Bean & Cheese Taquitos

Crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, Bean & Cheese Taquitos are a deliciously satisfying snack, appetizer, or easy weeknight dinner. This classic recipe pairs creamy refried beans with melted pepper Jack and cheddar cheeses, all rolled tightly in warm corn or flour tortillas and fried until golden brown. Every bite delivers a punch of flavor thanks to chili powder, cumin, and the perfect balance of textures—crunchy, melty, and creamy.

What makes this recipe stand out is its versatility. These taquitos are easy to customize and can be baked or air-fried for a lighter version. The Green Chile Sour Cream Sauce adds a fresh, tangy, and slightly spicy finishing touch that elevates each bite. Whether you’re hosting a party or looking for a quick vegetarian meal, these taquitos come together quickly and are a major crowd-pleaser. They store and reheat well too, making them great for meal prepping or packing for lunches. With minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, this recipe proves that you don’t need meat to enjoy a fully satisfying, comfort food experience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy

Made with pantry staples and ready in under 30 minutes, these taquitos are perfect for busy nights.

Versatile snack or meal

Great as a main course, appetizer, or game-day finger food that everyone will love.

Vegetarian-friendly

A hearty meatless option that’s full of flavor and protein from the beans and cheese.

Perfectly crispy texture

Pan-fried to golden perfection or easily adapted for baking or air frying.

Irresistible dipping sauce

The homemade green chile sour cream sauce adds a creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy flavor boost.

Ingredients

Taquitos

Refried beans
Shredded pepper Jack cheese
Chili powder
Ground cumin
Corn or flour tortillas
Shredded cheddar cheese
Neutral oil (for frying)

Green Chile Sour Cream Sauce

Green chiles
Sour cream
Fresh cilantro
Garlic
Fresh lime juice
Kosher salt
Black pepper

Variations

• Add veggies: Mix in sautéed onions, corn, or bell peppers with the bean filling.
• Spice it up: Use hot green chiles or add jalapeños to the sauce or filling.
• Try different cheeses: Use Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a Mexican cheese blend.
• Make it vegan: Use dairy-free cheese and vegan sour cream.
• Bake instead of fry: Bake at 425°F until crispy, or use an air fryer for a lighter version.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1

In a medium bowl, combine refried beans, pepper Jack cheese, chili powder, and cumin. Mix until smooth and well combined.

Step 2

Warm the tortillas slightly in the microwave or on a skillet to make them pliable.

Step 3

Spoon the bean mixture down the center of each tortilla. Top with shredded cheddar cheese, then roll tightly and secure seam side down.

Step 4

In a large skillet, heat about ½ inch of neutral oil over medium heat. Once hot, add taquitos seam side down and fry in batches until golden brown and crisp, about 2–3 minutes per side.

Step 5

Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 6

To make the sauce, combine green chiles, sour cream, cilantro, garlic, lime juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Stir until well mixed.

Step 7

Serve taquitos hot with the green chile sour cream sauce on the side or drizzled over the top.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Warm tortillas before rolling to prevent tearing.
• Don’t overfill—use about 2 tablespoons of filling per tortilla.
• Keep rolled taquitos under a damp towel before frying to keep them from drying out.
• Use a thermometer to ensure oil is hot enough (350–375°F) for best crisping.
• Drain fried taquitos on paper towels to remove excess oil.

How to Serve

Serve warm with the green chile sour cream sauce for dipping or drizzling. They pair well with guacamole, salsa, pico de gallo, or a side of Mexican rice. Perfect for party platters, lunch boxes, or a casual family dinner.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool taquitos completely and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing

Freeze uncooked or cooked taquitos in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. No need to thaw—just bake or fry from frozen.

Reheating

Reheat in an oven at 375°F until hot and crisp, about 10 minutes. Avoid the microwave if you want to preserve the crispiness.

FAQs

Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?

Yes, flour tortillas work just as well and are easier to roll.

Can I bake these instead of frying?

Absolutely. Bake at 425°F for 18–20 minutes or until crispy and golden.

Can I use store-bought taquitos and just make the sauce?

Yes, the sauce is a great upgrade for any store-bought version.

What other cheeses can I use?

Any melty cheese like Monterey Jack, Oaxaca, or mozzarella works well.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the taquitos and refrigerate for up to a day before cooking.

Can I freeze them?

Yes, they freeze well cooked or uncooked. Reheat in the oven for best texture.

How do I keep them from unrolling while frying?

Place seam side down in the pan and don’t move them until the bottom is set.

What if I don’t have refried beans?

Mash canned black or pinto beans with a bit of seasoning and oil as a substitute.

Can I use an air fryer?

Yes, air fry at 400°F for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Is the sauce spicy?

It’s mild to medium. Use hotter chiles or add hot sauce for more heat.

Conclusion

Bean & Cheese Taquitos are the ultimate combination of crunch, creaminess, and bold flavor. Whether you’re serving them as a fun appetizer or a simple vegetarian dinner, they’re guaranteed to satisfy. With a crispy golden shell and a cheesy, spiced bean filling, each bite is better than the last—especially when dipped into the fresh and zesty green chile sour cream sauce. Easy to make, freeze, and reheat, these taquitos deserve a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.

Print