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Crispy Refried Bean Tacos

Crispy refried bean tacos with golden, crunchy baked shells and creamy, seasoned beans. Made with oven-baked corn tortillas for a weeknight-friendly vegetarian taco that stays crisp.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 33 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Tacos
  • 12 corn tortillas
  • 2 can (16 oz) refried beans
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 0.5 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
Toppings
  • 1 shredded lettuce
  • 1 diced tomatoes
  • 1 avocado slices
  • 1 sour cream
  • 1 salsa
  • 1 fresh cilantro

Equipment

  • 1 sheet pan

Method
 

Bake the crispy tacos
  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and place a sheet pan inside to heat up.
  2. Mix refried beans with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and black pepper until evenly combined.
  3. Warm the corn tortillas briefly until flexible, so they fold without cracking.
  4. Spread about 3 tablespoons of the bean mixture onto half of each tortilla.
  5. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the beans.
  6. Fold each tortilla in half to enclose the filling.
  7. Arrange the folded tacos on the baking sheet in a single layer.
  8. Brush both sides lightly with vegetable oil so the tortillas turn golden and crisp.
  9. Bake for 15–18 minutes at 425°F (220°C) until crispy and golden.
  10. Remove from the oven and add shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, avocado slices, sour cream, salsa, and fresh cilantro to taste.
  11. Serve immediately with salsa and sour cream while the shells are still crisp.

Notes

For the crispiest texture, bake on a preheated sheet pan and don’t overload the tortillas with bean filling. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container up to 3 days; reheat in a 400°F (205°C) oven to re-crisp. Freezing: yes, freeze baked tacos without toppings for up to 2 months, then reheat in the oven until hot. Dietary swap: use dairy-free cheese and sour cream for a lactose-free option.