If you are craving a crispy, flavorful snack or appetizer that bursts with comforting, spicy, and cheesy goodness, this Cheese, Bean, and Green Chile Taquitos Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining creamy refried beans with chopped green chiles and melty Mexican blend cheese, these little rolled delights pack a punch in every bite. They’re perfect for sharing at a party or enjoying as a satisfying meal any day of the week, and once you try them, they will surely become a beloved staple in your cooking repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Cheese, Bean, and Green Chile Taquitos Recipe comes from a handful of straightforward ingredients that work harmoniously together. Each one contributes distinctive flavor, texture, or color, making the final dish irresistibly delicious and visually appealing.
- Refried Beans (16 ounces): This creamy base lends a hearty texture and savory richness essential for the filling.
- Chopped Green Chiles (4.5 ounces): They add a mild heat and vibrant kick, bringing those classic southwestern flavors to life.
- Taco Seasoning (1 ounce): The perfect blend of spices to elevate the bean mixture with smoky, aromatic notes.
- Shredded Mexican Blend Cheese (1 cup): Melts into gooey pockets of cheesy goodness, tying everything together.
- Fresh Cilantro (¼ cup, chopped): Adds a fresh, herbal brightness that cuts through the richness.
- Flour Tortillas (24, 3-inch): These small, soft tortillas are ideal for rolling and frying to crispy perfection.
- Canola Oil (for frying): Offers a neutral frying medium that crisps the taquitos without overpowering their flavors.
How to Make Cheese, Bean, and Green Chile Taquitos Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the refried beans, chopped green chiles, taco seasoning, shredded Mexican blend cheese, and chopped cilantro. Stir everything together thoroughly until you have a uniform, flavorful mixture that will hold together nicely when rolled inside the tortillas.
Step 2: Heat the Oil
Pour 2 to 3 inches of canola oil into a deep cast iron skillet or a dutch oven. Heat the oil over medium-high until it reaches about 350°F — this temperature will ensure your taquitos get perfectly crispy and golden brown without absorbing too much oil.
Step 3: Roll the Taquitos
On a clean work surface, place one tablespoon of the bean and cheese mixture near the bottom center of a 3-inch flour tortilla. Roll the tortilla up tightly around the filling, making sure it is snug but not tearing the tortilla, and secure each taquito with a toothpick to keep them from unrolling during frying.
Step 4: Fry Until Crispy
Working in batches, carefully place the rolled taquitos into the hot oil. Fry them for 1 to 2 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are beautifully browned and crispy according to your liking. I recommend aiming for maximum crunchiness because it creates a delightful contrast to the creamy interior.
Step 5: Drain and Cool
Use a slotted spoon to lift the taquitos out of the oil and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels. Let them drain and cool slightly — this also gives you the chance to remove the toothpicks safely before serving.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Now for the best part! Serve these golden taquitos with your favorite dipping sauces like salsa, guacamole, avocado ranch, sour cream, or a splash of hot sauce. Each dip brings its own personality and enhances the bold flavors of your Cheese, Bean, and Green Chile Taquitos Recipe.
How to Serve Cheese, Bean, and Green Chile Taquitos Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes add layers of flavor and a pop of color. Consider sprinkling chopped cilantro, crumbled queso fresco, or a squeeze of lime juice right before serving to brighten the dish up and elevate your taquitos to restaurant-quality presentation.
Side Dishes
Pair your taquitos with simple sides like Mexican rice, refried beans, or a crisp cabbage slaw to complement the warm, savory filling. These sides create a balanced meal that delights with contrasting textures and flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling fancy? Arrange your Cheese, Bean, and Green Chile Taquitos Recipe vertically in a mason jar or stack them on a colorful platter garnished with sliced jalapeños and radishes. Serving with assorted dips in ramekins encourages sharing and makes the perfect party centerpiece!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store your taquitos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the dipping sauces separate to maintain freshness and crispness.
Freezing
You can freeze uncooked taquitos by placing them on a parchment-lined tray and freezing until firm, then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months, ready to fry straight from frozen whenever hunger strikes.
Reheating
For reheating leftover or frozen Cheese, Bean, and Green Chile Taquitos, pop them in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through and the exterior becomes crisp again. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy.
FAQs
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour for this Cheese, Bean, and Green Chile Taquitos Recipe?
Absolutely! Corn tortillas add a slightly different flavor and can be great if you prefer a gluten-free option. Just warm them well before rolling to prevent cracking during frying.
Is it possible to bake these taquitos instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake them at 425°F for about 15 to 20 minutes, turning halfway through. While they won’t be quite as crispy as fried, baking is a healthier alternative that still yields tasty results.
Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Definitely! The bean and cheese filling can be mixed up a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This makes the assembly process even quicker on the day you plan to serve them.
What if I don’t have taco seasoning?
No worries! You can substitute with a blend of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt to replicate those classic taco flavors.
Can I add meat to this Cheese, Bean, and Green Chile Taquitos Recipe?
Sure thing! Ground beef, shredded chicken, or even chorizo can be mixed into the filling for a heartier version. Just cook the meat fully before combining it with the other ingredients.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly rewarding about biting into a crispy, cheesy, spicy taquito fresh from the pan, and this Cheese, Bean, and Green Chile Taquitos Recipe hits all the right notes. Easy to prepare, full of vibrant flavor, and perfect for any occasion, these taquitos invite you to share good times and great food with your loved ones. I can’t wait for you to try them out and enjoy every crunchy, gooey bite!
Print
Cheese, Bean, and Green Chile Taquitos Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 taquitos
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This delicious Taquitos recipe combines creamy refried beans, spicy green chiles, cheesy goodness, and fresh cilantro rolled in flour tortillas and fried to crispy perfection. Perfect for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack, these taquitos deliver satisfying crunch and bold flavors, served best with your favorite dipping sauces.
Ingredients
Filling
- 16 ounces refried beans (1 can)
- 4.5 ounces chopped green chiles (1 can)
- 1 ounce taco seasoning (1 packet)
- 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
Tortillas
- 24 (3-inch) flour tortillas (2 packages) – see note
For Frying
- Canola oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Prepare the filling: In a medium-sized bowl, thoroughly mix the refried beans, chopped green chiles, taco seasoning, shredded Mexican blend cheese, and chopped fresh cilantro until completely combined and evenly distributed.
- Heat the oil: Pour 2 to 3 inches of canola oil into a deep cast iron skillet or Dutch oven. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F, ensuring it’s hot enough for frying.
- Assemble the taquitos: On a clean work surface, place one 3-inch flour tortilla. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the bean and cheese mixture onto the bottom center of the tortilla. Roll the tortilla up tightly around the filling, securing the end with a toothpick to hold it together during frying.
- Fry the taquitos: Carefully place the rolled taquitos in batches into the hot oil. Fry for 1 to 2 minutes, turning occasionally, until they become golden brown and crispy to your liking. For a crunchier texture, fry slightly longer but watch to avoid burning.
- Drain and cool: Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried taquitos to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Allow them to cool just enough to safely remove the toothpicks before serving.
- Serve: Enjoy the taquitos warm with your choice of dipping sauces such as salsa, guacamole, avocado ranch, sour cream, or hot sauce for enhanced flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute corn tortillas if preferred, but flour tortillas provide a better seal and crispiness when fried.
- Adjust the amount of taco seasoning depending on your spice preference.
- Make sure the oil temperature stays consistent at 350°F for even frying.
- Use a slotted spoon to avoid excess oil on the taquitos.
- Leftover taquitos can be reheated in the oven to retain crispiness.
