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 (such as vegetable or canola oil); 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 crispy, flavorful, and perfect for a quick snack or casual meal. Filled with seasoned refried beans and melted cheese, they pair wonderfully with a tangy green chile sour cream sauce. Easy to make and sure to satisfy, they bring a taste of Mexican street food right to your kitchen.

A group of seven golden-brown taquitos lays scattered on a piece of brown parchment paper over a white marbled surface. Most taquitos are tightly rolled with crispy, textured shells showing small dark spots, while one taquito on the right is broken open, revealing melted cheese stretching out in sticky strings. Two taquitos are topped with dollops of white sour cream mixed with green herbs. Small green cilantro leaves are scattered around for garnish, along with three lime wedges placed near the top left and bottom right corners. A bowl filled with chunky green guacamole sits at the bottom left, and a bowl with creamy white ranch dip with green herbs is near the top center. A glass of frothy amber-colored drink is partially visible in the top left corner. 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 until well incorporated.

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

Step 3: Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the bean mixture into the center of each tortilla. Top with shredded cheddar cheese, then roll the tortilla up tightly.

Step 4: Pour neutral oil into a large, high-sided skillet to a depth of about 1/2 inch. Heat over medium heat until shimmering and about 350°F on an instant-read thermometer.

Step 5: Working in batches, place rolled taquitos seam side down in the hot oil. Fry until golden brown, about 2 to 3 minutes for corn tortillas or 4 to 5 minutes for flour tortillas. Flip and fry the other side for 1 to 2 minutes more.

Step 6: Using tongs, transfer the cooked taquitos to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Repeat with remaining taquitos, adjusting heat as needed to prevent burning.

Step 7: For the green chile sour cream sauce, combine the drained green chiles, sour cream, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, and fresh lime juice in a medium bowl. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Mix well.

Step 8: Serve the taquitos warm with the green chile sour cream sauce on the side for dipping.

Tips & Variations

For extra crispiness, double-fry the taquitos by frying a second time for 30 seconds after draining on paper towels.

Use flour tortillas for a softer, chewier texture or corn tortillas for a more authentic crunch.

Add cooked, shredded chicken or ground beef to the bean mixture for a heartier filling.

Substitute pepper Jack cheese with Monterey Jack for a milder flavor if preferred.

Make the green chile sour cream sauce a day ahead to let the flavors meld; just keep refrigerated until ready to serve.

FAQs

Can I bake the taquitos instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake the taquitos at 400°F on a parchment-lined baking sheet for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through, until crisp and golden. They won’t be quite as crispy as fried but are a healthier alternative.

Can I freeze the taquitos?

Yes, freeze un-fried taquitos in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Fry or bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.