly spray with oil and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until crispy and golden.
Air Fryer: Spray with oil and cook for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp.
Serve hot with your favorite toppings and dips.
Notes
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Use flour tortillas for easier rolling and a softer texture, or corn for a more traditional bite.
-
Add chopped green chiles or jalapeños to the filling for extra flavor.
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Freeze before or after baking—just reheat in the oven or air fryer until warmed through.
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