Name: Bean & Cheese Taquitos Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 (16-oz.) can refried beans; 1/2 cup shredded pepper Jack cheese (about 2 oz.); 2 tsp chili powder; 1 tsp ground cumin; 12 small corn or flour tortillas; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (about 4 oz.); Neutral oil, for frying (about 1/2″ depth in skillet); 1 (4-oz.) can green chiles, drained; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 tbsp fresh lime juice; Kosher salt, to taste; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Introduction

These Bean & Cheese Taquitos are a crispy, flavorful treat perfect for a snack or meal. Filled with seasoned refried beans and melted cheese, they pair wonderfully with a tangy green chile sour cream sauce. Quick to prepare and deliciously satisfying, they’re a great addition to any Mexican-inspired menu.

The image shows eight taquitos on a piece of brown parchment paper placed on a white marbled surface. The taquitos are golden brown with a crispy texture, some showing slight dark spots from frying. One taquito at the top right is broken open, revealing melted yellow cheese stretching out, while two others have small dollops of white creamy sauce on one end. Scattered green cilantro leaves add a touch of color around the taquitos. There are three lime wedges with bright green skin and pale green inside placed near the top left and bottom right corners. A small round wooden bowl with white creamy dip flecked with herbs is visible near the top right, with a pair of chopsticks resting on its edge. At the bottom left, a small clear glass bowl contains chunky green guacamole with visible tomato pieces. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 (16-oz.) can refried beans

1/2 cup shredded pepper Jack cheese (about 2 oz.)

2 teaspoons chili powder

1 teaspoon ground cumin

12 small corn or flour tortillas

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (about 4 oz.)

Neutral oil, for frying

1 (4-oz.) can green chiles, drained

1/2 cup sour cream

1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

1 clove garlic, minced

1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the refried beans, shredded pepper Jack cheese, chili powder, and ground cumin. Mix well to blend the flavors.

Step 2: Place the tortillas on a heatproof plate and cover them with a damp paper towel. Microwave for about 15 seconds until they are warm and pliable.

Step 3: Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the bean mixture into the center of each tortilla. Sprinkle some shredded cheddar cheese on top, then roll the tortilla tightly around the filling.

Step 4: Pour neutral oil into a large, high-sided skillet to a depth of about 1/2 inch. Heat over medium until the oil shimmers and reaches about 350°F (use an instant-read thermometer if you have one).

Step 5: Fry the rolled taquitos seam side down in batches for 2 to 3 minutes until golden. If using flour tortillas, fry for 4 to 5 minutes. Flip and cook the other sides for 1 to 2 minutes. Remove with tongs and drain on paper towels.

Step 6: For the green chile sour cream sauce, combine the drained green chiles, sour cream, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, and lime juice in a medium bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and mix well.

Step 7: Serve the taquitos warm with the green chile sour cream sauce alongside for dipping.

Tips & Variations

Use corn tortillas for a more traditional flavor or flour tortillas for a softer texture.

If you prefer baked taquitos, place them on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 15–20 minutes, turning halfway, until crispy.

Add diced jalapeños to the bean mixture for extra heat.

For a heartier filling, mix in cooked and seasoned ground beef or shredded chicken.

FAQs

Can I freeze the taquitos?

Yes, freeze uncooked taquitos on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. Fry or bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.