Bean and Cheese Taquitos are a crunchy, satisfying dish made by rolling tortillas around a hearty bean and cheese filling, then baking or frying them until crisp. They’re easy to make, kid-friendly, and perfect for everything from casual dinners to party snacks.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple ingredients – You likely have most of them in your pantry.
- Fast and easy – Ideal for weeknights or last-minute snacks.
- Customizable – Add veggies, meat, or different cheeses.
- Freezer-friendly – Make ahead and store for later.
- Perfectly crispy – Whether baked or fried, they turn out golden and crunchy.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Refried beans
- Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
- Taco seasoning
- Hot sauce (optional)
- Corn or flour tortillas
- Oil or cooking spray
- Optional toppings: sour cream, salsa, guacamole, chopped cilantro
Directions
- Make the filling: In a bowl, mix the refried beans, shredded cheese, taco seasoning, and a few dashes of hot sauce if you like heat.
- Warm the tortillas: Microwave them wrapped in a damp paper towel for 20–30 seconds to soften.
- Fill and roll: Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the mixture onto the bottom third of each tortilla. Roll them tightly and place seam-side down on a baking sheet.
- Cook the taquitos:
- To bake: Preheat oven to 425°F. Lightly brush or spray the taquitos with oil. Bake for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- To fry: Heat a thin layer of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook taquitos seam-side down for 2–3 minutes per side until golden.
- Serve: Top with sour cream, salsa, or your favorite toppings, and enjoy hot.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes about 10–12 taquitos
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15–20 minutes (baking) or 4–6 minutes (frying)
Variations
- Add protein: Mix in cooked shredded chicken, ground beef, or pulled pork.
- Go vegan: Use plant-based cheese and vegan refried beans.
- Add veggies: Stir in sautéed onions, peppers, or spinach to the filling.
- Make them spicy: Add chopped jalapeños or use pepper jack cheese.
Storage/Reheating
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze uncooked or cooked taquitos for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes, or air fry for 5–8 minutes until crispy.

FAQs
What are taquitos?
Taquitos are rolled tortillas filled with ingredients like beans, cheese, or meat, then baked or fried until crisp.
Can I use flour tortillas?
Yes, flour tortillas work well and are easier to roll without tearing.
How do I keep the taquitos from unrolling?
Place them seam-side down when cooking, and use toothpicks if necessary.
Can I make them ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep and roll them ahead, then bake or fry when ready to serve.
What cheese works best?
Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or any good melting cheese is ideal.
Are they gluten-free?
Use corn tortillas and check labels on your beans and seasoning for gluten-free versions.
Can I air fry these?
Yes, cook at 400°F for 8–10 minutes, turning halfway, until crisp.
Do I have to use oil?
For baking, a light spray of oil helps with crispiness, but it’s optional.
Can I serve these cold?
They’re best served hot and crispy, but you can enjoy leftovers cold or reheat them.
What dips go well with taquitos?
Try sour cream, salsa, guacamole, or queso for dipping.
Conclusion
Bean and Cheese Taquitos are the perfect mix of crunchy and gooey, quick to make, and easy to customize. Whether you’re making them for dinner, a snack, or freezing a batch for later, they’re always a crowd-pleaser. Try different fillings or toppings to keep them exciting every time!
PrintBean and Cheese Taquitos
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 taquitos 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Snack, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These crispy bean and cheese taquitos are the perfect quick snack or easy weeknight dinner. They’re crunchy on the outside and filled with warm, cheesy goodness on the inside. Serve with your favorite salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for a tasty, satisfying bite every time.
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) refried beans
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/4 tsp chili powder (optional)
- 12 small flour or corn tortillas
- Cooking spray or oil (for brushing)
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the refried beans, cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and chili powder (if using). Mix well.
- Warm the tortillas in the microwave for about 20–30 seconds to make them pliable.
- Spoon 2–3 tablespoons of the bean and cheese mixture onto each tortilla and roll it up tightly into a taquito.
- Place the taquitos seam-side down on the baking sheet. Lightly spray or brush the tops with oil and sprinkle with a pinch of salt.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy with salsa, sour cream, or guacamo
Notes
- You can use corn tortillas for a more traditional version or flour tortillas for a softer texture.
- Add finely chopped jalapeños or green chilies for a spicy kick.
- These freeze well! Make a big batch and reheat in the oven or air fryer.
Nutrition
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 270mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
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