Crispy Bean & Cheese Taquitos with Green Chile Sour Cream Sauce

There’s something irresistible about crispy, golden taquitos fresh from the skillet—especially when they’re loaded with creamy refried beans, melted cheese, and bold spices. These Bean & Cheese Taquitos are a quick, budget-friendly, and satisfying snack or meal that brings bold flavor and crunch in every bite. Whether you’re making them for a party, a weeknight dinner, or game day, they’re guaranteed to be a hit with kids and adults alike.

These taquitos are filled with a savory mixture of refried beans, cheddar, and pepper Jack cheese, seasoned with chili powder and cumin for an extra kick. Rolled in small tortillas and fried until crisp, they offer the perfect balance of creamy filling and crunchy exterior. But what really takes them over the top is the homemade Green Chile Sour Cream Sauce—a cool, zesty blend of sour cream, lime, garlic, and green chiles that adds a tangy, herby contrast to the rich filling. Serve them as a main course with a side salad or rice, or slice them up as a party appetizer with plenty of dipping sauce. However you enjoy them, these taquitos will quickly become a go-to favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy: Simple ingredients and fast cooking make these perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute snacks.
2. Crispy and Cheesy: The satisfying crunch and gooey, flavorful filling are incredibly crave-worthy.
3. Budget-Friendly: Uses pantry staples like canned beans, cheese, and tortillas for an affordable meal.
4. Crowd-Pleasing: Ideal for feeding a group—serve them as appetizers or a fun finger food dinner.
5. Delicious Dipping Sauce: The creamy, spicy green chile sour cream sauce adds a bright, fresh finish.

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 (canned, drained)
• Sour cream
• Fresh cilantro
• Garlic
• Fresh lime juice
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Variations

• Baked Taquitos: Skip the frying and bake at 425°F for 15–20 minutes, brushing with oil for crispiness.
• Add Protein: Mix in shredded chicken, beef, or tofu for a heartier filling.
• Spicy Kick: Add chopped jalapeños or hot sauce to the bean mixture for extra heat.
• Vegan Version: Use vegan cheese and sour cream alternatives, and ensure the beans are lard-free.
• Cheese Only: Skip the beans for a simple, extra-cheesy taquito.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1

In a bowl, combine refried beans, shredded pepper Jack, chili powder, and cumin. Mix until smooth and well blended.

Step 2

Warm the tortillas slightly (microwave for 20 seconds under a damp paper towel) to make them pliable.

Step 3

Spoon a line of the bean mixture onto each tortilla, sprinkle with cheddar, and roll tightly.

Step 4

Heat about ½ inch of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, place taquitos seam-side down in the oil and fry until golden brown and crispy on all sides, 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, blend green chiles, sour cream, cilantro, garlic, lime juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.

Step 7

Serve taquitos hot with the Green Chile Sour Cream Sauce on the side or drizzled on top.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use toothpicks to secure taquitos before frying if needed—they help prevent unrolling.
• Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet.
• Keep tortillas warm and pliable to prevent cracking while rolling.
• Don’t overfill the taquitos; a small amount of filling goes a long way.
• If baking, use a wire rack on a baking sheet for maximum crispiness.

How to Serve

• Serve with dipping sauces like guacamole, salsa, or queso alongside the sour cream sauce.
• Pair with Mexican rice or a simple salad for a full meal.
• Slice taquitos into halves or thirds for party platters or appetizers.
• Add toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and crumbled queso fresco for a taquito platter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooked taquitos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Sauce can be stored separately for the same duration.

Freezing

Freeze taquitos after assembling (before frying) on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Fry or bake straight from frozen—just add a few minutes to the cook time.

Reheating

Reheat in the oven at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, or in an air fryer for maximum crispiness. Avoid microwaving to retain the crunch.

FAQs

1. Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?

Yes, both work well. Flour tortillas are softer and easier to roll, while corn offers a more traditional texture.

2. Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes—assemble and refrigerate or freeze them, then cook when ready to serve.

3. What kind of oil is best for frying?

Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point like canola, vegetable, or sunflower oil.

4. How do I keep them from unrolling during cooking?

Place seam-side down in the pan and use toothpicks if necessary to hold them in place.

5. Can I air fry the taquitos?

Yes! Brush with oil and cook at 375°F in the air fryer for 8–10 minutes, turning halfway through.

6. What if I don’t have green chiles?

You can use a small amount of salsa verde or chopped pickled jalapeños for a similar tangy flavor.

7. Is the sauce spicy?

Mildly—it depends on the green chiles used. Adjust to taste with more or less lime, garlic, or pepper.

8. Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, use certified gluten-free corn tortillas and check the label on refried beans and spices.

9. How can I make these less greasy?

Drain them well on paper towels and use a rack for extra airflow after frying.

10. Are these good for kids?

Absolutely! Just go easy on the spices and cayenne if they’re sensitive to heat.

Conclusion

Bean & Cheese Taquitos are the kind of dish that feels both nostalgic and exciting. With their crispy exteriors, creamy, spicy filling, and cool, flavorful dipping sauce, they’re everything you want in a comforting, satisfying bite. Easy to prepare, adaptable to different diets and preferences, and always a crowd favorite, this recipe deserves a permanent place in your weekly rotation or party spread. Try them once, and you’ll see why they’re such a hit—simple ingredients, maximum flavor, and serious crunch in every bite.

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