Bean & Cheese Taquitos

Introduction

Bean & Cheese Taquitos are a savory, crispy, and satisfying Mexican-inspired dish that combines seasoned refried beans, melty cheese, and a crispy corn tortilla shell. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or even a main course, these taquitos are flavorful, easy to prepare, and make for a fun meal for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, hosting a party, or simply craving something comforting and quick, Bean & Cheese Taquitos are the perfect solution. They are also versatile and can be customized with various fillings or toppings to suit your taste.

Perfect for:

• Family dinners
• Game day snacks
• Quick meals
• Party appetizers
• Vegetarian meals
• Halal-friendly cooking

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Bean & Cheese Taquitos will become your go-to meal:

• Crispy and Crunchy Texture: The tortillas are fried to perfection, creating a satisfying crunch with each bite.
• Cheesy Goodness: The melted cheese inside pairs perfectly with the creamy beans for a rich, savory filling.
• Customizable: You can personalize the filling with different types of beans, cheese, and spices to make these taquitos uniquely yours.
• Quick and Easy: With minimal prep time and only a few ingredients, you’ll have a batch of these delicious taquitos ready in no time.
• Halal-Friendly: This recipe uses only Halal ingredients, so you can enjoy the dish with peace of mind.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 12-15 taquitos
• Calories per serving: Approximately 150-200 calories (depending on size and ingredients)
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 8g, Carbs: 18g, Fat: 9g

Ingredients

To make these delicious and crispy Bean & Cheese Taquitos, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 can (15 oz) refried beans (or 1 ½ cups homemade refried beans)
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of both)
• 12 small corn tortillas
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
• Salsa or guacamole (optional, for dipping)
• Lime wedges (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

• Refried Beans: These creamy beans form the hearty base of the taquito filling, adding both flavor and richness. You can use canned or homemade refried beans, but ensure they are Halal-certified.
• Cheese: The cheese is key to a gooey, flavorful filling. Use a blend of cheeses for a melty texture and savory taste.
• Spices: The garlic powder, cumin, and chili powder add depth and warmth to the filling, giving the taquitos an authentic flavor.
• Corn Tortillas: Corn tortillas provide the perfect base for taquitos, offering a slightly chewy interior and crispy exterior when fried.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make the perfect Bean & Cheese Taquitos:

Prepare the Filling:

1. Heat the Beans: In a medium saucepan, heat the refried beans over medium heat until warm. Stir in the garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary. Keep the beans warm on low heat while you prepare the tortillas.
2. Prepare the Cheese: While the beans are heating, shred the cheese if you’re using a block of cheese. Set aside.

Prepare the Corn Tortillas:

3. Soften the Tortillas: Corn tortillas tend to break when rolled if they are not softened. To prevent this, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and lightly warm each tortilla for 15-20 seconds on each side, just until soft and pliable. You can also microwave the tortillas for 10-15 seconds, covered with a damp paper towel, to soften them.
4. Assemble the Taquitos: Lay a warm tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spread a spoonful of the warm refried beans in the center of the tortilla, and then sprinkle with shredded cheese. Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling, securing it with the seam side down.

Fry the Taquitos:

5. Heat the Oil: Pour the vegetable oil into a large frying pan or skillet and heat it over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot but not smoking. You can test the temperature by dropping a small piece of tortilla into the oil – it should bubble and float to the surface.
6. Fry the Taquitos: Carefully place the rolled taquitos seam side down into the hot oil. Fry them in batches, turning occasionally, until all sides are golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan, as this will lower the temperature of the oil and result in soggy taquitos.
7. Drain the Taquitos: Once the taquitos are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Serve and Enjoy:

8. Serve: Arrange the freshly fried taquitos on a serving platter. Garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired. Serve with a side of salsa, guacamole, or a squeeze of lime for added flavor.

How to Serve Bean & Cheese Taquitos

Bean & Cheese Taquitos are versatile and can be served in several ways:

• With Dips: Serve the taquitos with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for dipping. These creamy and tangy sauces complement the crispy taquitos perfectly.
• With Rice and Beans: For a fuller meal, serve the taquitos with a side of Mexican rice and black beans, making it a hearty dish for lunch or dinner.
• As Appetizers: Bean & Cheese Taquitos make excellent appetizers for parties, game days, or gatherings. They’re easy to share and perfect for snacking.
• Topped with Fresh Ingredients: Add toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, or a drizzle of crema for an extra burst of flavor and color.

Additional Tips for Bean & Cheese Taquitos

Here are some helpful tips to ensure your Bean & Cheese Taquitos come out perfect every time:

• Use Fresh Tortillas: Fresh tortillas are more pliable and less likely to crack when rolling. Avoid using tortillas that are too dry or stale.
• Avoid Overfilling: Be careful not to overfill the tortillas with beans and cheese, as this can cause them to break open during frying. A small spoonful of each ingredient is enough.
• Crispy Texture: If you prefer an extra crispy exterior, you can brush the taquitos lightly with oil before baking them at 400°F (200°C) for 10-15 minutes instead of frying. This will give them a golden, crispy finish without the need for deep frying.
• Control Heat: If you’re concerned about the oil temperature while frying, use a kitchen thermometer to ensure it reaches 350°F (175°C). This will prevent the taquitos from becoming greasy.

Recipe Variations of Bean & Cheese Taquitos

Here are 10 variations of Bean & Cheese Taquitos that you can try to mix things up:

1. Spicy Bean & Cheese Taquitos: Add some chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the bean mixture for an extra spicy kick.
2. Vegetarian Taquitos: Add sautéed vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, and zucchini to the filling for a more veggie-forward version of these taquitos.
3. Guacamole Stuffed Taquitos: Spread a thin layer of guacamole on the tortilla before adding the beans and cheese for a creamy, avocado-infused filling.
4. BBQ Bean & Cheese Taquitos: Mix in some barbecue sauce with the refried beans for a sweet and smoky flavor.
5. Vegan Taquitos: Substitute the cheese with vegan cheese and ensure your refried beans are made without lard or animal-based ingredients.
6. Chorizo Bean & Cheese Taquitos: For a non-vegetarian version, add cooked Halal chorizo to the filling for added flavor and protein.
7. Sweet Potato & Black Bean Taquitos: Substitute the refried beans with mashed sweet potatoes and black beans for a hearty and nutritious filling.
8. Cheese Only Taquitos: Skip the beans altogether and make simple cheese-filled taquitos for a kid-friendly option.
9. Baked Bean & Cheese Taquitos: For a lighter version, bake the taquitos in the oven at 400°F (200°C) until crispy, rather than frying them.
10. Taquitos with Mexican Cream: Drizzle a little Mexican crema on top of the taquitos before serving for a deliciously creamy finishing touch.

Freezing and Storage for Bean & Cheese Taquitos

• Freezing: You can freeze unbaked taquitos for up to 3 months. After rolling them, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for long-term storage. To cook, bake from frozen at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes or until crispy.
• Storage: Store leftover taquitos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes to restore their crispy texture.

Special Equipment for Bean & Cheese Taquitos

Here are some special equipment items you might need to make Bean & Cheese Taquitos:

• Frying Pan or Skillet: A large frying pan or skillet is ideal for frying the taquitos. A non-stick pan is especially helpful for even frying.
• Tongs: Use tongs to safely flip the taquitos while frying.
• Measuring Spoons: Ensure accurate seasoning with measuring spoons for spices and salt.
• Paper Towels: These are helpful for draining excess oil from the fried taquitos.
• Baking Sheet: If you prefer to bake your taquitos, a baking sheet lined with parchment paper will help prevent sticking.
• Freezer Bags: Use freezer bags for storing unbaked taquitos in the freezer.

FAQ Section about Bean & Cheese Taquitos

1. Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas? Yes, you can use flour tortillas, but corn tortillas provide a more authentic texture and flavor for taquitos.
2. Can I make these taquitos in advance? Yes, you can prepare the filling and roll the taquitos ahead of time. Just refrigerate them until you’re ready to fry or bake them.
3. Are these taquitos Halal? Yes, this recipe uses only Halal ingredients, making it suitable for those following a Halal diet. Make sure to use Halal-certified refried beans and cheese.
4. Can I bake the taquitos instead of frying them? Yes, you can bake them at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes until crispy. This is a healthier option if you prefer to avoid frying.
5. Can I add meat to the filling? Yes, you can add Halal ground beef, chicken, or chorizo for a non-vegetarian version of these taquitos.

Print

Conclusion

Bean & Cheese Taquitos are a deliciously crispy, cheesy, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them as a snack, appetizer, or main course, they are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The combination of seasoned refried beans, melted cheese, and crispy tortillas makes for an irresistible meal. Easy to make, customizable, and Halal-friendly, these taquitos will quickly become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!