I came up with this recipe during one of those weeks where the fridge was looking pretty sad and I really needed to make a grocery run however I really like a challenge and I was trying to be frugal so I decided to make due with what I had and these cheesy beef and bean tacos were the result.
They turned out way better than expected and now they’ve become a go-to in our house. They’re super cheap, easy to throw together, and totally hit the spot — especially when you’re craving something warm, crispy, and satisfying without having to run to the store.
Why You’ll Love These Tacos:
- Made with pantry staples
- Budget-friendly but still delicious
- Crispy outside, cheesy filling inside
- Perfect for feeding a hungry family (makes ~30 tacos!)
🥬 Toppings & Garnishes
These tacos are amazing as-is, but if you want to dress them up, here are some of my favorite toppings:
- Shredded lettuce – adds a fresh crunch
- Extra cheese – because… why not?
- Salsa or hot sauce – adds brightness and spice
- Guacamole or sliced avocado – creamy and delicious
- Sour cream or Mexican crema – a slight touch of acidity
- Pickled jalapeños – if you like a little heat
Let everyone customize their own as it makes dinner feel a little more fun!
These tacos were born out of necessity but now they’re a comfort food staple around here. Cheap, easy, and loaded with flavor. You can’t ask for more than that!💛
Cheesy beef and bean tacos
Simple, filling and delicious tacos made with ground beef, beans and cheese.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp Mexican oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 3 tbs dried minced onion
- 16 oz can of refried beans
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 30 corn tortillas
- oil for frying
Instructions
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Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and dried minced onion. Cook for about 5 minutes, crumbling the beef as it cooks. The minced onion will rehydrate in the beef’s juices.
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Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, black pepper, oregano, and salt. Add the seasoning blend to the beef and stir well. Continue cooking for about 5 more minutes, letting the beef brown in its own fat.
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Once browned, stir in the refried beans. When combined, add the shredded cheese and mix everything together. Remove from heat.
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In a small skillet over medium heat, warm each tortilla one at a time for about 5 seconds per side, just until pliable.
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Spread a spoonful of the cheesy beef and bean mixture onto one side of a tortilla, fold it in half, and set it aside. Repeat with the rest of the tortillas and filling.
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Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat and add a little oil — just enough for shallow frying. Once hot, place about 5 tacos in the skillet and cook for 1 minute per side or until golden and crispy. Transfer to a paper towel–lined tray to drain. Serve hot and enjoy!